Aqueous ethanolic extract of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides--new scientific evidence for an old anti-infective phytopharmaceutical.
Among the PELARGONIUM-based herbal remedies that are widely used in traditional medical systems in the Southern African region is a highly valued root medicine (commonly termed UMCKALOABO) of initially unknown botanical origin for the treatment of infectious conditions of the respiratory tract including tuberculosis. Nowadays, a modern aqueous-ethanolic formulation of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630), developed from this traditional medicine, is successfully employed for the treatment of bronchitis. The article summarizes the fascinating story of this herbal medicine including its way to Europe, identification of the botanical origin, and provides background information of the many profound anti-infectious actions and clinical studies. In spite of considerable effort, the underlying chemical principle is still not clear.
Kolodziej
Herbert
H
Institute of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany. kolpharm@zedat.fu-berlin.de
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D029001:Herbal Medicine / Q000266:history*; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D006801:Humans; D031316:Pelargonium; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000266:history*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000266:history* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018517:Plant Roots; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D010936:Plant Extracts