Umckaloabo

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: September 11, 2023

    Pelargonium sidoides, also known as African geranium, is a medicinal plant used to treat acute bronchitis. It may also act as an immune system booster, and alleviate symptoms of the common cold and herpes.

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Umckaloabo is most often used for .

    5,084 participants in 16 trials and 1 meta-analysis

    Summary

    Pelargonium sidoides, commonly known as African geranium, is a medicinal herb. It is also sold under the brand names Kaloban and Umckaloabo as a plant-derived pharmaceutical.

    Pelargonium sidoides is very effective for treating acute bronchitis. It increases the body’s natural healing rate. Studies have found that 40-60% of patients suffering from acute bronchitis fully resolve their symptoms within a week of Pelargonium sidoides supplementation. Some people reported experiencing benefits after just two to three days. People that are not cured after a week still experience benefits from Pelargonium sidoides supplementation, since it can treat the symptoms associated with bronchitis, including headache, fever, fatigue, cough, chest pain while coughing, sputum in the lungs, rhonchi, and nasal dripping.

    Preliminary evidence suggests Pelargonium sidoides can reduce the duration of the common cold, while treating symptoms. It may also provide benefits for people suffering from lung disorders, by alleviating flare-ups in symptoms.

    Pelargonium sidoides has anti-infective properties. It prevents bacteria from adhering to cells, helps fight viruses and stimulates the immune system to hunt down invaders.

    Pelargonium sidoides may be able to fight Helicobacter pylori infection, which is the stomach bacteria that causes stomach ulcers. Pelargonium sidoides may also reduce the replication of the herpes simplex virus.

    What are other names for Umckaloabo

    Note that Umckaloabo is also known as:
    • African Geranium
    • South African Geranium
    • Kaloban EPs7630
    • EPs 7630
    • Umckaloabo
    • Rabas
    • Pelargonium Sidoides
    Umckaloabo should not be confused with:

    Dosage information

    To supplement Pelargonium sidoides, take the patented extract EPS7630, which is an 11% ethanolic root extract.

    The extract is concentrated to 1:8-10, so there is some variability with the recommended dosages. To supplement the extract, take 4.5mL of the tincture (30 drops) or 30 mg of the capsules. Dosages vary by age:

    • 10 drops (1.5mL) or 10mg of EPs7630 is taken thrice daily before meals for those under six years of age • 20 drops (3.0mL) or 20mg of EPs7630 is taken thrice daily before meals for those between six and twelve • 30 drops (4.5mL) or 30mg of EPs7630 is taken thrice daily before meals for those above twelve years of age

    While the vast majority of studies have used EPs7630 specifically, any hydroalcoholic (water and ethanol) extraction equal to 800mg of the plant can be used as an alternative.

    Examine Database: Umckaloabo

    Examine Database References

    1. Bronchitis Symptoms - Matthys H, Eisebitt R, Seith B, Heger MEfficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialPhytomedicine.(2003)
    2. Bronchitis Symptoms - Matthys H, Kamin W, Funk P, Heger MPelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630) in the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults and childrenPhytomedicine.(2007)
    3. Bronchitis Symptoms - Chuchalin AG, Berman B, Lehmacher WTreatment of acute bronchitis in adults with a pelargonium sidoides preparation (EPs 7630): a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialExplore (NY).(2005 Nov)
    4. Bronchitis Symptoms - Kamin W, Ilyenko LI, Malek FA, Kieser MTreatment of acute bronchitis with EPs 7630: randomized, controlled trial in children and adolescentsPediatr Int.(2012 Apr)
    5. Bronchitis Symptoms - Matthys H, Funk PEPs 7630 improves acute bronchitic symptoms and shortens time to remission. Results of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trialPlanta Med.(2008 May)
    6. Bronchitis Symptoms - Matthys H, Heger MTreatment of acute bronchitis with a liquid herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre studyCurr Med Res Opin.(2007 Feb)
    7. Bronchitis Symptoms - Matthys H, Lizogub VG, Malek FA, Kieser MEfficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 tablets in patients with acute bronchitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding study with a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoidesCurr Med Res Opin.(2010 Jun)
    8. Bronchitis Symptoms - Kamin W, Maydannik V, Malek FA, Kieser MEfficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 in children and adolescents with acute bronchitis - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial with a herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides rootsInt J Clin Pharmacol Ther.(2010 Mar)
    9. Bronchitis Symptoms - Kamin W, Maydannik VG, Malek FA, Kieser MEfficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 in patients (aged 6-18 years old) with acute bronchitisActa Paediatr.(2010 Apr)
    10. Bronchitis Symptoms - Agbabiaka TB, Guo R, Ernst EPelargonium sidoides for acute bronchitis: a systematic review and meta-analysisPhytomedicine.(2008 May)
    11. Bronchitis Symptoms - Matthys H, Heger MEPs 7630-solution--an effective therapeutic option in acute and exacerbating bronchitisPhytomedicine.(2007)
    12. Nasal Congestion - Bachert C, Schapowal A, Funk P, Kieser MTreatment of acute rhinosinusitis with the preparation from Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialRhinology.(2009 Mar)
    13. Asthma Symptoms - Tahan F, Yaman MCan the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs® 7630 prevent asthma attacks during viral infections of the upper respiratory tract in childrenPhytomedicine.(2013 Jan 15)
    14. Lung Function - Matthys H, Pliskevich DA, Bondarchuk OM, Malek FA, Tribanek M, Kieser MRandomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of EPs 7630 in adults with COPDRespir Med.(2013 May)
    15. Fever - Lizogub VG, Riley DS, Heger MEfficacy of a pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trialExplore (NY).(2007 Nov-Dec)
    16. Fever - Patiroglu T, Tunc A, Eke Gungor H, Unal EThe efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections in children with transient hypogammaglobulinemia of infancyPhytomedicine.(2012 Aug 15)
    17. Immunoglobulin A - Luna LA Jr, Bachi AL, Novaes e Brito RR, Eid RG, Suguri VM, Oliveira PW, Gregorio LC, Vaisberg MImmune responses induced by Pelargonium sidoides extract in serum and nasal mucosa of athletes after exhaustive exercise: modulation of secretory IgA, IL-6 and IL-15Phytomedicine.(2011 Feb 15)