Medicinal properties and conservation of Pelargonium sidoides DC.

Abstract

Pharmacological data reported in literature suggest that Pelargonium sidoides shows a beneficial effect in the treatment of respiratory tract infections. However, more studies are required to elucidate the mode of action of the active constituents exhibited in the treatment of respiratory tract infections and other health conditions caused by microbial attack. Furthermore, the pharmacological usefulness of Pelargonium sidoides must take cognisance of the broader context involving the need for conservation-friendly approaches in its utilisation. In this regard, plant biotechnology applications can play a meaningful role in a holistic conservation strategy.

EPs 7630 in Acute Respiratory Tract Infections – A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

“…To date, 2 systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized, controlled clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides extract in RTIs [28][29][30] as well as 2 further reviews without formal meta-analyses 17,42 have been published although, unlike our own work, none of them considered all therapeutic trials performed with EPs 7630: Agbabiaka and colleagues 28,29 performed a review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of EPs 7630 in AB into which studies no. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 of our review were included.…”

“…The drug is available in both tablet and liquid forms. Pharmacological activities of EPs 7630 and several of its isolated constituents, such as moderate direct antibacterial and antiviral action and notable immune-modulatory capabilities, have been demonstrated in in-vitro-evaluations: 17 Immune-modulatory activities are mediated mainly by the release of tumor necrosis factor α and nitric oxides, the stimulation of interferon-β, and an increase in natural killer cell activity. [18][19][20][21] Biological activities also observed during in-vitro experiments include an improved phagocytosis, oxidative burst and intracellular killing by human peripheral blood phagocytes, and an inhibition of the interaction between group-A streptococci and host epithelia 22,23 as well as increased stress resistance.…”

“…42 as well as Moyo et al, 17 reviewed randomized, controlled trials and observational studies with EPs 7630 without performing formal meta-analyses and concluded that the drug shows a beneficial effect in the treatment of acute RTIs, notably AB, ATP.…”

Ethnobotanical study and conservation status of local medicinal plants: Towards a repository and monograph of herbal medicines in Lesotho

“…The majority of the medicinal plants are found mainly in the highlands and foothill ecological regions of the country (Moyo & Van Staden, 2014). The use of herbal products by people in Lesotho, including those with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is believed to be widespread, but insufficiently documented.…”

Establishment of an in vitro culture of Pelargonium × domesticum cultivars characterized by different growth requirements

“…Some Pelargonium species, and their derived cultivars with beautiful five-petalled flowers -widely known as rose-scented geraniums or regal geraniums -are eagerly cultivated as popular indoor or outdoor ornamental plants (Mosina et al, 2014;Darras et al, 2015). Several other species from this genus are also valued as medicinally important plant materials (Saraswathi et al, 2011;Moyo and Van Staden, 2014). Extracts obtained from some of these are characterized by a high level of antimicrobial activity (Lis-Balchin and Deans, 1996).…”