Timmer Antje, et al.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013
Abstract
Background
Pelargonium sidoides (P. sidoides), also known as Umckaloabo, is a herbal remedy thought to be effective in the treatment of acute respiratory infections (ARIs).
Objectives
To assess the efficacy and safety of P. sidoides for the treatment of ARIs in children and adults.
Search Methods
In April 2013 we searched MEDLINE, Journals@Ovid, The Cochrane Library, Biosis Previews, Web of Science, CINAHL, CCMed, XToxline, Global Health, AMED, Derwent Drug File and Backfile, IPA, ISTPB + ISTP/ISSHP, EMBASE, Cambase, LILACS, PubMed component "Supplied by Publisher", TRIPdatabase, the publisher databases: Deutsches Ärzteblatt, Thieme, Springer, ScienceDirect from Elsevier. We conducted a cited reference search (forward) in Web of Science of relevant papers for inclusion. In addition we searched the study registries ClinicalTrials.gov, Deutsches Register klinischer Studien DRKS (German Clinical Trials Register), International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) - WHO ICTRP, Current Controlled Trials and EU Clinical Trials Register.
Selection Criteria
Double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of P. sidoides preparations in ARIs compared to placebo or any other treatment. Complete resolution of all symptoms was defined as the primary outcome; in addition, we examined resolution of predefined key symptoms.
Data Collection And Analysis
At least two review authors (AT, JG, WK) independently extracted and quality scored the data. We performed separate analyses by age group and disease entity. Subanalysis considered type of preparation (liquid, tablets). We examined heterogeneity using the I(2) statistic. We calculated pooled risk ratios (RR) using a fixed-effect model if heterogeneity was absent (I(2) < 5%; P > 0.1), or a random-effects model in the presence of heterogeneity. If heterogeneity was substantial (I(2) > 50%; P < 0.10), a pooled effect was not calculated.
Main Results
Of 10 eligible studies eight were included in the analyses; two were of insufficient quality. Three trials (746 patients, low quality of evidence) of efficacy in acute bronchitis in adults showed effectiveness for most outcomes in the liquid preparation but not for tablets. Three other trials (819 children, low quality of evidence) showed similar results for acute bronchitis in children. For both meta-analyses, we did not pool sub totals due to relevant heterogeneity induced by type of preparation.One study in patients with sinusitis (n = 103 adults, very low quality of evidence) showed significant treatment effects (complete resolution at day 21; RR 0.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.30 to 0.62). One study in the common cold demonstrated efficacy after 10 days, but not five days (very low quality of evidence). We rated the study quality as moderate for all studies (unvalidated outcome assessment, minor attrition problems, investigator-initiated trials only). Based on the funnel plot there was suspicion of publication bias.There were no valid data for the treatment of other acute respiratory tract infections. Adverse events were more common with P. sidoides, but none were serious.
Authors' Conclusions
P. sidoides may be effective in alleviating symptoms of acute rhinosinusitis and the common cold in adults, but doubt exists. It may be effective in relieving symptoms in acute bronchitis in adults and children, and sinusitis in adults. The overall quality of the evidence was considered low for main outcomes in acute bronchitis in children and adults, and very low for acute sinusitis and the common cold. Reliable data on treatment for other ARIs were not identified.
| PMID: | 24146345 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1002/14651858.CD006323.pub3 |
| Category: | Immune |
Articles similar to "Pelargonium Sidoides Extract for Treating Acute Respiratory Tract Infections."
- The significance of Pelargonium Sidoides for Immune: In Vitro Evaluation of Antibacterial and Immunomodulatory Activities of Pelargonium Reniforme, Pelargonium Sidoides and the Related Herbal Drug Preparation EPs® 7630. (The importance of Pelargonium species, most notably Pelargonium reniforme and Pelargonium sidoides, in traditional medicine in the Southern African region is well documented...)
- The impact of Pelargonium Sidoides on Immune: Investigation of the Influence of EPs® 7630, a Herbal Drug Preparation From Pelargonium Sidoides, on Replication of a Broad Panel of Respiratory Viruses. (The Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs® 7630 is an approved drug for the treatment of acute bronchitis in Germany...)
- The significance of Pelargonium Sidoides for Immune: EPs® 7630 (Umckaloabo®), an Extract From Pelargonium Sidoides Roots, Exerts Anti-Influenza Virus Activity in Vitro and in Vivo. (A prodelphinidin-rich extract from Pelargonium sidoides DC, EPs® 7630 (Umckaloabo®), which is licensed to treat respiratory tract infections such as acute bronchitis, was investigated for its antiviral effects...)
- The role of Pelargonium Sidoides in Immune: Anti-infective Activities of Pelargonium Sidoides (EPS® 7630): Effects of Induced NO Production on Leishmania Major in Infected Macrophages and Antiviral Effects as Assessed in a Fibroblast-Virus Protection Assay. (EPs® 7630 is an aqueous-ethanolic extract of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides, employed in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections...)
- The impact of Pelargonium Sidoides on Immune: Antimicrobial, Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Activity Studies of Pelargonium Sidoides (EPs ® 7630) in the Context of Health Promotion. (Pelargonium species contribute significantly to the health care of a large population in the Southern African region, as part of a long-standing medical system intimately linked to traditional healing practices...)
- The significance of Pelargonium Sidoides for Immune: Use of Plant Extracts as an Efficient Alternative Therapy of Respiratory Tract Infections. (Medicinal plants are advantageously used in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases...)