Blackmores Institute

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are the most common infectious disease prompting medical consultations worldwide,1 contributing significantly to the global healthcare burden.2 Each year, millions of cases are reported, with adults experiencing an average of 2–4 colds annually, and children up to 6–10.3 Cough, congestion, sore throat, and headache are common symptoms,4 often prompting individuals to seek care from doctors or pharmacies. While typically self-limiting, URTIs can lead to further respiratory complications, disrupt quality of life, increase time off work or school, and frequently result in unnecessary antibiotic use.1EPs 7630 is a herbal extract derived from the roots of Pelargonium sidoides DC. (Geraniaceae), and has a long-standing history in South African traditional medicine for the treatment of respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions.5 Today, it is backed by a growing body of clinical research and is gaining global recognition as a safe, effective, and evidence-based natural option for respiratory health support.5<h3>
 EPs 7630: How does it work?</h3>EPs 7630 offers a unique and well-rounded pharmacological profile that supports the respiratory tract through multiple stages of infection. It combines antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and barrier-protective actions, working synergistically to reduce pathogen load, regulate immune responses, and support mucosal integrity.5 Notably, its immunomodulatory effects help optimise immune function - strengthening responses when needed, while preventing excessive inflammation (see Figure 1).5
<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/blt948bd74310fc0ad0/blt04da90d0f1ac45de/69f296b598472b72928d0e7a/bi-pelargonium-sidoides-figure1.jpg" alt="bi-pelargonium-sidoides-figure1.jpg" class="embedded-asset" />Figure 1. EPs 7630 induce both protective immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.5Its broad spectrum of activity is underpinned by a diverse phytochemical composition, including polyphenols, flavonoids, coumarins, vitamins, amino acids, and other bioactive compounds.5 These constituents contribute to key mechanisms of action such as:<ul><li>Inhibiting viral attachment and replication, including influenza, RSV, parainfluenza, and coronavirus5</li><li>Inhibiting bacterial adhesion to viable epithelial cells5</li><li>Protecting and repairing airway epithelium, including downregulation of viral docking proteins7</li><li>Stimulating interferon pathways to enhance antiviral defences5</li><li>Enhancing mucosal immunity by modulating cytokines and increasing IgA secretion.8</li></ul>These complementary actions help explain the extract’s observed clinical benefits in reducing symptom severity, accelerating recovery, and preventing disease progression.8<h3>
 Clinical evidence: EPs 7630 for illness, colds, asthma, antibiotic use, and more</h3>EPs 7630 has been extensively studied in both adults and children with respiratory tract infections.9 A growing body of high-quality clinical evidence, including randomised controlled trials, meta-analyses and systematic reviews, supports its efficacy and safety.5In acute bronchitis (AB), one of the most studied indications, EPs 7630 has been shown to significantly reduce cough intensity and duration. A meta-analysis of 11 trials involving 2,195 participants found that 88.7% of adults and 79.6% of children treated with EPs 7630 experienced ≥50% reduction in cough intensity within seven days, compared to 47.6% and 41% respectively in placebo groups. Complete cough remission was also significantly higher in those receiving EPs 7630.6Children as young as one year have also benefited from EPs 7630. Over 90% of children with AB treated with syrup or oral solution forms of EPs 7630 showed marked or complete symptom improvement within one week.8Beyond bronchitis, EPs 7630 has shown benefits in treating:<ul><li>The common cold (reduced cough intensity and earlier return to daily activities)5,9</li><li>Acute tonsillopharyngitis5</li><li>Acute rhinosinusitis5</li><li>Chronic rhinosinusitis or nasal polyps (lower risk of progression following acute rhinosinusitis)10</li><li>Asthma (fewer attacks, reduced nasal congestion, and cough during viral URTIs)5</li><li>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (reduced exacerbations and antibiotic use when used as adjunct therapy).5</li></ul>A recent clinical trial also demonstrated its potential in managing hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children, showing reduced symptom scores, shorter illness duration, fewer hospitalisations, and good tolerability, likely due to its antiviral activity.11Importantly, EPs 7630 may also reduce reliance on antibiotics. Studies show that early use of EPs 7630 in viral respiratory infections is associated with fewer antibiotic prescriptions and shorter sick leave duration,5 critical in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.7<h3>
 Conclusion</h3>EPs 7630 from pelargonium is a clinically proven, well-tolerated herbal medicine that offers a safe and effective option for managing common respiratory tract infections in both adults and children. Its broad pharmacological activity, spanning antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and barrier-protective mechanisms, supports its role in reducing symptom burden, accelerating recovery, and potentially lowering the need for antibiotics. <h3> References </h3><ol><li>Thomas M, Bomar PA. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/books/NBK532961/</li><li>Sarah Brooke Sirota, Doxey MC, Regina-Mae Villanueva Dominguez, Rose Grace Bender, Avina Vongpradith, Albertson SB, et al. Global, regional, and national burden of upper respiratory infections and otitis media, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Infectious Diseases. 2024 Sep 1;25(1). Available from: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00430-4</li><li>Information NC for B, Pike USNL of M 8600 R, MD B, Usa 20894. Common colds: Overview. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2018. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279543/</li><li>Jin X, Ren J, Li R, Gao Y, Zhang H, Li J, et al. Global burden of upper respiratory infections in 204 countries and territories, from 1990 to 2019. EClinicalMedicine. 2021 Jul;37:100986.</li><li>Jindrich Cinatl, Wass MN, Michaelis M. Multiple mechanisms enable broad-spectrum activity of the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 against acute respiratory tract infections. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024 Oct 14;15.</li><li>Kardos P, Lehmacher W, Zimmermann A, Brandes-Schramm J, Funk P, Matthys H, et al. Effects of Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630 on acute cough and quality of life – a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Multidisciplinary Respiratory Medicine. 2022 Aug 3;17.</li><li>Willcox M, Simpson C, Wilding S, Stuart B, Soilemezi D, Whitehead A, et al. Pelargonium sidoides root extract for the treatment of acute cough due to lower respiratory tract infection in adults: a feasibility double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2021 Jan 29;21(1).</li><li>Careddu D, Pettenazzo A. Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630: a review of its clinical efficacy and safety for treating acute respiratory tract infections in children. International Journal of General Medicine. 2018 Mar;Volume 11:91–8.</li><li>Kamin W, Behre U, Helm K, Reling B, Funk P, Fathi Abdul Malek. Safety of Pelargonium extract EPs 7630 in young children with acute bronchitis. 2023 Feb 14;11.</li><li>Tisch M, Roháč L, Reineke T, Burkart M, Kostev K. Long-term benefits of EPs® 7630 in patients with acute sinusitis: a real-world cohort study. Frontiers in pharmacology. 2024;15:1358879. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38562459/</li><li>Murat Sütçü, Kara M, Funda Yıldız, Ömer Kılıç, Tugce Tural Kara, Gulsen Akkoc, et al. Hand, foot, and mouth disease: could EPs® 7630 be a treatment option? A prospective randomized open-label multicenter clinical study. Frontiers in Pediatrics. 2024 May 20;12.</li></ol>

<h3>Key highlights:</h3><ul><li>Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) is a well-researched herbal extract used to manage respiratory tract infections in both adults and children.</li><li>Demonstrated antiviral, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and barrier-protective actions.</li><li>Shown to reduce symptom severity, illness duration, and antibiotic use in multiple clinical trials.</li><li>Effective across a range of conditions including colds, bronchitis, hand foot and mouth disease, and asthma.</li><li>Safe and well-tolerated from 1 year of age, with a strong evidence base for both prevention and treatment.</li></ul>Read on to learn about the role of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in supporting respiratory health.

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