Pelargonium sidoides, and notably the EPs 7630 extract, has been widely studied for its effects on common cold. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine whether the EPS 7630 extract can have beneficial effects in patients with common cold.

Five trials, including 833 patients, have been compiled. The supplementation with the extract has a beneficial effect on Cold Intensity Score reduction on day 5 (MD = -2.30, 95% CI: -4.12, -0.49) and on day 10 (MD = -1.16, 95% CI: -2.22, -0.10). Moreover, it also improved the proportion of patients with substantial improvement on days 5 and 10, as the number of patients with complete remission on days 5 and 10. Finally, patients treated with the extract missed fewer days at work, used less paracetamol and had a better sleep quality.

This meta-analysis confirms therefore the beneficial effect of P. sidoides for the management of common cold.

Schapowal A, Dobos G, Cramer H, Ong KC, Adler M, Zimmermann A5, Brandes-Schramm J5, Lehmacher W6. Treatment of signs and symptoms of the common cold using EPs 7630 – results of a meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2019 Nov 26;5(11):e02904.