CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTATION: 2-day window
The medication was started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. We generally see patients seeking treatment for the common cold well after the first 2 days. The efficacy of Pelargonium is no doubt less when started later in the course of the illness. Colds resolve spontaneously, so to get the benefit of this treatment, it likely must be started early.
Our conclusion is that patients could be advised to purchase the medication to have on hand at home at the start of the cold season.
Availability of the drug
P sidoides is available in the US under the brand name Umcka Coldcare.
The preparation used in the study is marketed in Europe by ISO-Arzneimittel17 under the name Umckaloabo, which is a combination of the Zulu words for lung symptoms and breast pain.18
Our Internet search on the term “Pelargonium sidoides” failed to yield a distributor of the German preparation used in the study that would be available in the United States. However, a different manufacturer, Nature’s Way, distributes a number of similar preparations containing extract of the root of P sidoides under the name Umcka Coldcare. Umcka Cold-care appears to be readily available for purchase, both on-line and through local health food stores, for less than $20 per 4-oz (120-mL) bottle. A different retailer, African Red Tea, offers syrup, 1:10 ethanolic extract for $29.95 for 100-mL bottle.19 Like the German preparation, these formulations are delivered by dropper.
PURLs methodology
This study was selected and evaluated using FPIN’s Priority Updates from the Research Literature (PURL) Surveillance System methodology. The criteria and findings leading to the selection of this study as a PURL can be accessed at www.jfponline.com/purls.
