Products
- Umckaloabo drops, film-coated tablets
- Kaloba (drops, film-coated tablets) is the co-marketing drug of Umckaloabo. It is exactly the same as Umckaloabo except for the packaging, but is subject to cash (SL).
- Umckaloabo syrup, Kaloba syrup, approval in 2020.
- Homeopathic mother tinctures and homeopathics, drops.
- Preparations with
Stem plant
Capeland Pelargonium DC (Geraniaceae) is a medicinal plant that plays an important role in traditional medicine in South Africa. It has been used mainly as an astringent for diarrheal diseases with fever and as a veterinary medicine. Other species of the genus have also been used, including .
“Umckaloabo”
The most scientifically studied finished drug is an extract of , which has been marketed for decades in Germany and for several years in many countries under the name “Umckaloabo” (co-marketing drug: Kaloba). Umckaloabo was originally launched by Englishman Charles Henry Stevens, who was cured of tuberculosis around 1900 in South Africa by a local healer using a Pelargonium preparation. Back in Europe, Stevens sold the “secret remedy” (Stevens’ Cure) with some success as a tuberculosis remedy. The name is said to derive from the Bantu language isiZulu. However, it is more likely that the clever Stevens invented the mysterious foreign-sounding name for marketing his product (Brendler, van Wyk, 2008).
Medicinal drug
The red pelargonium root (Pelargonii radix) is used as the medicinal drug. The plant is grown in greenhouses in South Africa and processed in Germany.
Preparations
Umckaloabo contains an aqueous alcoholic extract of the roots of (EPs 7630). A dry extract is contained in the tablets.
Ingredients
The roots contain coumarins, umckalin, simple phenolic compounds, proanthocyanidin-type tannins, and essential oil (Geranii aetheroleum), among others.
Effects
- Antibacterial
- Antiviral
- Immunomodulating, stimulation of defense mechanisms, stimulation of cilia function.
- Cytoprotective
Fields of application
Pelargonium extracts are officially approved in many countries exclusively for the treatment of acute bronchitis, which is an acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Clinical studies have been conducted suggesting that ingestion may reduce the severity and duration of the disease. Pelargonium extracts are used off-label by patients in self-medication for various respiratory conditions (e.g., colds, sore throats, tonsillitis, sinusitis).
Dosage
According to the professional information. The drugs (Umckaloabo, Kaloba) are taken three times a day. As a rule, the duration of treatment should not exceed three weeks.
Contraindications and precautions
Pelargonium extracts should not be taken in cases of hypersensitivity. It is also not indicated in case of increased bleeding tendency or use of anticoagulant drugs (oral anticoagulants such as phenprocumon), liver and kidney diseases. There is insufficient knowledge about the use during pregnancy and lactation, therefore the application should be avoided. Children under 2 years of age should be given the extract only after prior medical clarification. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Pelargonium extracts should not be combined with oral anticoagulants such as phenprocoumon (Marcoumar) or warfarin (not commercially available in many countries) as a precaution.
Adverse effects
Occasionally, gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, stomach burning, nausea, and diarrhea may occur. Rarely, mild gum or nose bleeding and hypersensitivity reactions may occur. Severe hypersensitivity reactions are very rarely observed. Liver dysfunction has been reported sporadically. Pelargonium is possibly hepatotoxic in rare cases. However, the relationship has not been clearly established.
