PelargoniumS I D O I D E S

n at u r a l

c o l d s

& f l u

b u s t e r

OrganIc cErtIfIED

our VisionOur vision is to identify and develop new medicines

from the vast botanical resources in Southern africa

our ValuesWe honour the inherent value of african medicinal

herbs. We respect nature and strive to employ the best

practices in sustainable wild harvesting. We strive to

uplift the communities we work with by developing

profit sharing and skills development partnerships with

indigenous people.

our missionafrigetics wish to introduce to world to the immense

healing power of african botanical resources. We

are committed to developing commercially viable

ingredients and developing strong supply chains to

deliver our product to the international

wellness market.

natural

africa science

MessaGe froM our Ceo

In this brochure I want to introduce you to our

flagship product, Pelargonium sidoides, a plant

that has significant commercial and healing

potential in the world of natural cold and flu

phytomedicines.

As the CEO of Afrigetics I look forward to

developing partnerships that ensure our mutual

success through doing business in a way that is

ethical, innovative and dynamically responsive

to the continually changing needs of our global

natural products marketplace. Our goal is to be

the trusted experts in the supply of Pelargonium to

the global marketplace and to offer you a reliable

and accredited supply chain with our range of

innovative products.

Pelargonium is proven to reduce the duration and severity of the common cold.

steven Hurt Owner & Director afrigetics Botanicals

Why should you be interested in Pelargonium sidoides?

#1

#2

The commercial success records of KalobaTM and Umcka ColdCareTM with reported sales of over EUR80 m in 2006 alone.

Sales for the cough, cold, flu, and allergy remedy market are

constantly on the rise, especially in the natural products category.

Clinically Proven

Over 20 clinical trials and many other studies have

been done on Pelargonium sidoides and the results are

outstanding.

Commercial success stories

Market Growth

#3

afrigetics is rooted in african ethnopharmacology.

We are experts in traditional medicinal knowledge

and our team maintain strong ties with local plant

users. We are leaders in sustainable harvesting

and diligent partners with rural harvesters.

afrigetics is committed to combining twentieth

century innovation with ancient african indigenous

knowledge. Our products are backed-by-science,

afrigetics has research partnerships with a

number of South african universities. We have a

proven track record as reliable exporters and are

pioneering novel processing techniques to bring

our clients tailor-made raw materials and extracts.

afrigetics is driven by superior quality, we

believe our standards of food safety set us apart.

afrigetics has invested in a state of the art quality

assurance system with fSSc 22000 accreditation.

this food Safety System certification

demonstrates our company’s robust and effective

management system. Our reliable team are well

positioned to meet the requirements of regulators,

food business clients and consumers. In addition,

afrigetics are licenced distributors of indigenous

flora and fDa registered.

afrigetics are passionate about discovering,

protecting and developing african botanical

wisdom. We are poised to unlock the tremendous

potential of african medicinal herbs and bring

these resources to a global platform. We wish to

share the success of the african pharmacopeia with

the world and we believe the star of our medicine

chest is undoubtedly the african pelargonium.

afrigetics seeks to empower our clients to reap

the benefits of these valued botanicals in their

products, thus enabling others to share in the

healing power of nature.

tHe afriGetiCs story afrigetics is a leading exporter of southern african medicinal herbs. our award-winning team prides itself on providing superior african healing plants to the international market.

“We believe that the botanical re-sources of africa may hold the key to the treatment of major medical and health ailments and, we want to be at the forefront of these discoveries…”

OrganIc cErtIfIED

PreCious PelarGoniuM

africa’s natural relief for colds, flu and respiratory tract infections.

Pelargonium sidoides is a small and

humble shrub that grows abundantly

in the sun warmed, stony soil of

the South african Eastern cape

and Lesotho grasslands. Known

locally by its common name, african

geranium, it can be found nestled

beneath tall grasses and aromatic

floral neighbours on coastal slopes.

the small indigenous herb has soft,

velvety textured grey-green leaves

and dark magenta coloured flowers.

this insignificant looking plant

however contains a treasure trove of

medicinal compounds and has been

part of local healing practices for

millennia. Pelargonium is an example

of nature’s immune boosting and

pathogen fighting power. It is

celebrated as afrigetics Botanicals’

flagship commercial herb.

PerfeCt PelarGoniuM,

natures PoWerHouse

Shipped fromcape town

Processed inEden District

Harvestedin Lesotho

the drug is listed in the european and african Pharmacopoeia and has european approval as a herbal medicine and food supplement.

the original hunter gatherer inhabitants of Southern

africa, the Koi-San, knew of this herb and used

it for the treatment of diarrhoea and dysentery.

Knowledge of the small bush later fell into the

hands of the cape Dutch colonists, who christened

it rooirabas, perhaps for its red tinted tuberous

roots. Herdsmen dubbed the plant “Kalverbossie”,

meaning ‘calf bush’ and used the woody twisted

underground rhizomes to treat stomach complaints

in their animals. It served in cape herbal medicine as

a tonic for weakness, fatigue and in the treatment of

gonorrhoea.

the ethnobotanical potential of african geranium

was brought to Europe in the early 1900’s after a

young explorer called charles Henry Stevens was

treated in South africa for his pulmonary tuberculosis

by a local healer. a bitter tea made of the roots of

the plant drove his illness into remission. He then

used the Umckaloabo herb to develop “Stevens’

consumption cure” and marketed it in England. It

wasn’t until the 1970’s, well after Steven’s death that

the plant ingredient of his remedy was identified as

Pelargonium.

afriCan etHnobotaniCal

oriGinsIn the 1990’s, a german drug manufacturer, Schwabe

Pharmaceuticals, developed a highly popular herbal

cough syrup called “Umckaloabo” containing

liquid extract Eps7630. In 2006, this company

sold more than EUr80 million of this pelargonium

based product. the drug is listed in the European

and african Pharmacopoeia and has European

approval as a herbal medicine and food supplement.

Schwabe’s withdrawal of the patents for this

medicine in 2010 has allowed other pharmaceutical

companies to follow suit and explore the potential of

this natural remedy.

su

PP

ly

be

ne

fi t

sustainable sourCinG

currently P. sidoides is listed on the red Data List

of South africa’s species as of ‘least concern’, they

state that less than 5% of the local population

is being impacted by harvesting (red Data List,

2017). Even so, strict controls by the South african

Department of Environmental affairs require

collectors to obtain a bioprospecting licence. Within

the constraints of the Biodiversity act, our primary

processors identifies areas of wild cultivation and

trains harvesters in rural areas to identify and

collect the Pelargonium. care is taken to prevent

overharvesting of the underground tuberous roots

and so to provide a supply for posterity, protect

the herb from extinction and to provide an ongoing

livelihood for local collectors.

Many of the collectors subcontracted by our primary

processors are elderly members in their communities

with rich traditional knowledge of indigenous plants.

Harvesters actively propagate the plant material

as it is collected, by breaking off aerial shoots and

replanting the cuttings. they leave the deeper, more

mature roots in the soil, to allow for rapid regrowth

after harvesting. In addition to supplementing

their income, and under the stipulations of the

Biodiversity act, local collectors and land owners

profit from a benefit sharing agreement where a

rand value of their harvest is paid into a government

controlled ‘Bioprospecting trust fund’ for

distribution within the community.

afrigetics Botanicals recognises that despite its best

efforts, currently well managed wild stocks may be

subject to depletion in the future and are actively

working with the University of Stellenbosch towards

refining a cultivation system for P. sidoides. Plant

breeding practices will be used to identify cultivars

with the highest levels of active ingredients and

grow these on specialized farms in the Eden District

using ecological cultivation methods.

With this aim in mind, our primary processing

partners have entered into a benefit sharing

agreement with the indigenous communities of

Southern africa who harvest our herbs through a

network of 350 families. furthermore, as licensed

collaborators of a bio-prospectors permit, we are

poised to continue unlocking the potential of africa’s

green gold, for many years to come.

Afrigetics Botanicals recognises the immense value in South Africa’s indigenous medicinal plants and works in partnership with KP Botanicals to provide a sustainable long-term supply of wild harvested Pelargonium.

Traditional herbal medicinal product for the symptomatic treatment of the common cold

prevents bacteria from sticking to the cells lining the respiratory system

stimulates white blood cells to attack and destroy bacteria

immune system support by producing defensins to protect cells

causes cilia to beat faster and to expel mucous & bacteria

mucolytic effect helps to dissolve thick mucus in airways

produces interferon that ‘interferes’ with virus replication

Pelargonium acts by preventing bacteria from

sticking to the cells lining the respiratory system

and by stimulating white blood cells to attack and

destroy these invading bacteria. the chemicals

contained in this medicine also help to support

the immune system by producing specific proteins,

called defensins, to protect cells from invasion. the

antiviral properties of P. sidoides lies in its ability to

stimulate the body’s cells to produce interferon, a

chemical that ‘interferes’ with virus replication. Its

antibacterial effect is attributed to chemicals in the

extract causing the tiny hair-like projections which

line our respiratory tract, called cilia, to beat faster

and to expel mucous. In addition, chemicals found in

the plant have a mucolytic effect, helping to dissolve

thick mucus in the airways.

there is no cure for the common cold, since it is

spread by a virus, but Pelargonium has been proven

to aid healing. this herbal medicine has been shown

to be safe and effective and may form an important

alternative to antibiotics.

Many pharmaceutical companies use ethanol to

extract the active ingredients from the pelargonium

root. these extracts have proven effective for the

treatment of respiratory tract infections including

bronchitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis and the common cold.

clinical trials have shown the medicine to reduce

PHarMaColoGiCal

aCtion both the duration and severity of these illnesses.

One such preparation, Eps7630, prepared by

Schwabe Pharmaceuticals has been the subject of

over 20 clinical studies, involving 9000 people.

Pelargonium’s success as a cold and flu buster is

unsurprising as over half of general practitioner’s

visits involve patients complaining of upper

respiratory tract infections. adults can suffer from

as many as four colds annually and young children

get up to 12 times per year. It is considered to be

the single largest cause of work and school related

absenteeism. antibiotics are generally considered

to be ineffective for most cases of colds and flu, yet

treatment is clearly needed.

the dried rhizomes of P. sidoides contain a host of

chemical compounds. among these are polyphenols

including gallic acids. Polyphenols are a group of

plant chemicals which give foods a bitter taste,

represent potent plant defence chemicals and often

act as powerful antioxidants. root extracts are rich in

coumarins, including a unique phytochemical called

‘umckalin’. In addition, the remedy contains powerful

flavonoids including quercetin, catechin and

gallocatechin. these plant nutrients are responsible

for vivid colour in fruit and vegetables and have anti-

inflammatory and immune boosting properties.

P e l a r G o n i u M s i d o i d e s

tHree-Way effeCt Pelargonium has been shown to have a three-way effect

the Pelargonium sidoides

extract prevents bacteria from

attaching to cells in mucous

membranes.1

Pelargonium sidoides

extracts inhibit the

adherence of bacteria such

as Streptococcus pyogenes

and Helicobacter pylori to

epithelial cells in vitro.

furthermore, ciliated cells

isolated from the nasal

epithelium enhanced their

ciliary beat frequency in the

presence of these extracts,

which should allow a better

removal of excess mucous

and bacteria.

antibaCterial

Similarly, Pelargonium

sidoides prevents viruses

from attaching to the

mucous membrane cells and

stimulates the body’s immune

system in such a way that

both bacteria and viruses are

prevented from multiplying.1

In vitro, the extracts show

efficacy against cellular

infections with influenza

virus, HSV, EMcV, rSV,

coronavirus, parainfluenza

virus, and coxsackie virus,

and this appears to be

mainly mediated indirectly by

inhibition of virus attachment

and spreading.

antiviral eXPeCtorant

the extract acts as an

expectorant, allowing the

body to expel contaminated

mucous, making conditions

less suitable for the

multiplication of the bacteria

and viruses – can only find

animal data.

the three-way effect attacks

the acute infection at its

root, the stabilisation of the

immune system prevents a re-

infection and the vicious circle

of infection, a short recovery

phase and new infection is

broken.

1. Witte K, Koch E, Volk H-D, Wolk K, Sabat r. the Pelargonium sidoides Extract EPs 7630 Drives the Innate Immune Defense by activating Selected MaP Kinase Pathways in Human Monocytes. PLOS OnE 2015;1-13. | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0138075

CliniCal studiesSummary of Clinical Studies into Efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs 7630

the efficacy of the Pelargonium sidoides extract against a number of bacterial and viral infections has been well researched. this extract has been the subject of over 20 clinical studies involving more than 9,000 patients, including children as young as one year (Brown, 2009). It has been shown to safely and effectively treat acute upper respiratory tract infections such as bronchitis, tonsillopharyngitis, sinusitis and the common cold. the following is a summary of some of the clinical data available:

tonsillitis

Professor V.V. Bereznoy MD, treated over 140 children with bacterial tonsillitis in a placebo-controlled trial in Kiev in 2003. His treated approximately half the children with Eps 7630 (manufactured by Schwabe Pharmaceuticals) and the remainder with a placebo. the children took 3ml of the extract per day for 6 days. researchers in this study monitored pain, difficulty swallowing, salivation, redness, fever and headache, using a ‘tonsillitis severity score’. Bereznoy’s study confirmed the superiority of Pelargonium sidoides extract compared to the placebo. the study demonstrated the ability of Pelargonium sidoides extract to reduce the severity of all five symptoms, shortened the duration of the illness and protected patients from complications. rapid recovery was observed in three quarters of the patients treated with Pelargonium sidoides extract and a third of those treated with the placebo.

Bereznoy (2003) points out that more than half of the Pelargonium sidoides extract group were able to get out of bad after two days of treatment. In the placebo group, however, more than half the patients were either still in bed on day 4 or had abandoned the study because of a lack of efficacy. this reduction in bed rest of 48 hours under Pelargonium sidoides extract, compared with the placebo, shows the benefit of this treatment. Indeed, it is more than double the reported benefit of antibiotic treatment at 16 hours (Del Mar, 2001). Six days after beginning treatment, 80% of the Pelargonium sidoides extract group were back at school, whereas only 20% of the placebo group were able to resume school (Bereznoy et al, 2003).

bronchitis

Matthys et al, (2003) studied the efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides extract in adults with acute bronchitis. the group of researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on over 450 patients. this study found that Pelargonium sidoides extract was superior in efficacy compared to placebo in the treatment of adults with acute bronchitis. treatment with Pelargonium sidoides extract clearly reduced the severity of symptoms, duration of illness and shortened the time taken off work by nearly 2 days (Matthys et al, 2003).

further observational studies by Haidvogl and Heger (2007) examined the effect of Pelargonium sidoides

their cold symptoms including; nasal discharge, sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, hoarseness, cough, headache, muscle aches, and fever. Lizogub, riley and Herger (2009) report that Pelargonium sidoides extract represents an effective treatment of the common cold. after 10 days, 78.8% of the Pelargonium sidoides extract group was clinically cured compared with 31.4% in the placebo group. the Pelargonium sidoides extract group returned to work on average of 2 days earlier than the placebo group.

In conclusion, clinical trials have shown that P. sidoides extract is an effective treatment for a number of upper respiratory tract infections. Kolodziej (2011) points to the reasons for its therapeutic effects; antibacterial activity, antiviral activity, immune stimulation and an increase in ciliary beat frequency.

BiBliography Bachert, c. et al. 2009, ‘treatment of acute rhinosinusitis with the preparation from Pelargonium sidoides EPs 7630: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’, rhinology, Vol. 47, no. 1, pp 51-58

Bereznoy, V. et al. 2003, ‘Efficacy of extract of Pelargonium sidoides in children with acute non-group a Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis; a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial’, alternative therapies, Vol. 9, no. 5, pp 68-79

Brown, D. 2009, ‘Pelargonium sidoides Extract (EPs 7630) alternative treatment of acute Upper respiratory tract Infections’, natural Medicine Journal, Vol. 1, issue 12,

Del Mar, c. glasziou, P. Spinks, a. 2001, ‘antibiotics for Sore throat’, the cochrane Library, Issue 1

Haidvogl, M. and Heger, M. 2007, ‘treatment effect and safety of EPs 7630 solution in acute bronchitis in childhood: report of a multicentre observational study’, Phytomedicine, Vol. 14, supp. 1, pp 60-64

Kolodziej, H. 2011, ‘antimicrobial, antiviral and Immunomodulatory activity Studies of Pelargonium sidoides (Eps 7630) in the context of Health Promotion’, Pharmaceuticals, Vol. 4, no. 10, pp 1295-1314

Lizogub, V. riley, D. Heger, M. 2007, ‘Efficacy of a Pelargonium sidoides preparation in patients with the common cold: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial’, Explore, Vol. 3, Issue. 6, pp 573-584.

Matthys, H. et al, 2003, ‘Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial’, Phytomedicine, Vol. 10, supp. 4, pp 7-17

extract on over 740 children with acute bronchitis. the researchers monitored treatment with the herbal extract for up to 14 days. five ‘bronchitis specific symptoms’ were summed up to give an overall measure of disease severity. Haidvogl and Heger concluded that Pelargonium sidoides extract is a safe and effective treatment for acute bronchitis. In addition, they note that in 88.3% of cases, the responsible physician rated the treatment as successful. adverse events were minor and transitory

sinusitis

a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 103 adult patients with acute sinusitis was conducted by Bachert et al at 11 clinics, in Kiev, in 2009. the patients were studied for 21 days and assessed on 6 symptoms of sinusitis including headache, nasal obstruction and discharge. Bachert et al (2009) report that by day 7, 63% of the Pelargonium sidoides extract group were back to work compared with 37% in the placebo group. By day 21, sinus x-rays were normal in more than 90% of the Pelargonium sidoides extract group compared with 10% for the placebo group. the researchers highlighted “improvements shown in the patients’ health-related quality of life, activity level and general well-being”, they further observed a quicker return to work. Bachert et al (2009) conclude that “Pelargonium sidoides extract should be considered as a possible first line treatment even in patients suffering from an acute rhinosinusitis of presumably bacterial origin”.

Common Cold

Lizogub, riley and Herger (2009) examined the efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides extract on patients with the common cold, one of the most prevalent illness in the world. the study compared Pelargonium sidoides extract to a placebo over 10 days. Over 100 patients were tracked according to

acute, self-limited viral infection causing upper

respiratory symptoms (ie

cough, sore throat, etc.)

Colds

Sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the lungs to clear material

from the airways and to protect the lungs from

particles that have been

inhaled

CouGHs

type I reactions underlie atopic

disorders develop < 1 h after exposure

to antigen

allerGiC astHMa

Inflammation of the sinuses, most

commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection or by an

allergy

sinusitis

Inflammation of the tracheobronchial tree, commonly following a UrI, the cause is

almost always a viral infection

bronCHitis

Sore throat is pain in the posterior pharynx that occurs with or without

swallowing

PHarynGitisInflammation of the nasal mucous

membrane

rHinitis

acute inflammation of the lungs caused by

infection

PneuMonia

larynGitisInflammation of the voice box

(larynx)

treatable Conditions

antibacterial expectorantantiviral

Product comPosition umckalin uses

PoWder eXtraCt

a dry powder extract standardized for umckalin content

nLt 160ppm nLt 800ppm

nLt 1100ppm

Used as an ingredient in formulations for liquid drops,

cough syrups or sprays and can also be pressed into tablets or

encapsulated

PieCes Shredded whole pelargonium root nLt 100ppm for further processing

Milled

PoWder

Dark brown to reddish granular powder milled from dried pelargonium root

nLt 100ppm for further processing

tinCture

etHanol

Dark brown to reddish opaque liquid with ethanolic smell,

containing 16-19% ethanolnLt 15ppm

Single ingredient for the formulation of herbal medicine

tinCture

GlyCerol

Dark brown to reddish opaque liquid with syrupy viscosity

nLt 15ppmfor the formulation of cough

syrups or liquid herbal medicines

CouGH syruPDark brown to reddish opaque-liquid with syrupy viscosity and mint flavor

nLt 15ppmready to use sugar-free

cough syrup with mint (can be standardised for umckalin)

ProduCtsP e l a r G o n i u M s i d o i d e s

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OrganIc cErtIfIED

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* O P t I O n a L

OrganIc cErtIfIED

featuredProduCt

P e l a r G o n i u M s i d o i d e s

PelaPowertM is our standardized dry powder extract

of Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) which is made

according to the method stated in the EMa monograph.

this type of extract which is equivalent to EPS7630 has a

long history of efficacy in the treatment of colds and flu,

especially for bronchial related ailments.

PelaPowertM is standardised for umckalin and is suitable

for further processing into liquid extracts or for capsules

and tablets.

afrigetics offers powder extracts of Pelargonium

sidoides with varying levels of active ingredients and

solubility. PelaPowertM is manufactured for afrigetics

by certified facilities, audited under our fSSc 22000

programme.

Pelargonium sidoides Powder Extract

Product descriPtion

Pelargonium sidoides powder extract.

Features

a dry powder extract of Pelargonium sidoides

made according to EMa monograph.

this powder can be used as an ingredient

in formulations for liquid drops, cough syrups or

sprays and can also be pressed into tablets or

encapsulated.

active ingredient

NLT 1100ppm umckalin

Packaging descriPtion

foil gusset bag, ziplock closure

Pack size

1kg and 5kg bags

A Natural Phytocare Solution for Colds and Flu

raW MaterialP e l a r G o n i u M s i d o i d e s

Product descriPtion

Dark brown to reddish pieces of shredded whole

Pelargonium root, cut and sifted according to

customer specification.

active ingredient

not less than 100ppm umckalin

sterilization

Steam sterilization (Optional)

Packaging descriPtion

Inner packagIng - 2 PVc plastic liner (food grade)

Outer packagIng - White polypropylene agricultural

weaved bag

Pack size

15kg raw material

afrigetics specializes in the supply of wild-harvested Pelargonium

sidoides and offers a range product from raw materials to extracts

and finished products. Our products are handled within an

fSSc22000 environment and adhere to the requirements of the

international marketplace.

Pelargonium sidoides Whole, Dried Pieces

* O P t I O n a L

OrganIc cErtIfIED

Product descriPtion

Dark brown to reddish powder made from dried

whole pelargonium root with a particle size

<10% retained on a 425 micron sieve

active ingredient

not less than 100ppm umckalin

sterilization

Steam sterilization (*optional)

Packaging descriPtion

Inner packagIng - 2 PVc plastic liner (food grade)

Outer packagIng - White polypropylene

agricultural weaved bag

Pack size

20kg raw material

Pelargonium sidoides Milled Powder

sustainably Wild Harvested, organic Certified (Optional).

* O P t I O n a L

OrganIc cErtIfIED

liquid eXtraCts

P e l a r G o n i u M s i d o i d e s

afrigetics offers liquid extracts of Pelargonium

sidoides as partially processed products

that can be used for further processing. all

extracts are manufactured for us by certified

facilities, audited under our fSSc 22000

program.

Ethanolic Liquid Extract 1:8-10

Product descriPtion

Pelargonium sidoides ethanolic extract 1:8-10

(alcohol 16-19%)

Features

an ethanolic extract made according to the

pharmacopoeia monograph on Pelargonium

sidoides. this tincture can be used as an ingredient

in formulations for liquid drops, cough syrups or

sprays or as a ready-to-use product.

active ingredient

15ppm umckalin

Packaging descriPtion

PVc bucket with tamper-proof closure.

Pack size

5l or 25l

* O P t I O n a L

OrganIc cErtIfIED

Glycerine Extract

Product descriPtion

Pelargonium sidoides vegetable glycerine

tincture

Features

a non-alcoholic, sugar-free extract of

Pelargonium sidoides. this tincture can be used

as an ingredient in formulations for liquid drops,

cough syrups or sprays or as a ready-to-use

product.

active ingredient

nLt 15ppm umckalin

Packaging descriPtion

PVc bucket with tamper-proof closure.

Cough Syrup Formulation with Mint

Product descriPtion

alcohol-free and sugar-free Pelargonium

sidoides vegetable glycerine tincture formulated

with mint oil.

Features

a non-alcoholic, sugar-free glycerine extract of

Pelargonium sidoides that is ready to use.

active ingredient

umckalin

Packaging descriPtion

PVc bucket with tamper-proof closure.

Pack size

5l or 25l

Pack size

5l or 25l

* O P t I O n a L

O r g a n I c c E r t I f I E D

* O P t I O n a L

OrganIc cErtIfIED

In striving to continually improve our services we

have now gone the extra mile to ensure that our

palletization is truly world class. Our company offers

packaging solutions that will withstand the toughest

journeys by road, air or sea. Better packaging of your

goods means fewer troubles further down the line

by reducing the exposure to moisture (especially on

sea cargo), damage by poor third party handling and

general accidents that can occur during transit. Speak

to us about your packaging requirements and we will

listen to your every need.

PaCkaGinG

Palletization

Shrink wrapped & strapped

Our company offers packaging solutions that will withstand the toughest journeys by road, air or sea.

world class exports award winning

export business

Over 900 consignments

worldwide

Incoterms 2010 experts

loGistiCsafrigetics Botanicals is export ready. Since June

2008 we have successfully delivered over 1000

consignments by air, sea and courier to north

america (USa, canada), South america (Brazil,

argentina), West Europe (germany, france, Italy,

UK), Eastern Europe (Ukraine, russia), asia (china,

Korea) and the Middle East.

Our logistics training is compliant with IncOtErMS

2010 and we have substantial experience in all

aspects pertaining to the export process - which is

faithfully carried out by VDM cargo Solutions.

• International Sea and Air Freight Forwarding

• Customs Clearing

• Warehousing (Bonded and Duty Paid)

• Cartage (Deliveries)

• Marine and Airfreight Insurance

franco van der Merwe, owner of VDM cargo

Solutions started his career at customs in 1991

as auditor in the Excise department followed by a

stint as a customs import inspector before entering

the private sector.

Over the past 27 years he has gained valuable

experience in all aspects of imports and exports,

from framing entries to heading up operations for

a major clearing and forwarding house in South

africa.

His passion for the industry and his clients

ultimately led him to start VDM cargo Solutions.

Through his vast experience and impressive network of dynamic industry partners, he has a clear understanding of client expectations and therefore forms an integral part in the logistics supply chain of our clients.

this is a summary of the scientific conclusions

reached by the committee on Herbal Medicinal

Products (HMPc) on the medicinal uses of

pelargonium root. the HMPc conclusions are taken

into account by EU Member States when evaluating

applications for the licensing of herbal medicines

containing pelargonium root.

inforMation resourCesthis summary is not intended to provide practical

advice on how to use medicines containing

pelargonium root. for practical information about

using pelargonium root medicines, patients

should read the package leaflet that comes

with the medicine or contact their doctor or

pharmacist.

Go to : WWW.eMa.euroPa.eu/en/MediCines/Herbal/PelarGonii-radiX

The HMPC concluded that, on the basis of their long-standing

use, these pelargonium root preparations can be used to treat

the symptoms of the common cold. Pelargonium root medicines

should only be used in patients from the age of 6 years. If

symptoms last longer than 1 week or worsen while taking the

medicine, a doctor or qualified healthcare practitioner should be

consulted. Detailed instructions on how to take pelargonium root

medicines and who can use them can be found in the package

leaflet that comes with the medicine.

WHat are tHe HMPC ConClusions on its MediCinal uses?

HoW are PelarGoniuM root MediCines aPProved in tHe eu?

Any applications for the licensing of medicines containing pelargonium root have to be submitted to the national

authorities responsible for medicinal products, which will assess the application for the herbal medicine and take

into account the scientific conclusions of the HMPC. Information on the use and licensing of pelargonium root

medicines in EU Member States should be obtained from the relevant national authorities.

Pelargonium root is the common name for the root of the plants Pelargonium sidoides DC and Pelargonium re-

niforme Curt. The HMPC conclusions only cover pelargonium root preparations that are obtained by putting the

plant material in a solvent (such as ethanol) to dissolve compounds and form a liquid extract. The solvent may

then be evaporated to obtain a dry extract. Herbal medicines containing these pelargonium root preparations

are usually available in liquid or solid forms to be taken by mouth. Pelargonium root preparations may also be

found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines. These combinations are not cov-

ered in this summary.

WHat is PelarGoniuM root?

the HMPc conclusions on the use of these

pelargonium root medicines for treating common

colds are based on their ‘traditional use’. this

means that, although there is insufficient evidence

from clinical trials, the effectiveness of these herbal

medicines is plausible and there is evidence that

they have been used safely in this way for at least

30 years (including at least 15 years within the EU).

Moreover, the intended use does not require medical

supervision.

In its assessment, the HMPc also considered 3 studies

involving patients with acute bronchitis (inflammation

of the airways in the lungs), where pelargonium root

was compared with placebo (a dummy treatment).

although a possible effect in improving symptoms

of bronchitis such as cough was observed, firm

conclusions could not be drawn as there were

WHat are tHe risks assoCiated WitH PelarGoniuM root MediCines?

Very rare side effects (seen in less than 1 patient in 10,000) have been reported with pelargonium root medicines.

These include mild gut complaints such as diarrhoea, discomfort around the stomach area, nausea or vomiting,

difficulty swallowing, mild nasal and gum bleeding and allergic reactions. Liver problems have also been

reported but the frequency is not known.

WHat evidenCe suPPorts tHe use of PelarGoniuM root MediCines?

weaknesses in the design and outcome of the

studies. therefore, the HMPc conclusions on

the use of these pelargonium root medicines are

based on their long-standing use. for detailed

information on the studies assessed by the

HMPc, see the HMPc assessment report.

Go to : WWW.eMa.euroPa.eu/en/MediCines/Herbal/PelarGonii-radiX

Measuring and optimising umckalin concentration in wild-harvested andcultivated Pelargonium sidoides (Geraniaceae)

A.G. White a,⁎, M.T. Davies-Coleman b, B.S. Ripley a

a Department of Botany, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africab Department of Chemistry, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa

Received 24 July 2007; received in revised form 18 November 2007; accepted 29 November 2007

Abstract

Pelargonium sidoides DC. (Geraniaceae) root extracts are used locally and globally as herbal medicines. Subsequently, high levels of wild rootharvest in the years preceding this study, to supply international demand for rawmaterials, prompted this investigation of the prospects for sustainableroot harvest through wild collection and greenhouse cultivation. A novel method was developed for the purification of umckalin, a bioactiveconstituent in root extracts, such that the root umckalin concentrations of wild and cultivated plants could be quantified by HPLC. A geographicalsurvey of wild plants revealed that root umckalin concentrations were inversely related to the average annual rainfall of the collection site (r2=0.43,pb0.0001) and directly related to soil pH (r2=0.46, pb0.0001). Thus, the possibility of inducing high umckalin concentrations in greenhouse-cultivated plants was investigated by subjecting plants to water stress. This treatment, and those using leaf applied hormones (cytokinin andgibberellin) and root competition with a fast growing annual (Conyza albida), did not significantly affect root umckalin concentrations compared towell-watered controls. However, greenhouse-cultivated control plants showed wild equivalent umckalin concentrations and circa six times greatergrowth rates than plants in a wild harvest experiment. These results support the ex situ cultivation of roots to supply future market demand.© 2007 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Keywords: Conservation; Coumarin; Cultivation; EPs 7630; Pelargonium sidoides; Umckalin; Umckaloabo; Wild harvest

1. Introduction

Many South African medicinal plants, including Pelargoniumsidoides, Harpagophytum procumbens and H. zerheri (devil'sclaw), Aloe ferox (Cape aloe) and Agathosma betulina (buchu),are used in the production of internationally marketed herbalremedies for the treatment of various ailments (Van Wyk et al.,2000).As a result, thewild stocks of these plants are susceptible toover-exploitation.

Traditionally, infusions made from the tuberous, woody rootsof P. reniforme and P. sidoides are used for the treatment ofdiarrhoea, dysentery, colds and lung infections, including tuber-culosis (Bladt, 1977; Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000). This usage isparticularly prevalent amongst the Xhosa people of the EasternCape Province of South Africa. In addition to these traditional

uses, commercial P. sidoides root extracts have become popular(e.g. Pelargonium, Medicherb UK; Pelargonium Syrup, Biohar-mony Africa and Umckaloabo®, Spitzner) for the treatment ofupper-respiratory tract infections. These are available interna-tionally in countries including Germany, Mexico, Turkey, Brazil(e.g. Matthys et al., 2003; Chuchalin et al., 2005) and SouthAfrica (White, 2007). The bioactive constituents isolated fromP. sidoides root extracts include: the coumarins umckalin and 6,8-dihydroxy-5,7-dimethoxycoumarin (Kayser and Kolodziej,1997), gallic acid and its methyl ester (Kayser and Kolodziej,1997), (+)-catechin (Kolodziej et al., 2003), and certain fatty acids(Seidel and Taylor, 2004) and tannins (Kolodziej et al., 2005).

This combined traditional and commercial use has led to theextensive harvest ofwild plants in the Eastern Cape. Harvest is notrestricted to P. sidoides, the species preferred by the internationalmarket, as P. reniforme plants are mistakenly harvested due totheir very similar appearance to those of P. sidoides, except whenin flower. Despite the demand for harvested roots, speculation still

Available online at www.sciencedirect.com

South African Journal of Botany 74 (2008) 260–267www.elsevier.com/locate/sajb

⁎ Corresponding author.E-mail address: AndrewGWhite@gmail.com (A.G. White).

0254-6299/$ - see front matter © 2007 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2007.11.015

Journal of Ethnopharmacology 119 (2008) 420–433

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

journa l homepage: www.e lsev ier .com/ locate / je thpharm

Review

A historical, scientific and commercial perspective on themedicinal use of Pelargonium sidoides (Geraniaceae)

T. Brendlera, B.-E. van Wykb,∗

a Plantaphile, Immanuelkirchstrasse 32, 10405 Berlin, Germanyb Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, P.O. Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa

a r t i c l e i n f o

Article history:Received 19 May 2008Received in revised form 16 July 2008Accepted 21 July 2008Available online 3 August 2008

Keywords:CommercialisationEthnobotanyMedicinal plantsPelargonium sidoides DC.PharmacologyUmckaloabo

a b s t r a c t

Ethnopharmacological context: A detailed review of the ethnobotany and commercial history of Pelargo-nium sidoides is presented, together with a brief summary of pre-clinical and clinical scientific results thatsupport the use of the plant in modern, evidence-based phytomedicines. The aim is to identify the mainfactors responsible for the success in product development.Materials and methods: The literature studied includes all modern scientific papers and also old documentsand books that are no longer readily accessible.Results: Available ethnobotanical information shows that several tuberous Pelargonium species (includingPelargonium sidoides) are important traditional medicines with a rich ethnobotanical history. A summaryof the interesting history of the commercial development of Stevens’ Cure or Umckaloabo in Europe ispresented. Scientific evidence for the efficacy of the product, mainly as a treatment for acute bronchitis,is reviewed. These include numerous in vitro studies as well as 18 clinical studies. The botanical identityof the plant and its complex mixture of coumarins and other chemical constituents are summarised.Conclusions: The use of Pelargonium stems or tubers for a variety of ailments (including the complicationsof dysentery) is an important but hitherto under-estimated part of traditional medicine in southern Africa.Key elements in the successful development of Pelargonium sidoides from a profound traditional remedy toa highly successful phytomedicine include the choice of species, a favourable cost–benefit ratio, innovativemarketing over many years, good scientific evidence of the botanical and chemical identity of the productand convincing proof of concept.

© 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4212. Historical and commercial perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421

2.1. Ethnobotany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4212.2. Etymology of “Umckaloabo” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4232.3. History of commercialisation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4232.4. Production and raw material identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4242.5. Standardisation and dosage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4272.6. Products, patents and regulatory aspects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 427

3. Scientific perspectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4273.1. Botanical identity and relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4273.2. Chemistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4273.3. Pharmacology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 428

3.3.1. Antibacterial and antifungal properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4283.3.2. Antimycobacterial properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4283.3.3. Immunomodulatory properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 429

∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +27 11 5592412; fax: +27 11 5592411.E-mail address: bevanwyk@uj.ac.za (B.-E. van Wyk).

0378-8741/$ – see front matter © 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/j.jep.2008.07.037

Go to our Website for knoWledGe

A detailed review of the ethnobotany and commercial history of Pelargonium

sidoides is presented, together with a brief summary of pre-clinical and clinical scientific

results that support the use of the plant in modern, evidence-based phytomedicines. The aim is to identify the main factors responsible

for the success in product development.

“

“

Measuring and optimising umckalin concentration in wild-harvested and

cultivated Pelargonium sidoides (Geraniaceae)““

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