EPs^®​ 7630 shows beneficial effects on respiratory tract and general health status – an analysis of clinical trial physical examination findings

Introduction  Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs^®​ 7630*  has been shown to be efficacious and safe in acute respiratory tract infections such as acute bronchitis (AB). Its effect regarding respiratory tract and general health status according to physical examination has not yet been reported.

Method We searched PubMed for randomized, placebo-controlled trials on the efficacy of a 7-day treatment with EPs^®​ 7630 in patients suffering from AB (last search: August 2022). Trials had to use both the validated Bronchitis Severity Scale (BSS) and a physical examination concerning general health status (GHS) and lungs/respiratory tract (LRT). Pooled analyses of individual patient data provided by the manufacturer were performed for GHS, LRT, and BSS item “rales at auscultation”, pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated.

Results 4 eligible trials (children/adolescents, 3 [1] [2] [3]; adults, 1 [4]) were identified. 823 (EPs^®​ 7630, 414; placebo, 409) patients (male, 44.8%; female 55.2%; age range 1-65 years) were included into the analyses. At baseline, abnormal findings were reported in all patients for LRT (most frequently harsh breathing in combination with dry rales) and in 88.9% (EPs^®​ 7630) and 88.5% (placebo) of patients for GHS. At day 7, GHS was normal for significantly more patients in the EPs^®​ 7630 group (72.5% vs 50.4%, OR 2.84 [1.78–4.54]). The same applied to LRT (normal in 35.3% vs 7.6% of patients, OR 6.74 [4.40–10.32]). Remission rates of “rales at auscultation” also showed statistically significant advantages for EPs^®​ 7630 (≥50% improvement, 90.8% vs 52.6%, OR 8.87 [5.54–14.21]; total remission, 56.8% vs 20.8%, OR 5.42 [2.63–11.20]).

Conclusion Beneficial effects of EPs^®​ 7630 on respiratory tract and general health status in patients with AB are apparent at physical examination. Improvement of rales suggests a faster decongestion of mucous membranes under treatment with the Pelargonium extract.

*Kaloba^®​, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Karlsruhe, Germany

Publication History

Article published online:
14 June 2023

• References

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