Multiple mechanisms enable broad-spectrum activity of the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 against acute respiratory tract infections

Abstract

There is clinical evidence showing that the Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs 7630 is a safe and effective treatment for a range of acute infectious respiratory illnesses. Moreover, EPs 7630 has been shown to reduce the use of antibiotics, which is important in the context of rising antibiotic resistance levels. A wide range of mechanisms appears to contribute to the beneficial effects of EPs 7630, e.g. antibacterial, antiviral, immunomodulatory, and epithelial barrier effects. This broad spectrum of pharmacological activities seems to enable the clinical activity of EPs 7630 against multiple respiratory infections. In particular, the combination of antiviral and immunomodulatory effects may enable EPs 7630 to tackle acute viral respiratory infections both in early stages of the disease process, which are driven by virus replication, as well as in later stages, which are caused by an overshooting immune response. Hence, EPs 7630 is a prime example of a plant extract with evidence-based clinical efficacy, including a solid understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action. The example of EPs 7630 demonstrates that plant extracts have a potential role as evidence-based clinical treatments and that they deserve pre-clinical and clinical testing and investigation in the same way as any other drug class.

Keywords: antibacterial; antiviral; bacteria; herbal drugs; immunomodulation; infectious disease; interferon; virus.

FIGURE 1

Antibacterial effects. A summary of the evidence on the antibacterial activity of EPs 7630. The top part provides the documented effects that affect bacterial infection and viability. The bottom part provides documented antibacterial mechanisms that are likely to contribute to the effects outlined in the top part.

FIGURE 2

Induction of an interferon response. EPs 7630 can induce an interferon response that protects cells in an autocrine and paracrine fashion and activates immune cells.

FIGURE 3

Antiviral effects. EPs 7630 inhibits virus replication by the inhibition of virus release, by the inhibition of virus attachment and entry, by inducing an interferon response, and by additional mechanisms that will need to be elucidated by future research.

FIGURE 4

Immunomodulatory effects. EPs 7630 induces both protective immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

FIGURE 5

Improved tissue barrier function. EPs 7630 may improve the barrier function of airway epithelium by inducing epithelial cell replication and wound healing and by reducing virus attachment.