Umckaloabo: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Native to the South African plateaus, Umckaloabo, scientifically known as Pelargonium sidoides, is a perennial herbaceous plant valued for its medicinal properties. Used for centuries in traditional Zulu medicine, it treats a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive disorders, and fatigue. Its name, Umckaloabo, comes from Zulu and means "severe cough" or "chest pain." This plant has thick roots, rich in compounds such as coumarins, tannins, and phenols: - Coumarins: including umckaline, known for its antimicrobial and immunomodulatory effects. - Hydrolyzable tannins: these compounds, such as gallic acid and ellagitannins, have astringent properties and help reduce inflammation. - Flavanols: like catechin and gallocatechin, which are powerful antioxidants that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. These constituents are responsible for its multiple therapeutic effects, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory actions. The root is primarily used for medicinal purposes, processed into standardized extracts to ensure clinical efficacy. Today, Umckaloabo is mainly recognized for its efficacy in treating acute respiratory infections such as bronchitis and colds.