Authentic Botanical Solutions
Discover Afriplex® PelargoniumS70, our premium botanical API for combatting cold and flu symptoms, meticulously manufactured in Paarl, South Africa.
Our Product
Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 is a high-quality Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufactured in accordance with the standards set by the European Pharmacopoeia. Derived from the root of Pelargonium sidoides, a plant native to South Africa’s coastal regions and a member of the Geraniaceae family, this API combines centuries of traditional use with modern scientific development.
Historically trusted for its effectiveness in supporting respiratory health, Pelargonium sidoides has been used to alleviate conditions such as coughs, fever, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. Its therapeutic value is further endorsed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which recognised the root extract as a treatment for the common cold, in its official herbal monograph published in 2013.
Potential market applications:
Effective in managing respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, pneumonia, tonsillitis, and rhinopharyngitis.
Commonly used alongside antibiotics for enhanced outcomes.
Supports treatment of acute and chronic ear, nose, and throat (ENT) infections.
Helps improve symptoms associated with colds and flu, promoting faster recovery.
Demonstrates analgesic properties for added patient comfort.
Considered safe for use in children from 6 years of age, ensuring broad therapeutic applicability.
Additional extracts to the Pelargonium range:
The Afriplex® PELAGON range was developed for the Food supplement market:
- Afriplex® PELAGON S70 (based on the Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 API) (product code: CPE06253)
- Afriplex® PELAGON (>60 umk) – standardised on 60 µg/g Umckalin (product code: CPE06319)
- Afriplex® PELAGON (>150 umk) – standardised on 150 µg/g Umckalin (product code: CPE06320)
Pelargonium products standardised on Umckalin:
- Pelargonium sidoides SPE (>60umk) – standardised on 60 µg/g Umckalin (product code: CPE01388)
- Pelargonium sidoides SPE (>150umk) – standardised on 150 µg/g Umckalin (product code: CPE01521)
Active Ingredients
Chemical composition of Afriplex® PelargoniumS70
(Kolodziej H, Kayser O, Radtke O A, et al. Phytomedicine 2003; 10 Suppl 4:18-24.) doi.org/10.1078/1433-187X-00307
Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 is a concentrated botanical ingredient developed from the Pelargonium sidoides plant with the markers of the extract being umckalin and scopoletin.
Quality Starts at the Source
Pelargonium sidoides thrives in South Africa’s high-altitude regions, typically at elevations of around 2,300 metres above sea level.
One of the greatest challenges in herbal medicine production is the variation in active constituents within plants of the same species. To ensure a consistent, optimised, and standardised final product, Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 begins with exceptional raw material. This commitment led to the development of Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 through the propagation of the correct Pelargonium strain at our dedicated propagation facility. This approach not only guarantees consistent product quality but also ensures price consistency and full traceability throughout the supply chain.
Production
Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 is produced using a validated extraction process that ensures the optimal concentration of key bioactive compounds found in Pelargonium sidoides roots. These include coumarins, scopoletin, umckalin, epicatechin, and gallic acid—each contributing to the API’s therapeutic effectiveness. Among these, Umckalin serves as the primary marker for quality and consistency. The entire preparation and production process adheres to the rigorous specifications, determined by the European Pharmacopoeia, guaranteeing compliance and reliability.
Trusted by leading international brands, Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 is widely incorporated into pharmaceutical formulations for cough and cold remedies. Available in a convenient powder format, it is designed for seamless integration into syrups, drops, throat sprays, effervescent tablets, and capsules—offering manufacturers flexibility and efficiency in product development.
Analytical
The dried rhizome of Pelargonium sidoides is a powerhouse of natural actives, containing at least eight distinct coumarins. Among these, Umckalin and 5,6,7-methoxycoumarin serve as key marker compounds for quality assurance. In addition, the plant is rich in antioxidants such as gallic acid and its methyl esters, as well as beneficial flavonoids like quercetin, flavan-3-ols including catechin and gallo-catechin, and phytosterols (sitosterol-3-glucoside). This unique phytochemical profile underpins the therapeutic strength and versatility of Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 in respiratory health applications.
Umckalin & Scopoletin chemical structure
In addition, there is much divergence in concentration, with significantly higher yields of coumarins in P. sidoides than in other Pelargonium species. The total coumarin content of the roots of P. sidoides is approximately 0.05% related to dry weight, with umckalin contributing approximately 40% of total coumarin content.
HPLC Report
VWD1 A, Wavelength=320 nm
| Name | RT | Area | Height | Amount | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Umckalin | 17.604 | 508.0603 | 73.6260 | 7.183 | mg/l |
- Name:
- Umckalin
- RT:
- 17.604
- Area:
- 508.0603
- Height:
- 73.6260
- Amount:
- 7.183
- Unit:
- mg/l
Calibration
- Compound:
- Umckalin
- Signal:
- VWD1A
- Corr. Coeff.:
- 0.999998
- Formula:
- y = ax + b
- a:
- 70.74629
- b:
- −0.11312
- Calibration levels
- Fitted line
- Sample, 7.183 mg/l
HPLC Assay of Umckalin in Afriplex® PelargoniumS70
Umckalin & Scopoletin chemical structure
TLC testing the stability of the analyte Scopoletin.
Clinical Research
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), respiratory tract infections rank among the most significant health challenges worldwide due to their high prevalence and associated economic cost. Children experience an average of 6 to 8 episodes of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) per year, a rate consistent across both developed and developing countries. While most infections affect the upper respiratory tract and manifest as common colds or coughs, their impact on quality of life and healthcare systems is substantial.
Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 addresses this need with clinically validated efficacy. Numerous trials have evaluated its role in alleviating symptoms of respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, rhinopharyngitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections. These findings are supported by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in its herbal monograph (EMA/HMPC/444251/2015), reinforcing the therapeutic relevance of Pelargonium sidoides root extract in modern medicine.
Clinical Trials were conducted on the symptoms of the illnesses below:
Efficacy and safety of an extract of Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630) in adults with acute bronchitis
Clinical studies confirm the superior efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides extract compared to placebo in the treatment of acute bronchitis in adults. Patients receiving the extract experienced a significantly shorter duration of illness, with symptoms reduced more effectively than in the placebo group. Notably, treatment with Pelargonium extract also shortened the period of work incapacity by nearly two days, highlighting its role in faster recovery and improved quality of life.
Treatment of acute bronchitis with liquid herbal drug preparation from Pelargonium sidoides (EPs 7630): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study
The Clinical evidence demonstrates that Pelargonium sidoides extract delivers significant improvements in key bronchitis symptoms, including cough, chest pain during coughing, sputum production, rales/rhonchi, and dyspnoea, compared to placebo. Patient satisfaction was rated as very high, confirming both the effectiveness and tolerability of this herbal treatment. Importantly, the extract provides a safe alternative treatment for acute bronchitis in adults—especially in cases where antibiotic therapy is not indicated—making Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 a valuable solution for modern respiratory care.
Treatment of Acute Bronchitis in Adults With a Pelargonium sidoides Preparation (EPs® 7630): A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Clinical research shows that patients treated with Pelargonium sidoides extract experienced greater improvements in health-related quality of life compared to those receiving placebo. The extract demonstrated superior efficacy in managing acute bronchitis in adults, potentially offering a safe and effective alternative when antibiotics are not clearly indicated.
Efficacy and Tolerability of High-dose Pelargonium Extract in Patients With the Common Cold
After just 10 days of treatment, 63.5% of patients receiving Pelargonium sidoides extract were clinically cured, compared to only 11.8% in the placebo group. In addition, the duration of work incapacity was significantly shorter for those treated with the extract, reinforcing a faster recovery time and a reduction in the impact of illness on daily life.
Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Liquid Pelargonium sidoides Preparation (EPs 7630) in Children with Acute Non-Streptococcal Tonsillopharyngitis
Clinical studies on EPs 7630 in children with acute non-streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis concluded that treatment with Pelargonium sidoides extract not only significantly reduced symptom severity but also shortened the duration of illness by at least two days compared to placebo. These findings highlight Afriplex® PelargoniumS70 as a safe, effective solution for paediatric respiratory care, offering faster recovery for young patients.
Why Choose Afriplex?
Trusted Expertise
With years of experience in the botanical API industry, our team’s knowledge ensures the best possible products for our customers.
Sustainable Practices
We prioritise sustainability in sourcing and manufacturing, allowing us to deliver products that are kind to both our customers and the planet.
Comprehensive Support
From product enquiries to after-sales service, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
