Phytochemical complexity, pharmacological significance and developed products of Pelargonium sidoides DC

Pelargonium sidoides DC. is a plant of significant medicinal value that grows naturally in Southern Africa, particularly in Lesotho and South Africa. This plant has been utilised for decades as a traditional medicine by different tribes to treat gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. It has also been widely studied, which has led to its local and international commercial success. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the plant’s phytochemistry, its pharmacological significance and the products produced from the plant’s roots. Different classes of phytochemicals that have been reported from the plant’s extract, such as coumarins and flavonoids, are presented. Extraction techniques and solvents to exploit valuable phytochemicals in P. sidoides are also addressed. The aqueous ethanolic extract of P. sidoides, commercially known as EPs 7630, is evaluated for the clinical treatment of ailments such as acute bronchitis and acute tonsillopharyngitis. In addition, various phytochemical products such as Linctagon and Umckaloabo produced from P. sidoides are discussed. The review also provides information on products currently available in the market and their respective uses. As a result of the significant demand for this plant in the market, this review will further give an insight into the possibility of commercially cultivating P. sidoides to meet market needs, to avoid depleting the naturally occurring plants.