A new study has found that Umcka Coldcare, a proprietary medicine made from Pelargonium sidoides roots and introduced to the U.S. by Nature's Way Products, significantly shortens duration and reduces severity of the common cold.

After five days of treatment, 64% of patients receiving Umcka Coldcare were free of cold symptoms or reported major improvement, compared to only 4% with placebo. During the same period, more than eight out of ten patients returned to 75-100% of their normal activity level -- this being more than double as many as with placebo.

"The rate of recovery in this study was clinically significant," observes doctor David Riley. "Unlike most other cough and cold remedies that simply provide temporary relief, Umcka Coldcare shortens the duration of cold symptoms."

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center study was presented this month at the First International Conference on Natural Products and Molecular Therapy in Cape Town, South Africa, where P. sidoides is a native plant. This is also the region of its medicinal origin as a traditional Zulu remedy.

Previous clinical trials, including a tonsillitis study published in the U.S. journal Alternative and Complementary Therapies (2003), have confirmed the effectiveness of Pelargonium extract in treating sinus, throat and bronchial illnesses. It is among the most widely prescribed cough, cold and upper respiratory therapies in Germany, and is quickly gaining acceptance throughout Western Europe.

"For years German doctors have been prescribing Pelargonium sidoides as a first-line treatment for sinus, throat and bronchial illnesses rather than immediately resorting to antibiotics," says study director Dr. Marianne Heger.

"The new study shows that Umcka Coldcare offers a significant benefit for patients suffering from the common cold."

Umcka Coldcare is the first Pelargonium-based medicine introduced in the U.S. Medicinal use of the pelargonium sidoides roots originates with the native cultures of South Africa, where they were administered in traditional preparations for upper respiratory illnesses. European settlers became aware of their medicinal applications as far back as the 17th century. But not until recent years have modern scientists investigated and clinically validated their efficacy.