Immune response to Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs® 7630 (Umckaloabo®) in serum and nasal mucosa in athletes after exhaustive exercise

Introduction: Exhaustive exercise may compromise the immune response as revealed mainly by upper respiratory tract infections. This effect may be related to the decrease in secretory immunoglobulin A and/or changes in the profile of cytokines in the upper airway mucosa as well as systemic cytokines. A special herbal drug preparation, an extract of the roots of Pelargonium sidoides, EPs® 7630 (in Germany marketed as Umckaloabo®), is currently used to treat infections that affect the upper airways. Objective: To evaluate the action of Umckaloabo® on the immune response of athletes submitted to an exhaustive runnin…