Pelargonium sidoides: A possible preventive role in the development of endodontic flare-up

Purpose: In the presence of acute or chronic inflammation in the periapical tissues caused by various anaerobic and facultative bacteria, it is aimed to create suitable healing conditions by performing successful root canal treatment. However, endodontic flare-ups may occur between appointments, and this may cause discomfort for the patient and damage the patient-clinician relationship. Therefore, in this brief review, it is aimed to describe the possible preventive effects of the natural medicine Pelargonium sidoides extract (EPs® 7630), which has broad anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched and reviewed related to P. sidoides. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects of P. sidoides extract and its chemical constituents in periodontitis and other systemic infections are discussed.
Results: Clinical and in vitro studies have confirmed that P. sidoides extract and some of its fractions may be involved in inflammatory tissue responses by showing immunomodulatory effects in mild infections of periapical tissues. This implies that the natural remedy, EPs® 7630, could be a potential therapeutic and prophylactic medicine for root canal treatments.
Conclusion: This review provides basic information about the immunomodulatory, anti-infective, and anti-inflammatory effects of EPs® 7630 and outlines its possible functions in periradicular tissues as a promising therapeutic medicine.