Pelargonium Sidoides Discovery Challenge
Reveal what lies hidden at the root!
Pelargonium sidoides root extracts such as EPs® 7630 are the basis of well-established phytopharmaceuticals used in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. Despite extensive research, the phytochemical complexity of these extracts is not yet fully understood. We believe that the next generation of analytical technologies and data analysis approaches can help uncover what remains hidden.
Through the Pelargonium Sidoides Discovery Challenge, we aim to bring together leading experts in analytical chemistry, phytochemistry, and data science to advance our understanding of this unique medicinal plant. Published studies show that EPs® 7630 contains a diverse array of constituents, including oligomeric prodelphinidins, carbohydrates, peptides, purine derivatives, highly substituted benzopyranones, and other unusual compounds.1, 2, 3
Remarkable structural diversity has been described within several of these classes, while approximately 20–30% of the extract remains only partially characterized.4
In recent years, analytical technologies and data analysis have advanced considerably. Modern mass spectrometry, NMR methods, and AI‑assisted data analysis now offer new opportunities to explore complex natural product mixtures in greater depth.
We are interested in approaches that can help identify, quantify, and structurally elucidate previously uncharacterized constituents—especially secondary metabolites—and to further expand the phytochemical map of Pelargonium sidoides and EPs® 7630.
Who we’re looking for
We seek specialists in advanced analytical disciplines with deep expertise that goes beyond standard, state-of-the-art workflows. We welcome approaches that deliver unique capabilities, novel interpretation strategies, and proprietary know-how that can unlock insights difficult or impossible to obtain with conventional methods.
Our approach
We believe that meaningful innovation arises from combining complementary expertise. Through this Challenge, we aim to collaborate with academic groups, research institutes, and specialized technology providers capable of contributing unique analytical capabilities.
Do you have unique analytical capabilities?
If your approach can uncover previously uncharacterized constituents, provide deeper structural insight, or reveal new perspectives hidden within complex analytical datasets, we would like to hear from you!
Selected projects may receive funding and the opportunity to work on a scientifically relevant challenge within evidence-based phytomedicine.
Join the Pelargonium Sidoides Discovery Challenge and help us uncover what lies hidden at the root.
Any questions before submission? Please feel free to contact us at phyto-innovation@schwabe-group.com.
1 Hauer, Hermann, et al. "Benzopyranones and their sulfate esters from Pelargonium sidoides." Planta medica 76.04 (2010): 350-352.
2 Kulić, Ž., et al. "Short Lecture “Flavonoid sulfates in Pelargonium sidoides root extract EPs® 7630”." Planta Medica 88.15 (2022): SL-E10.
3 Schötz, K., et al. "Sidoamidines–8-(pyrrolidine-1-carboximidamide-2-yl)-(epi) gallocatechinsNew components in the Pelargonium sidoides extract EPs® 7630." Planta Medica 85.18 (2019): P-383.
4 Schoetz, Karl, et al. "A detailed view on the constituents of EPs® 7630." Planta medica 74.06 (2008): 667-674.