Coughing is one of the most common complaints that leads people to visit their doctor. Coughs can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, from the common cold to more serious diseases like pneumonia or lung cancer. While coughs often resolve on their own, they can also linger for weeks and cause great discomfort. This has led many people to search for natural remedies to help soothe cough and relieve symptoms.
One natural remedy that has gained attention in recent years is ivy leaf extract. Ivy leaf contains compounds like saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides that are thought to have expectorant, antispasmodic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Proponents claim that ivy leaf can thin mucus, calm coughs, and speed recovery from respiratory tract infections. However, the evidence on ivy leaf extract is limited, and its effectiveness for cough is still up for debate.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the evidence on ivy leaf extract for cough. We’ll cover topics like:
What is ivy leaf extract?
What are the proposed benefits for cough?
What does the research say?
Are there any risks or side effects?
What are the recommended dosages?
How does it compare to conventional cough medicines?
Conclusion
Learning more about this popular herbal extract can help you make an informed decision about whether it may be helpful for cough symptoms.
What is Ivy Leaf Extract?
Ivy leaf extract is a supplement made from the leaves of the common ivy plant, Hedera helix. Also known as English ivy, this plant is native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It’s an evergreen climbing vine that is often seen growing on walls and trees (1).
For medicinal purposes, ivy leaf extracts are made from the young leaves harvested in springtime. The leaves are rich in certain active plant compounds, including:
– Saponins: These chemical compounds give ivy leaf its expectorant and antimicrobial properties (2).
– Flavonoids: These antioxidants may provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immune-boosting effects (3).
– Polyphenols like rutin: These compounds act as antioxidants in the body (4).
– Polysaccharides: These carbohydrates stimulate the immune system (5).
Ivy leaf extract is available in various forms, including syrups, teas, tablets, and capsules. It can be purchased online or at most health food stores as an oral supplement. Ivy leaf extracts are also sometimes added to certain over-the-counter cough syrups.
Common Uses
Ivy leaf has been used since ancient times for various respiratory conditions. Today, it’s most commonly used for:
– Coughs – Ivy leaf is often taken to help relieve coughs from colds, flu, bronchitis, and other respiratory tract infections. Its proposed benefits include thinning mucus, calming coughs, and having antibacterial effects.
– Asthma – Some herbalists recommend ivy leaf for asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. However, there is no good evidence to support this use.
– Congestion – Ivy leaf may help clear nasal congestion and act as a decongestant due to its saponins. Some people take it for sinusitis.
– Bronchitis – The antibacterial and mucus-clearing effects may benefit acute bronchitis. Some use ivy leaf to help speed recovery.
Despite these common uses, it’s important to note that ivy leaf extract has not been extensively studied for most conditions. Its benefits and safety for issues like asthma and bronchitis are still uncertain.
What Are the Proposed Benefits for Cough?
When it comes to cough, ivy leaf extract is primarily used for its expectorant and antispasmodic effects:
Expectorant Effects
The saponins in ivy leaf are thought to help thin mucus secretions in the airways, making coughs more productive. This may allow people to cough up phlegm more easily (6).
Thinning mucus and having an expectorant effect could benefit coughs caused by excess mucus production. This includes coughs from the common cold, flu, bronchitis, or environmental irritants.
According to herbal medicine principles, stimulating a productive cough helps clear congestion more quickly and speeds resolution of respiratory infections (7).
Antispasmodic Effects
Ivy leaf extract may help relieve coughs by reducing bronchial spasms, based on its antispasmodic properties. Spasms of the airways can trigger cough reflexes (8).
Saponins and flavonoids in ivy leaf are thought to provide a relaxing effect on the bronchial smooth muscle. This may suppress coughs caused by bronchial constriction and irritation (9).
By reducing spasms in the respiratory tract, ivy leaf preparations may act similarly to cough suppressants like dextromethorphan. However, ivy leaf is considered gentler and has not been linked to the same adverse effects.
Other Potential Benefits
A few other ways ivy leaf could help with cough include:
– Having antimicrobial effects against bacteria that cause respiratory infections (10).
– Providing anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce swelling in the airways (11).
– Containing antioxidants that may support the immune system.
However, more research is needed to confirm these additional effects for cough.
What Does the Research Say?
Most interest in using ivy leaf extract for coughs comes from traditional use and anecdotal reports. But what does the scientific evidence currently say? Let’s review some of the main research to date.
Clinical Research in Humans
There have been a handful of clinical trials testing ivy leaf extract on humans with coughs and respiratory infections:
In one study of 171 adults with acute bronchitis, an ivy leaf extract cough syrup improved cough symptoms over 4 weeks compared to placebo. However, there was no difference in sputum production between groups (12).
Another trial in 37 children found that a combination of thyme and ivy leaf extracts significantly improved cough symptoms compared to placebo in bronchitis. Ivy leaf extract alone was not tested (13).
One clinical trial found ivy leaf extract reduced cough symptoms in people with chronic bronchitis compared to those given a placebo syrup. Benefits were comparable to the cough medicine ambroxol (14).
Some studies have shown benefits of ivy leaf for cough combined with other herbs. However, evidence for ivy leaf extract specifically is still considered weak according to one review (15).
Overall, the current evidence base in humans is limited to just a handful of trials. Larger, more robust studies are still needed.
Test Tube and Animal Studies
In addition to human studies, some lab and animal research suggests:
– Ivy leaf extracts display antimicrobial activity against bacteria involved in respiratory infections (16).
– Ivy leaf eases coughing and has a relaxing effect on airway smooth muscle in animal models (17).
– Specific compounds in ivy leaf like hederacoside C have an expectorant effect by irritating bronchial mucosa (18).
However, these types of preliminary studies are considered much weaker forms of evidence compared to human trials.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
Ivy leaf extracts are generally well tolerated when used appropriately based on the existing research. Reported side effects are rare but can include (19):
– Nausea or intestinal upset
– Dizziness
– Rash
Severe allergic reactions are possible in those with sensitivities. Seek medical help if signs of anaphylaxis occur.
Certain groups should use caution with ivy leaf extracts:
Babies and Children
Ivy leaf is not recommended for children under the age of 2. Always consult a pediatrician before giving any herbal remedy to a child.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
There is not enough safety data to recommend ivy leaf use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s best to avoid use or stick to food amounts.
Those with Kidney Problems
Ivy leaf may exacerbate kidney dysfunction due to its high saponin content. It’s best avoided in those with kidney disorders.
Those Taking Certain Medications
Ivy leaf can interact with lithium, digoxin, diuretics, insulin, and other medications. Check with your pharmacist before using ivy leaf supplements.
As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor before using ivy leaf extracts if you have any medical conditions or take medications.
What Are the Recommended Dosages?
There is no standard recommended dosage for ivy leaf extract. The amount used in studies ranges quite a bit:
– For adults, dosages are typically around 200-500 mg up to 3 times per day.
– For children 2-12 years old, daily doses of 50-150 mg in divided doses are often suggested.
– For cough syrups, the concentration is often 5% ivy leaf extract or around 50 mg per teaspoon.
– For dry, irritating coughs, higher doses up to 1200 mg per day can be used but only for up to 1 week.
Ivy leaf extract can be taken for 4-6 weeks as needed to manage cough symptoms. It’s best to start with lower doses and adjust based on your response.
Follow instructions on the specific product you purchase and check with a doctor for personalized dosage guidance. Pay close attention to the concentration of the extract in different preparations.
How Does It Compare to Conventional Cough Medicines?
Most over-the-counter cough medications fit into three main categories (20):
Expectorants
Expectorants like guaifenesin (Mucinex) thin mucus to help clear airways. Ivy leaf is thought to act as a natural expectorant.
Cough Suppressants
Cough suppressants like dextromethorphan (Robitussin) reduce cough reflexes. Ivy leaf may similarly have an antispasmodic effect to suppress coughs.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) reduce histamine production and drying secretions. Ivy leaf does not act as an antihistamine.
Compared to these conventional options, ivy leaf extract has the advantages of being:
– Natural and generally well tolerated
– Able to thin mucus while also soothing spasmodic coughs
– Non-drying unlike antihistamine cough formulas
However, while ivy leaf shows promise based on some preliminary evidence and traditional use, more research is still needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety compared to proven OTC cough remedies. It likely provides modest benefits at best.
Those seeking natural cough relief may want to try ivy leaf extracts, but should temper expectations. It’s no miracle cure for coughs.
Conclusion
To summarize key points covered in this article:
– Ivy leaf extract is a herbal supplement made from the leaves of Hedera helix. It contains compounds like saponins and flavonoids.
– In folk medicine, ivy leaf is used for respiratory issues like cough, asthma, and bronchitis. It’s thought to help by thinning mucus and reducing cough spasms.
– Clinical evidence for ivy leaf extract specifically is limited to a handful of studies showing potential benefits for cough. More rigorous research is still needed.
– Ivy leaf is well tolerated in most people at appropriate doses. However, certain groups like children, pregnant women, and those with kidney issues need to exercise caution.
– Typical dosage ranges are 50-500 mg taken up to 3 times per day. It can be used for 4-6 weeks as needed for cough symptoms.
– Ivy leaf may provide natural benefits similar to conventional expectorants and cough suppressants. However, its effects appear modest based on current evidence.
In conclusion, ivy leaf extract shows some promise for cough relief in early research but is not a proven remedy. While some may find it helps soothe cough symptoms, its benefits are likely small compared to mainstream medicines. Talk to your doctor before using ivy leaf preparations to determine if it may be appropriate for your individual case. More human studies are warranted to confirm effectiveness and ideal usage.
| Pros of Ivy Leaf Extract for Cough | Cons of Ivy Leaf Extract for Cough |
|---|---|
| May help thin mucus and clear airways | Limited clinical evidence specifically for cough |
| May reduce cough spasms | Small number of human studies performed |
| Well tolerated by most people | Appears to offer modest benefits at best |
| Few side effects reported | Safety in pregnancy, breastfeeding uncertain |
| Natural supplement option | Not superior to proven OTC cough medicines |