Did you know that the leaves of the ivy plant (Hedera helix) have been historically used as a herbal medicine to treat various ailments?1 One of the traditional uses of this plant is for the treatment of coughs.1
How does it work?
Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract contains many compounds, like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and saponins.2 Saponins (like hedracoside and hederin) help to loosen and clear excess mucus from the respiratory tract.2 Additionally, certain saponins can relax the muscles in the respiratory system, further relieving respiratory symptoms.3
What does the science say?
1) Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract is fast-acting
In one study, researchers evaluated how well ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract works in the treatment of coughs.2 Patients were split into two groups, with one being treated with a syrup containing the ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract, and the other being treated with an inactive placebo.2 Throughout the treatment, the researchers measured the severity of the patients’ coughs.3
The study found that just 48 hours after treatment, there was a significant improvement in the severity of coughs in patients treated with ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract compared to the placebo group.2 This study may indicate that the extract has a rapid onset of efficacy.2
Improvement in Average Cough Severity Scores
2) Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract reduces cough severity
Many research findings support the ability of ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract to reduce cough severity compared to a placebo treatment.1
One study found that in patients treated with ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract, cough severity decreased significantly compared to the placebo group following 7 days of treatment.2 This was evaluated with the bronchitis severity score (BSS), which was used to measure changes in the severity of cough and bronchitis symptoms throughout the study.2
Another study found that treatment using ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract significantly reduced cough severity scores.3 Here, cough severity was also measured using the BSS, and those treated with the plant extract showed improvements in symptoms such as coughs, sputum (expelled mucus), coughing fits, rales (crackling sounds), chest pain, and shortness of breath.3
3) Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract shows comparable efficacy to established treatments
Another study compared how well plant extracts work at treating cough severity in comparison with an established medication.4 Here, patients were treated with either ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract or acetylcysteine, and the severity of coughing was measured at the start and end of treatment.4
Results from this study found a significant improvement in coughing symptoms for both groups.4 Interestingly, there was no statistical difference between the degree of cough improvement between the two groups.4 This suggests that ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract may be comparable to acetylcysteine in its ability to improve coughing symptoms.
Improvement in Average Cough Symptom Scores
Looking for relief from a cough? Choose Hedervy. Formulated with an equivalent concentration (Drug Extract Ratio; DER) of dried ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract used in these clinical studies (5-7.5:1), Hedervy can help offer much-needed relief. Designed to alleviate coughs, reduce phlegm, ease mucus congestion, and soothe throat irritation, opt for Hedervy to address your respiratory health needs effectively!
The content here is for information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
- European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-hedera-helix-l-folium-revision-2_en.pdf. 16 May 2024.
- Schaefer A, et al. Pharmazie. 2016;71(9):504–9.
- Cwientzek U, et al. Phytomedicine. 2011;18(13):1105–9.
- Kruttschnitt E, et al. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020;2020(1):1–7.