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English Ivy Leaf Extract

Q: Is English Ivy leaf extract safe?

English Ivy leaf extract is generally safe for short-term use but should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.

Q: How should I take English Ivy leaf extract?

It is recommended to take the extract three times daily for up to 7 days for the treatment of cough associated with URTIs and bronchitis.

Q: What results can I expect from taking English Ivy leaf extract?

Patients can expect a significant reduction in cough severity and frequency within 7 days of treatment, particularly with the EA 575® formulation.

Q: Is English Ivy leaf extract effective for all types of coughs?

The evidence is strongest for its effectiveness in treating acute coughs associated with URTIs and bronchitis, not for all types of coughs.

Also known as: Hedera helix, English Ivy, Ivy Leaf

Overview

English Ivy (*Hedera helix*) is an evergreen vine native to Europe and Asia, with its leaves commonly extracted for medicinal purposes. Primarily, it is used to alleviate coughs associated with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and bronchitis. The extract is thought to possess expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in thinning mucus and enhancing lung function. Research on English Ivy leaf extract is moderately mature, featuring several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, although some studies have methodological limitations. The quality of evidence varies, but recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses have improved the overall evidence base, particularly for the specific extract EA 575®. It is available in various forms, including syrups and tablets, and is generally considered safe for short-term use.

Benefits

English Ivy leaf extract, particularly the EA 575® formulation, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing cough severity. A meta-analysis of two RCTs using EA 575® showed a significant reduction in cough severity, with the area under the curve (AUC) of cough severity scores (VAS) lower in the treatment group, indicating a reduction of 1501 score points/hour (95% CI 1070–1932; p < 0.001) after 7 days. The same meta-analysis found that 93.4% of patients treated with EA 575® were considered responders (improvement of at least 4 points on the BSS) compared to 76.5% in the placebo group (p < 0.01). Some studies suggest that ivy leaf extract may also have antioxidant effects and help in reducing the frequency and duration of cough, although these findings are less consistent across studies. The extract is effective in both adult and pediatric populations for treating cough due to URTIs and bronchitis.

How it works

The precise mechanism of action for English Ivy leaf extract is not fully elucidated, but it is believed to involve both expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. Components such as α-hederin may influence the binding behavior and regulation of β2-adrenergic receptors, potentially contributing to its therapeutic effects. The extract interacts with the respiratory system by thinning mucus and improving lung function. While specific molecular targets are not well-defined, the extract's components are thought to influence various pathways related to inflammation and airway function. The efficacy in clinical trials suggests adequate bioavailability when administered orally.

Side effects

English Ivy leaf extract, especially the EA 575® formulation, is generally considered safe for short-term use (up to 7 days) in treating cough due to URTIs and bronchitis. There are no commonly reported side effects at a frequency greater than 5% in the available studies. No specific uncommon or rare side effects are consistently reported across studies. English Ivy may interact with medications metabolized by the liver, specifically those involving the CYP2C19, CYP2C8, and CYP2D6 pathways. Due to insufficient reliable information, it is recommended to avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Specific cough syrups containing English Ivy leaf extract are possibly safe for children when taken three times daily for up to 7 days.

Dosage

The optimal dosage range for English Ivy leaf extract is generally 35-50 mg of dry extract, taken three times daily. The EA 575® formulation, a dry ivy leaf extract, is the most studied and recommended form. Doses are typically administered three times daily. The maximum safe dose for short-term use (up to 7 days) is not explicitly defined, but doses above 50 mg per dose are not commonly studied. There is limited information on factors affecting absorption, but oral administration is the standard method. No specific cofactors are required for the efficacy of English Ivy leaf extract.

FAQs

Is English Ivy leaf extract safe?

English Ivy leaf extract is generally safe for short-term use but should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data.

How should I take English Ivy leaf extract?

It is recommended to take the extract three times daily for up to 7 days for the treatment of cough associated with URTIs and bronchitis.

What results can I expect from taking English Ivy leaf extract?

Patients can expect a significant reduction in cough severity and frequency within 7 days of treatment, particularly with the EA 575® formulation.

Is English Ivy leaf extract effective for all types of coughs?

The evidence is strongest for its effectiveness in treating acute coughs associated with URTIs and bronchitis, not for all types of coughs.

Research Sources

https://www.efsm.online/int_en/article-overview/108/2023/promoted-to-the-highest-evidence-class-meta-analysis-supports-the-evidence-for-ea-575-r-in-treating-acute-cough – This meta-analysis of RCTs supports the use of EA 575® in treating acute cough. The study showed a significant reduction in cough severity and higher responder rates compared to placebo, indicating its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33523253/ – This systematic review indicates that ivy leaf extract is effective and safe for treating cough due to URTIs and bronchitis in both adults and children. However, the clinical significance of the effects is considered minimal and of uncertain importance.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-465/english-ivy – WebMD provides general information on English Ivy, noting its traditional use for respiratory ailments. It highlights the plant's potential benefits but also cautions about the need for more rigorous scientific validation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2011/382789 – This study explores the potential mechanisms of action of ivy leaf extract, suggesting its components may influence pathways related to inflammation and airway function. It provides insights into how the extract may exert its therapeutic effects on the respiratory system.
https://www.cochranelibrary.com/content?templateType=related&urlTitle=%2Fcentral%2Fdoi%2F10.1002%2Fcentral%2FCN-01455260&doi=10.1002%2Fcentral%2FCN-01455260&p_p_id=scolariscontentdisplay_WAR_scolariscontentdisplay&_scolariscontentdisplay_WAR_scolariscontentdisplay_action=related-content&p_p_lifecycle=0&p_p_mode=view&type=central&contentLanguage= – This Cochrane Library entry likely contains a review or protocol related to interventions for cough. While the specific findings require direct access, Cochrane reviews are generally considered high-quality assessments of evidence-based healthcare.