Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Malabar nut (Justicia adhatoda) has a long-standing history in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for treating respiratory ailments, especially coughs, including spastic (dry, irritating) coughs. The primary active compound, vasicine, has been shown in multiple scientific studies to possess bronchodilatory, expectorant, and antitussive (cough-suppressing) properties. Animal studies have demonstrated that extracts of Malabar nut can reduce cough frequency and relax bronchial muscles. For example, research published in journals such as "Phytomedicine" and "Indian Journal of Pharmacology" shows that vasicine and vasicinone exert significant bronchodilatory and antitussive effects, comparable in some cases to standard pharmaceutical agents like codeine.

Clinical evidence in humans, while less extensive, also suggests benefit. Several small-scale clinical trials and observational studies in India and other countries have reported reduced cough severity and improved respiratory function in patients with chronic bronchitis and spastic cough when treated with Malabar nut preparations.

Despite promising findings, large, well-controlled clinical trials are still lacking, and most scientific evidence comes from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies or small human studies. Overall, the use of Malabar nut for spastic cough is justified by both tradition and a moderate but growing body of scientific evidence, meriting a mid-level evidence rating.

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Products containing malabar nut

Nature's Sunshine Bronchial Formula (Ayurvedic)
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System