Evidence supporting the use of: Hederacoside
For the body system: Bronchials
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Hederacoside is a principal saponin found in the leaves of Hedera helix (common ivy). It is commonly included in herbal preparations intended to support the bronchial system, particularly for relieving symptoms of chronic bronchitis and productive cough. The use of ivy leaf extract as an expectorant is well-established in traditional European medicine, but there is also moderate scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Clinical studies and meta-analyses have shown that standardized ivy leaf extracts—containing hederacoside—can improve bronchial secretions, reduce cough frequency, and facilitate expectoration in both adults and children with acute and chronic bronchitis. The mechanism is thought to involve bronchodilatory, mucolytic, and anti-inflammatory effects, attributed in part to hederacoside and related saponins. Regulatory agencies in Germany and other European countries recognize ivy leaf extract as a supportive treatment for respiratory tract disorders with productive cough. However, most studies are conducted with whole extracts rather than isolated hederacoside, so the individual contribution of hederacoside is inferred but not fully isolated. Overall, the evidence supports the use of hederacoside-containing ivy extracts for bronchial support, though more high-quality, large-scale trials would further clarify the extent of benefit.
Other ingredients that support Bronchials
aloe veraalpha-pinene
astragalus
beta-pinene
chamomile
coleus forskohlii
turmeric
forskohlii root
ginger
ginseng
glehnia root
licorice
marshmallow
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
perilla
platycodon root
purple butterbur root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
thyme
zhejiang fritillary
mullein
catnip
hyssop
lobelia
capsicum
malabar nut
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
tylophora
lingzhi
prickly ash
fritillaria
myrrh
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
tartarian aster
caraway
eucalyptus
camphor oil
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
herbal blend (proprietary)
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Adrenergic amines
Adrenaline
Alsonia scholaris
Adenophora
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Black Seed
Black spruce
Balsam
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Benzoin
Boswellia
Butterbur
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Cineole
Catecholamine
Cajuput
Centipeda
Cowslip
Calamus
Cedrus libani
Chekiang Fritillary
Desmodium
Deerbrush
Ephedra
European Elder
Ephedrine
Elemi
Eriodictyol
Fritillary
Fir
Glehnia littoralis
Guaco
Grindelia
Garrya
Glycyrrhizin
Hederacoside
Ivy
Theophylline