Evidence supporting the use of: Vasicine
For the health condition: Congestion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Vasicine is an alkaloid extracted from the plant Adhatoda vasica, commonly known as Malabar nut. Its use for treating or supporting congestion is backed by both traditional Ayurvedic practices and a moderate amount of scientific research. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that vasicine exhibits bronchodilatory and expectorant properties. For example, animal studies have shown that vasicine can relax the bronchial smooth muscles, enhance mucociliary clearance, and facilitate the removal of sputum. These effects are believed to be mediated through inhibition of phosphodiesterase and stimulation of the respiratory tract’s secretory cells, thereby thinning and loosening mucus. Moreover, vasicine has been shown to have mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may further contribute to its efficacy in respiratory conditions with congestion.
While clinical evidence in humans is limited and mostly derived from studies involving polyherbal formulations that include vasicine, the traditional use and consistent preclinical data support its use for respiratory congestion. Therefore, the evidence level is moderate (rated 3/5), as more robust human clinical trials are needed to establish definitive efficacy and safety profiles for vasicine as a standalone treatment for congestion.
Other ingredients used for Congestion
allspicebasil
beta-pinene
betel
black currant
black pepper
chamomile
citrus oil
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
horseradish
licorice root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
squawvine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
mugwort
malabar nut
ferula assafoetida
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
buckthorn
lemongrass
yerba santa
coltsfoot
sweet flag
trichosanthes
birch
eucalyptus
menthol oil
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
akebia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Arisaema
Atractylone
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
berry
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Ephedra
European Elder
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Ivy
Mallow
Vervain