Evidence supporting the use of: Ivy
For the health condition: Congestion

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Synopsis

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

Ivy (most commonly referring to Hedera helix, or English ivy) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory ailments, especially cough and congestion. In modern times, scientific research has investigated standardized ivy leaf extracts for their efficacy in supporting respiratory health. The main active components, such as saponins (notably alpha-hederin), are believed to have expectorant, bronchodilatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. Several clinical studies and systematic reviews have found that ivy leaf extract can help improve symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis, including reducing cough frequency and aiding mucus clearance, which can relieve congestion. For example, a 2017 systematic review in the journal Phytomedicine concluded that ivy leaf extract is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of productive cough associated with upper respiratory tract infections. However, the quality of some of these studies is moderate, and there is variability in the preparations and dosages used. Overall, the evidence supporting the use of ivy leaf extract for respiratory congestion is stronger than for many other herbal remedies, but it is not as robust as for standard pharmaceutical treatments. The use is supported by both tradition and a moderate level of scientific validation.

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