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
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alpha-terpineol
anise
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asafoetida
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atractylodes
atractylone
balsam
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basil
bayleaf
bee products
berry
beta-pinene
betel
birch
bishop\'s weed
bitter grass
black currant
black pepper
black salt
blackboard tree
Bombax
borneol
buckthorn
Buddha\'s hand
cajuput
Camellia sinensis
cardamom
cayenne pepper
chamomile
Chinese raisintree
cineole
Citrus
Clerodendrum trichotomum
coltsfoot
cowherb
Echinacea
echinacea purpurea
Elder
elderberry
Ephedra
ephedrine
essential oil blend
eucalyptus
European Elder
ferula assafoetida
Gallesia
gamma-terpinene
garlic bulb
ginger
green tea
heal-all
honey
Horsemint
horseradish
hyssop
Isatis
Ivy
joe-pye
lemongrass
licorice root
Ligusticum
long pepper
malabar nut
mallow
Meadow sage
Menthol oil
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Nardostachys
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pomegranate
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quercetin
ravinsara
rosemary
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spearmint leaf
squawvine
sweet flag
Szechuan lovage
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thyme
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Vasicine
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Vervain
vitamin C
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Zinc
