Evidence supporting the use of: Flavonoid glycosides
For the health condition: Cough (dry)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Flavonoid glycosides, a group of plant-derived compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have a long history of use in traditional medicine, especially in herbal remedies for respiratory ailments such as dry cough. Plants rich in flavonoid glycosides—such as elderflower (Sambucus nigra), licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and mullein (Verbascum thapsus)—have been included in traditional cough syrups and teas for centuries. The rationale behind their use is primarily based on their reputed ability to soothe mucous membranes and reduce irritation in the throat, as well as their mild expectorant effects.
However, scientific validation specifically for flavonoid glycosides in the treatment of dry cough is limited. Most evidence comes from in vitro or animal studies demonstrating general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, rather than direct clinical trials on dry cough relief in humans. Some studies suggest flavonoids may modulate immune response and inhibit histamine release, potentially reducing cough reflex sensitivity. Nevertheless, these findings are preliminary and do not constitute robust clinical proof. Thus, the use of flavonoid glycosides for dry cough remains grounded primarily in traditional practice, with a modest (level 2/5) evidence rating due to lack of high-quality clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Cough (dry)
aloe veraalpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
oregano
parsley
pear
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
Indian bael
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
fumaria parviflora
fritillaria
yerba santa
elecampane
dodder
sweet flag
menthol oil
Alcohol
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Ambergris
acacia
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Asam gelugor
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bayleaf
Bael
Butternut
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cistus
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Dichrostachys glomerata
Echinacea
Elder
Ephedrine
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Flavonoid glycosides
Alzheimer's DiseaseAngina
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (prevention)
Colitis
Conjunctivitis
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Fatigue
Free Radical Damage
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)