Evidence supporting the use of: Helicteres isora
For the health condition: Cough (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Helicteres isora, commonly known as the Indian screw tree, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic and other traditional medicine systems to manage cough and related respiratory ailments. Its fruits, roots, and bark are mentioned in classical texts and ethnobotanical surveys as remedies for cough, sore throat, and bronchial conditions, often administered in the form of decoctions or powders. The traditional justification stems from its demulcent, expectorant, and soothing properties described in folk medicine.
There is limited scientific validation for these uses. Some preliminary pharmacological studies indicate that extracts of Helicteres isora possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which could theoretically contribute to relief in cough-related symptoms, though these studies are generally in vitro or conducted on animal models, not humans. The specific mechanisms, active constituents, and clinical efficacy for cough are not well established in peer-reviewed clinical trials. As such, while its use is well-rooted in tradition, scientific evidence remains modest and largely preclinical.
Other ingredients used for Cough (general)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
apple
waterhyssop
bamboo
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
Indian frankincense
carrot
cassia bark
cat's claw
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
clove
cowage seed
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
glehnia root
grape
greek mountain tea
onion
green tea
heartwood
Indian tinospora
jujube
lemon
licorice root
lovage
marshmallow
nettle
ophiopogon root
orange
oregano
parsley
pear
perilla
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
plum fruit
polygala root
pomegranate
pumpkin
raspberry
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
zhejiang fritillary
zinc
sarsaparilla
boneset
mullein
tangerine
hyssop
atractylodes
lobelia
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
pistacia integerrima gall
punarnava
fumaria parviflora
prickly ash
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
root tuber
silk tree
juniper berries
amber
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
eucalyptus
menthol oil
peach
abies spectabilis
horehound
soursop
Alcohol
Aralia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
acacia
Agave
Allicin
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Andrographolide
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Arrowroot
Andrographis
Alsonia scholaris
Allyl Sulfide
Aspen
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Blepharis
Bayleaf
Blackbrush
Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
Bael
Butternut
berry
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Borage
banana
Bassia scoparia
Burning Bush
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Coconut
Cactus
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Chenopodium
Cistus
Common madia
Cubeb
Cowslip
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Calamus
Coin-leaf desmodium
Cyanthillium cinereum
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Chekiang Fritillary
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Currant
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Desmodium
Dichrostachys glomerata
Empresstree
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
European Field Elm
Ephedrine
Embelia
Fig
Garlic
Galangal
Himalayan Salt
Ivy
Lily
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sumac
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Helicteres isora
Abdominal PainAbscesses
Acid Indigestion
Anemia
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Cholera
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Colitis
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis