Evidence supporting the use of: Alkaloid
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)

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Synopsis

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

Alkaloids have a long history of use in traditional medicine for the treatment of cough, particularly spastic or dry coughs. Notably, alkaloids such as codeine (derived from the opium poppy) and noscapine have been used as antitussive agents in various cultures. In traditional systems, these compounds were valued for their ability to suppress the cough reflex, providing relief from persistent, non-productive coughing. The use of alkaloid-containing plants, such as Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), in cough syrups and remedies dates back centuries. These remedies were included in pharmacopeias and traditional pharmacopoeial texts of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. While there is traditional support and some clinical evidence for specific alkaloids like codeine, the broader category of "alkaloids" encompasses many compounds with widely varying effects. Not all alkaloids are antitussive. The evidence rating reflects the strong traditional use and moderate scientific validation for a few specific alkaloids, rather than the entire class. Today, codeine remains one of the most widely used antitussives, supporting the historical precedent, though concerns about dependence and side effects have led to more cautious use. Overall, the support for alkaloids in treating spastic cough is rooted in traditional medicine, with certain compounds also validated by modern clinical practice.

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