Baccharoides anthelmintica (syn. Vernonia anthelmintica) has a history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and traditional Unani medicine, primarily for its purported antihelminthic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In some ethnobotanical records and regional pharmacopoeias, it has also been used for respiratory complaints, including cough. However, the references to its use specifically for “spastic cough” (a cough characterized by spasms or fits) are limited and not systematic. The traditional use is typically based on empirical knowledge passed down through generations, rather than rigorous clinical observations.

Scientific research on Baccharoides anthelmintica has mainly focused on its antihelminthic and anti-inflammatory activities. There are very few studies examining its effects on respiratory conditions or cough, and none conclusively demonstrate efficacy for spastic cough in laboratory or clinical settings. The available evidence for its use in cough is therefore largely anecdotal and based on traditional herbal practice rather than scientific validation. In summary, the support for its use in treating or supporting spastic cough is rooted in traditional medicine, and the strength of evidence is weak (rated 1 out of 5).