Evidence supporting the use of: Guaco
For the health condition: Cough (spastic)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Guaco (Mikania glomerata or Mikania laevigata) has a long history of use in South American traditional medicine, particularly in Brazil, as a remedy for cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments. Its use for spastic cough is rooted primarily in folk practices, where infusions, syrups, and teas made from the leaves are commonly administered to alleviate cough and ease breathing. The traditional rationale is based on the plant's reputed bronchodilator and expectorant properties, believed to stem from active compounds such as coumarin and kaurenoic acid.
Scientific investigation into Guaco’s efficacy is limited but not entirely absent. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest mild bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects; for instance, coumarin from Guaco has shown smooth muscle relaxation in airway tissues in laboratory settings. However, robust clinical trials in humans are sparse, and the evidence supporting its effectiveness for spastic cough remains weak by modern pharmacological standards.
In summary, Guaco’s application for spastic cough relies mainly on tradition, with only limited scientific exploration and insufficient clinical validation. While some biologically plausible mechanisms have been described, current evidence does not strongly support its efficacy or safety for this indication according to contemporary standards.
Other ingredients used for Cough (spastic)
Abies spectabilisAcacia
Aconite
Adenophora
Aerva lanata
Agastache
Alantolactone
Albizia
Alcohol
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
alpinia galangal
ambergris
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andrographolide
anise
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apple
Aralia
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Asam gelugor
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atractylodes
atractylone
Baccharoides anthelmintica
balloon flower
bayleaf
Belamcanda
benegut perilla (proprietary)
Bergenia
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
black salt
black seed
boneset
borage
Buddha\'s hand
cactus
calamus
capsaicin
capsicum
cat's claw
Chekiang Fritillary
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
Chondrus
cineole
cinnamaldehyde
cinnamon
Cistus
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Cnidium
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cowage seed
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elecampane
ephedrine
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glehnia root
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Guaco
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inula racemosa
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platycodon root
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