Systematic Review of Clinical Trials Assessing the Effectiveness of Ivy Leaf (Hedera Helix) for Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Abstract

Introduction. Among nonantibiotic cough remedies, herbal preparations containing extracts from leaves of ivy (Hedera helix) enjoy great popularity. Objective. A systematic review to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of ivy for acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs). Methods. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomized controlled clinical trials and observational studies evaluating the efficacy of ivy preparations for acute URTIs. Study quality was assessed by the Jadad score or the EPHPP tool. Results. 10 eligible studies were identified reporting on 17463 subjects. Studies were heterogeneous in design and conduct; 2 were RCTs. Three studies evaluated a combination of ivy and thyme, 7 studies investigated monopreparations of ivy. Only one RCT (n = 360) investigating an ivy/thyme combination used a placebo control and showed statistically significant superiority in reducing the frequency and duration of cough. All other studies lack a placebo control and show serious methodological flaws. They all conclude that ivy extracts are effective for reducing symptoms of URTI. Conclusion. Although all studies report that ivy extracts are effective to reduce symptoms of URTI, there is no convincing evidence due to serious methodological flaws and lack of placebo controls. The combination of ivy and thyme might be more effective but needs confirmation.

The Protective Effect of α‐Hederin, the Active Constituent of Nigella sativa, on Lung Inflammation and Blood Cytokines in Ovalbumin Sensitized Guinea Pigs

“…Gepdiremen and his colleagues indicated the acute antiinflammatory activity of saponins isolated from ivy such as α-hederin in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema (Gepdiremen et al, 2005). In clinical studies, dry extract of ivy leaves treated acute and chronic inflammatory bronchial diseases and improved symptoms like coughing and viscous mucus as well as lung function parameters (Gulyas et al, 1997;Büechi et al, 2005;Fazio et al, 2009;Holzinger and Chenot, 2010;Cwientzek et al, 2011;Stauss-Grabo et al, 2011).…”

Season of Colds and Flu is in Full Swing: Treating Cough

“…В систе-матическом обзоре, проведенном для оценки препара-тов, содержащих экстракт плюща, сообщается, что, хотя во всех проанализированных исследованиях указыва-ется наличие эффективности, эти исследования имеют серьезные методологические недостатки (в частности, отсутствие плацебо-контроля). Таким образом, доказа-тельства эффективности этого популярного лекарствен-ного растения нельзя назвать убедительными [22].…”

Medical Herbalism and Frequency of Use

“…Ivy leaf contains spooning which are considered to have mucolytic, spasmolytic, bronchodilatory and antibacterial effects (Sieben et al, 2009;Gepdiremen et al, 2005). Despite widespread use of ivy leaf extracts, the effectiveness for the treatment of acute cough is not well established (Holzinger & Chenot, 2011). Other study found most frequently used herbal medicine were species from the genera Urtica (4.13%), Olea (4.13%), Salvia (3.83%), Arctium (3.39%), Hypericum (3.10%), Rubus (2.80%), Centaurium (2.65%), Allium (2.65%), Matricaria (2.51%), Malva (2.21%), Aesculus (2.21%), Betula (2.06%), Achillea (2.06%), Plantago (1.92%), Lavandula (1.92%), Juniperus (1.92%), Mentha (1.77%), Equisetum (1.77%), Fragaria (1.62%), Tilia (1.47%), Thymus (1.47%), Symphytum (1.47%), Artemisia (1.47%) and Arnica (1.47%).…”