Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Common Ivy, English Ivy, Ivy leaf extract, EA 575®, Hedera helix
Overview
Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract is a botanical supplement derived from the leaves of *Hedera helix*, commonly known as Common Ivy or English Ivy. It is traditionally and increasingly used in modern herbal medicine as an expectorant and antitussive agent, primarily for the symptomatic treatment of respiratory conditions such as cough and bronchitis. The extract contains active compounds, notably saponins like hederacoside C, along with other phytochemicals, which are believed to exert mucolytic (mucus-thinning), bronchodilatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. While the specific glycerite form uses glycerin as a solvent for oral administration, much of the robust clinical research, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses, has focused on standardized dry ivy leaf extracts, particularly EA 575®. This research supports its efficacy and safety in managing acute cough associated with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), demonstrating significant symptom relief and improved recovery rates.
Benefits
Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract, particularly standardized forms like EA 575® dry extract, offers significant benefits for acute respiratory conditions. Its primary benefit is the statistically significant reduction in acute cough severity associated with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Meta-analyses of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrate that EA 575® leads to faster symptom relief and statistically significant improvements in the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) compared to placebo (p < 0.001). Patients treated with ivy extract experience faster recovery and higher rates of being cough-free at the end of treatment and follow-up (e.g., 18.1% vs. 9.3% cough-free at treatment end; 56.2% vs. 25.6% at follow-up compared to placebo). The effect size shows a BSS reduction of approximately 8.6 ± 0.2 points with EA 575® versus 6.2 ± 0.2 with placebo after 7 days. Secondary benefits include an overall improvement in quality of life due to symptom relief. The evidence is strongest for adults with acute respiratory infections, though some studies include children. The extract is well-tolerated, with no significant increase in adverse events compared to placebo, further supporting its use for acute cough.
How it works
Ivy leaf extracts exert their therapeutic effects primarily through the action of saponins, such as hederacoside C. These compounds are thought to stimulate bronchial secretions, which helps to thin and loosen mucus, thereby facilitating its clearance from the airways (mucolytic action). Additionally, saponins exhibit bronchodilatory effects by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways, potentially through modulation of β2-adrenergic receptors or calcium channels, which can ease breathing and reduce coughing. Anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute by reducing inflammation in the airways. While most clinical data are from dry extracts, glycerite extracts are designed to provide good solubility and bioavailability of these active compounds, allowing for effective absorption and action within the body.
Side effects
Common Ivy extracts are generally well tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to placebo in clinical trials. Serious adverse effects are rare. The most commonly reported side effects, though infrequent (less than 5%), include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and occasional allergic reactions, which may manifest as skin rashes or itching. Individuals with a known allergy to ivy or other plants in the Araliaceae family should avoid its use. No significant drug interactions have been consistently identified in the literature, and there are no widely recognized contraindications other than hypersensitivity. However, safety data for use during pregnancy and lactation are limited and not well established, so caution is advised in these populations. As with any herbal supplement, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
The recommended dosage for Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract should ideally align with the concentrations used in clinical trials for standardized dry extracts, such as EA 575®. These studies typically utilized doses equivalent to approximately 35–70 mg of dry ivy leaf extract per day, often divided into multiple doses. For glycerite liquid extracts, the specific dosage will vary by product concentration, but manufacturers usually provide instructions to achieve an equivalent therapeutic dose. For acute cough relief, treatment duration in studies is generally around 7 days. It is crucial to follow the product-specific dosing instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure both efficacy and safety, as the concentration of active compounds can differ between preparations. There are no established upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the recommended daily doses, and long-term use data are limited, suggesting it is best suited for short-term management of acute symptoms.
FAQs
Is ivy leaf glycerite extract effective for cough?
Yes, especially standardized extracts like EA 575® have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing acute cough severity associated with respiratory infections in clinical trials and meta-analyses.
Is it safe to use Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract?
Yes, clinical trials indicate that ivy leaf extracts have a safety profile comparable to placebo, with mild and infrequent side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
How quickly does Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract work?
Symptom improvement, particularly cough relief, can be observed as early as 2 days into treatment, with continued and significant benefits typically seen over a 7-day course.
Can Common Ivy Glycerite Liquid Extract be used long-term?
Evidence primarily supports short-term use for acute cough relief. Long-term safety data are limited, so it is generally recommended for acute symptomatic treatment rather than chronic use.
Research Sources
- https://www.efsm.online/int_en/article-overview/108/2023/promoted-to-the-highest-evidence-class-meta-analysis-supports-the-evidence-for-ea-575-r-in-treating-acute-cough – This systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the superiority of EA 575® over placebo across various parameters for acute respiratory infections. It elevated the evidence for EA 575® to an Ia level, indicating high-quality, robust evidence and good tolerability, classifying it at a Cochrane-level standard.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9681772/ – This meta-analysis of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials involving 390 adults demonstrated that EA 575® significantly reduced cough severity (BSS), led to faster recovery, and resulted in higher cough-free rates. The study found no significant safety concerns, highlighting the high quality and robust methodology of the included trials.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Systematic-Review-of-Clinical-Trials-Assessing-the-Holzinger-Chenot/235cffacbc85ae14e8064ab763bfab81bf854094 – This systematic review assessed various clinical trials for URTI symptom relief, concluding that there was no convincing evidence for ivy extract alone, suggesting that combinations with thyme might be more effective. However, the review noted methodological flaws and heterogeneity in the included studies, which may limit its conclusions compared to more recent, higher-quality meta-analyses.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK81304/ – This source provides general information on Hedera helix, including its traditional uses and chemical constituents. While not a specific clinical trial, it offers foundational knowledge about the plant's properties and historical applications, which underpins its use in modern herbal medicine for respiratory conditions.