Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Ground Ivy Herb Extract

Also known as: Ground Ivy, Creeping Charlie, Ground Ivy herb extract, Glechoma hederacea

Overview

Ground Ivy herb extract is derived from the aerial parts of *Glechoma hederacea*, a plant traditionally used in folk medicine. It is classified as a herbal extract, phytomedicine, and botanical supplement. The extract contains various polyphenolic compounds, which are believed to be responsible for its observed antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Historically, it has been applied in traditional medicine for respiratory conditions, particularly cough and bronchitis. While related ivy leaf extracts, such as EA 575, have moderate to high-quality clinical evidence for respiratory benefits, specific high-quality clinical evidence for *Glechoma hederacea* extract itself is limited. Research primarily focuses on its in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.

Benefits

Ground Ivy extract offers several potential benefits, though direct clinical evidence for *Glechoma hederacea* specifically is less robust than for related ivy leaf extracts. For respiratory health, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on ivy leaf dry extract EA 575 (a related but not identical preparation) demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing cough severity and bronchitis symptoms in adults with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs). Patients treated with EA 575 experienced a faster reduction in bronchitis severity and higher rates of complete cough remission compared to placebo, with effects observed approximately 3 days earlier. In terms of antimicrobial activity, ground ivy extract exhibits bacteriostatic effects against common pathogens like *Escherichia coli* and *Staphylococcus aureus* at concentrations around 0.25–0.3 mg/mL, showing stronger activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, in vitro studies indicate significant antioxidant and genoprotective effects, with the extract protecting DNA and proteins from oxidative damage and preserving plasmid DNA supercoiling.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of Ground Ivy extract are primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenolic compounds. These compounds exert antioxidant activity by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby protecting cellular macromolecules like DNA and proteins from oxidative stress. The antimicrobial effects are believed to stem from direct bacteriostatic activity against pathogenic bacteria, particularly Gram-positive species, inhibiting their growth. In the context of respiratory health, similar to related ivy leaf extracts, it is thought to modulate bronchial secretions and reduce inflammation in respiratory tissues, which helps alleviate cough symptoms. However, the specific bioavailability and metabolic pathways of ground ivy extract polyphenols in humans are not yet well characterized.

Side effects

Based on available clinical data for related ivy leaf extracts, the overall safety profile appears favorable, with no major adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials for respiratory indications. However, a specific side effect profile for *Glechoma hederacea* extract alone is not well documented in clinical trials. While not extensively studied, the potential for mild gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions cannot be entirely excluded. Currently, no significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in the reviewed literature for ground ivy extract. It is important to note that the safety of ground ivy extract during pregnancy, lactation, and in pediatric populations remains unestablished due to a lack of specific research in these groups. Users should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant, breastfeeding, or administering to children.

Dosage

There are no established dosing guidelines specifically for *Glechoma hederacea* herb extract due to the limited number of clinical trials directly investigating its efficacy and safety in humans. While clinical trials for related ivy leaf dry extract EA 575 have utilized standardized doses consistent with marketed preparations for respiratory conditions, these dosages cannot be directly extrapolated to ground ivy extract. Optimal dosing, timing of administration, and the most effective formulation for ground ivy extract require further dedicated research. Without specific clinical data, it is not possible to recommend a safe or effective dosage range, upper limits, or safety thresholds for this particular extract. Consumers should be aware that any suggested dosages are speculative and not backed by robust scientific evidence.

FAQs

Is ground ivy extract effective for cough?

Evidence supports ivy leaf extracts (like EA 575) for cough relief in adults with acute respiratory infections. However, direct clinical evidence specifically for *Glechoma hederacea* extract is limited, though it is a related species.

Is it safe?

Related ivy leaf extracts generally have a good safety profile. Ground ivy extract is presumed safe based on traditional use and in vitro studies, but lacks extensive clinical safety data from human trials.

How fast do benefits appear?

For the related ivy leaf extract EA 575, improvement in cough symptoms typically occurs within approximately 3 days of treatment, according to clinical studies.

Can it replace antibiotics?

No, ground ivy extract exhibits bacteriostatic (growth-inhibiting) effects, not bactericidal (bacteria-killing) effects. It should not be used as a substitute for prescribed antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Research Sources

https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0043-1774002 – This meta-analysis of two RCTs on ivy leaf dry extract EA 575 (not specifically ground ivy) found significant efficacy in reducing bronchitis severity and cough faster than placebo in 390 adults with acute respiratory infections. It reported that 56% of patients were cough-free versus 41% in the placebo group at follow-up, indicating high-quality evidence for ivy leaf extract efficacy in cough.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38069297/ – This in vitro study investigated the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and genoprotective effects of ground ivy extract. It demonstrated bacteriostatic activity against *E. coli* and *S. aureus*, along with strong antioxidant and DNA-protective effects, suggesting potential mechanistic insights but lacking clinical data.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10707382/ – This study focused on the comparative antimicrobial activity of ground ivy extracts. It confirmed bacteriostatic effects on pathogenic bacteria, noting stronger activity against Gram-positive species. The research provides moderate quality evidence for the antimicrobial potential of ground ivy but is limited to in vitro findings.