Suitability of ivy extract for the treatment of paediatric cough

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Herbal Medicine
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Cough and bronchitis are common pediatric respiratory conditions.
• Herbal remedies, including ivy leaf extract, are frequently used for symptomatic relief.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of two ivy leaf extract formulations (syrup and cough drops) in pediatric patients.
• To assess symptom improvement and overall treatment response in children with cough and bronchitis.

Main Methods:

• Two independent, open, non-interventional studies with identical designs were conducted.
• 268 children aged 0-12 years received either ivy leaf syrup or cough drops for up to 14 days.
• Symptom severity was assessed using a verbal rating scale, and global treatment effects, tolerability, and safety were recorded.

Main Results:

• Over 93% of children experienced mild or absent rhinitis, cough, and viscous mucus.
• 96.5% of cases showed a 'good' or 'very good' global treatment effect.
• Tolerability and compliance were rated 'good' to 'very good' in 99-100% of patients.
• Only 1.9% of patients reported mild, non-serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Ivy leaf extract, in both syrup and cough drop formulations, is an effective and safe treatment for cough in children.
• The herbal extract demonstrated high efficacy in reducing key respiratory symptoms.
• Excellent tolerability and safety profiles support its use in pediatric populations.