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English Ivy
(Hedera helix)
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| Introduction |
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| Ivy has made a home for itself in many corners of the earth. In addition to flourishing in the United States, it grows across Europe and into northern and central Asia. Ivy is cultivated for use in gardens around the world to climb along trellises and as a ground cover. As a medicinal agent, ivy leaf has traditionally been used in the relief of respiratory inflammation, as a treatment for intestinal parasites, and as an agent to reduce fever and induce sweating. Supplement makers derive an extract of the active components of ivy from the leaf of the plant. |
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| Reported Uses |
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Although there has not been a great deal of research on the clinical uses of ivy, some interesting potential uses for the plant have been studied to date. One of ivy's key components, known as falcarinol, may help fight bacteria and ease pain. Falcarinol may also have a sedative effect.(1, 2) One study looked at ivy's effectiveness in fighting the bacterial invaders that can cause yeast infections in women. Other research suggests that ivy may be effective in the fight against other parasites and fungal infections.(3, 4, 5)
There is some indication, based on studies on mice, that ivy extract may help suppress the abnormal cell growth that can lead to skin cancer.(6, 7) Ivy may also help support liver health.(8, 9)
The most well known research on ivy centers around its potential use in the management of upper respiratory problems. Scientists believe that the component falcarinol may help the body rid itself of excess mucous in the respiratory system.(10) Meanwhile, research suggests that ivy extract may improve a number of other symptoms of respiratory illness, including those caused by chronic bronchitis.(11) One study on children suffering from recurrent respiratory disease, for instance, suggests that ivy extract may ease coughing and expectoration while improving overall lung function.(12)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| Tablets: 2 x 25mg, 3-4 times daily as needed. Syrup: Adults – 2 to 3 teaspoonfuls, 2-3 times a day as needed.
Tea: One cup using 0.3 to 0.8 gm of herb, taken 3 times per day.(13) |
Tablets: 2 x 25mg, 3 times a day as needed. Syrup: Adults – 2 teaspoonfuls, 3 times a day as needed.
Tea: One cup using 0.3 gm of herb, taken 3 times per day. |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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| Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
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General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines.(14) |
Allergy
Some individuals experience an allergic reaction when this dietary supplement placed on the skin. If a skin rash or irritation develops, discontinue use of this dietary supplement.(15, 16) Call your doctor or seek medical attention if you have fast or irregular breathing, skin rash, hives or itching. |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Tanaka S, Ikeshiro Y, Tabata M, Konoshima M. Anti-nociceptive Substances From the Roots of Angelica acutiloba. Arzneimittelforschung. 1977;27(11):2039-45.
View Abstract
2 Cioaca C, Margineanu C, Cucu V. The Saponins of Hedera helix with Antibacterial Activity. Pharmazie. Sept 1978;33(9):609-10.
3 Timon-David P, Julien J, Gasquet M, Balansard G, Bernard P. [Research of Antifungal Activity From Several Active Principle Extracts from Climbing-ivy: Hedera helix L]. Ann Pharm Fr. 1980;38(6):545-52.
4 Mshvildadze V, Favel A, Delmas F, Elias R, Faure R, Decanosidze G, et al. Antifungal and Antiprotozoal Activities of Saponins from Hedera colchica. Pharmazie. Apr2000;55(4):325-6.
5 Delmas F, Di Giorgio C, Elias R, Gasquet M, Azas N, Mshvildadze V, Dekanosidze G, Kemertelidze E, Timon-David P. Antileishmanial Activity of Three Saponins Isolated from Ivy, Alpha-hederin, Beta-hederin and Hederacolchiside A1, as Compared to Their Action on Mammalian Cells Cultured In Vitro. Planta Med. May 2000;66(4):343-7.
View Abstract
6 Danloy S, Quentin-Leclercq J, Coucke P, De Pauw MC, Elias R, Balansard G, Angenot L, et al. Effects of alpha-hederin, a saponin extracted from Hedera helix, on cells cultured in vitro. Planta Med. Feb1994;60(1):45-9.
View Abstract
7 Jeong HG, Lee SS. Suppressive Effects of Alpha-Hederin on 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-Mediated Murine Cyp1a-1 Expression in the Mouse Hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 Cells. Cancer Lett. Apr1999 26;138(1-2):131-7.
View Abstract
8 Shi JZ, Liu GT. [Protective Effect of the Fulvotomentosides on Paracetamol-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice]. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao. 1995;30(4):311-4.
View Abstract
9 Liu J, Liu Y, Bullock P, Klaassen CD. Suppression of Liver Cytochrome P450 by Alpha-hederin: Relevance to Hepatoprotection. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. Sept1995;134(1):124-31.
View Abstract
10 Trute A, Gross J, Mutschler E, Nahrstedt A. In Vitro Antispasmodic Compounds of the Dry Extract Obtained from Hedera helix. Planta Med. Apr1997;63(2):125-9.
View Abstract
11 Meyer-Wegener J, Liebscher K, Hettich M, Kastner HG. Ivy versus Ambroxol in Chronic Bronchitis. Zeitchrift fun Allgemeinmedizin. 1993;69:61-66.
12 Lassig W, Generlich H, Heydolph F, Paditz E. Efficacy and Tolerance of Ivy-Containing Cough Medications. TW Pediatric. 1996:489.
13 PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition. Montvale, NJ:
Medical Economics Company; 2000:276.
14 Blumenthal M, ed. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA:Integrative Medical Communications; 2000.
15 Johnke H, Bjarnason B. [Contact Dermatitis Allergy to Common Ivy]. Ugeskr Laeger. Jun1994;156(25):3778-9.
View Abstract
16 Garcia M, Fernandez E, Navarro JA, del Pozo MD, Fernandez de Corres L. Allergic Contact Dermatitis from Hedera helix. Contact Dermatitis. 1995;33(2):133-134.
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