Assessment of the effectiveness of Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) Syrup compared to acetylcystein in adults and children with acute bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is a clinical term implying a self-limited inflammation of the upper airways that is characterized by cough. It is the most common disease in industrialized countries [1], [2] and thus, herbal expectorants enjoy high popularity in many European countries due to their favorable risk-benefit ratio [3], [4].

The present non-interventional study was intended to gain further data on the application of Ivy leaf Cough Syrup containing extract EA 575^® by evaluating its effectiveness and safety in children and adults with symptoms of an acute bronchitis. Acetylcystein was chosen as comparator drug (common mono preparations).

The study was conducted on 25 sites throughout Switzerland as prospective, open, observational non-interventional study by physicians and medical practitioners.

At entry visit all clinical assessments including coughing fits, sputum, dyspnea, rales, severity of the disease and coughing quality were rated with a moderate intensity in both groups. At the final visit after seven days of treatment there was a comparable improvement in both groups for all assessments except dyspnea and number of cough attacks which showed a higher improvement in the extract EA 575^® group [Fig. 1]. Cough-associated sleeping disorders improved also more in this group. Both, physicians and patients described the effectiveness of extract EA 575^® as slightly better than acetylcystein. Observations of the tolerability were comparable for both products.

The study results indicate that ivy leaf extract might be an effective alternative to acetylcystein with respect to the improvement of respiratory function in children and adults at a slightly better evaluation of safety.

Fig. 1 Average reduction of assessment score by physicians at final visit compared to entry visit

• References

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