Hedera helix · English Ivy · Common Ivy
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 60 caps
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Hedera helix leaf extract (especially the proprietary formulation Prospan®) is one of the best-studied botanicals for acute cough and bronchitis. Multiple randomized controlled trials in both children and adults have shown it reduces cough frequency, improves sleep quality, and shortens illness duration compared to placebo. It is the standard herbal cough remedy in many European countries.
Ivy leaf saponins (primarily α-hederin and hederacoside C) have dual mechanisms: (1) they reduce bronchial spasm by inhibiting acetylcholine release and increasing intracellular cAMP in smooth muscle, and (2) they stimulate surfactant production and ciliary beat frequency, improving mucus clearance. These effects are documented in animal models and supported by human clinical outcomes.
Adults and children (age-appropriate formulations) with acute cough or bronchitis. Not a substitute for medical evaluation of persistent cough (>3 weeks), hemoptysis, fever, or dyspnea.
Avoid if you have allergies to plants in the Araliaceae family (ginseng, ivy). Use caution with asthma (rare reports of bronchospasm). No safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Prospan® syrup contains sorbitol—use caution in fructose intolerance.
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✓ Take before bed to improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime cough
✓ Take before bed to improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime cough
✓ Take before bed to improve sleep quality by reducing nighttime cough
✓ Take with meals to reduce potential stomach upset from saponin content
Ivy leaf saponins (primarily α-hederin and hederacoside C) have dual mechanisms: (1) they reduce bronchial spasm by inhibiting acetylcholine release and increasing intracellular cAMP in smooth muscle, and (2) they stimulate surfactant production and ciliary beat frequency, improving mucus clearance.
Each bar = one cited trial. Effect varies by methodology, dose, and population.
Representative cohort from published RCT data
Relative to baseline (100). Data from published clinical literature.
Meta-analysis of 10 RCTs
→ Ivy leaf extract significantly improved cough symptoms (SMD -0.52, p<0.001) and reduced cough frequency vs placebo. Safe and well-tolerated.
177 children (6 months–12 years)
→ Prospan® syrup significantly reduced cough frequency, improved sleep quality, and shortened illness duration vs placebo. No serious adverse events.
278 adults
→ Significant improvement in cough severity, frequency, and sleep disturbance vs placebo after 7 days. Well-tolerated.
B · Multiple RCTs and a 2021 meta-analysis support efficacy for acute cough in adults and children. Effect sizes are modest-to-moderate. Prospan® is the most studied formulation. Evidence is stronger than any other botanical in this batch.
A plain-English read of the literature behind this supplement. Not a clinical recommendation.
Key citations: See richResearch section for study filters and participant data. Clinical evidence summarised from peer-reviewed journals.
How to use Ivy Leaf (Prospan) specifically for Acute cough — the right dose, timing, blood markers to track, and how to know if it is working.
A clinical evidence review of Ivy Leaf (Prospan) — RCT data, effect sizes, evidence grade, and what the numbers mean for your specific situation.
Everything you need to know about Ivy Leaf (Prospan) — mechanism, dose, safety, buying guide for India, and what the research actually says.
SacredBod's longer take on Ivy Leaf (Prospan) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
Hedera helix leaf extract (especially the proprietary formulation Prospan®) is one of the best-studied botanicals for acute cough and bronchitis. Multiple randomized controlled trials in both children and adults have shown it reduces cough frequency, improves sleep quality, and shortens illness duration compared to placebo. It is the standard herbal cough remedy in many European countries.
Ivy leaf saponins (primarily α-hederin and hederacoside C) have dual mechanisms: (1) they reduce bronchial spasm by inhibiting acetylcholine release and increasing intracellular cAMP in smooth muscle, and (2) they stimulate surfactant production and ciliary beat frequency, improving mucus clearance. These effects are documented in animal models and supported by human clinical outcomes.
Who benefits most
Adults and children (age-appropriate formulations) with acute cough or bronchitis. Not a substitute for medical evaluation of persistent cough (>3 weeks), hemoptysis, fever, or dyspnea.
Dosage and form
500 mg is the typical effective range. Forms matter: choose standardised extracts or highly bioavailable delivery formats (see the Forms tab). Take as directed.
Side effects and cautions
Mild GI upset rare. Avoid if you: Avoid if you have allergies to plants in the Araliaceae family (ginseng, ivy). Use caution with asthma (rare reports of bronchospasm). No safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding. Prospan® syrup contains sorbitol—use caution in fructose intolerance..
The evidence
Human clinical trials and mechanistic research support the use of Ivy Leaf (Prospan) for its primary indication. See the Research tab for full citations and study summaries.
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