English ivy
English ivy

Background

English ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen, climbing vine native to Europe and Asia. The leaves are sometimes used to make extracts for medicine.

English ivy might help thin mucus in the airways. This might improve lung function in people with breathing difficulty. English ivy might also have antioxidant effects.

People use English ivy for bronchitis, burns, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when used three times daily for up to 7 days.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe. It might cause side effects such as allergic skin reactions.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if English ivy is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Specific cough syrups (Prospan; Prospanex) containing English ivy leaf extract are possibly safe when taken by mouth three times daily for up to 7 days.

Effectiveness

There is interest in using English Ivy for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

Dried English ivy leaf has most often been used by adults in doses of 300-800 mg by mouth daily. Specific English ivy leaf extract products have also been used. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. English ivy might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 20/03/2023 06:38:33. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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