The effect of a thyme-ivy fluid extract combination on the severity of cough in children: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Thyme and ivy leaves contain anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, and bronchospasmolytic properties, resulting in anti-cough benefits. There are no extensive studies conducted on the efficacy of thyme and ivy in children with acute cough. The purpose of the study was to investigate the efficiency and safety of thyme and ivy in reducing the severity of cough in children. This study was a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical experiment on children aged 1 to 12-year old who had an acute cough with no identified etiology. One hundred and forty-two patients were randomly assigned to dextromethorphan or herbal groups, and frequency and severity were measured using a visual analog scale. After the initiation of therapy, recovery trends were assessed at 24, 48, and 96 hours. Eighty-three patients, including 43 patients in the dextromethorphan group and 40 in the herbal group, were followed for 96 hours. Cough severity was decreased by 80.7% in the dextromethorphan group and 87.4% in the herbal syrup group. In addition, there was a significant interaction effect of time and groups on changes in cough severity. In the groups of dextromethorphan and herbal after 96 hours of complete treatment, the efficacy was 72.1% and 75%, respectively, which showed the beneficial effects of both drugs. In children, a mixture of thyme and ivy extracts can help to reduce the severity and length of the cough. As a result, this combination has the potential to be an effective cough therapy for children.