Ivy Leaf Extract Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of mixture of ivy leaf extract and coptidis rhizome in the treatment of acute bronchitis: multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, parallel, therapeutic confirmatory clinical trial

Background Acute bronchitis is the most common respiratory disease. Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup has shown good treatment efficacy against chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome compared with those of Pelargonium sidoides extract, for the treatment of acute bronchitis. Methods We performed a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel phase III study in 220 patients with acute bronchitis. The participants were offered either Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup (AGS) and placebo of P. sidoides tablet or placebo syrup and active tablet of P. sidoides (AGU) for 7 days. The primary endpoint was the change in the Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS) from the baseline visit (visit 2) to day 7 (visit 3). Results For the primary outcome, there was no significant difference in the change of total BSS between visits 2 and 3 (−4.10 ± 1.93 vs. −4.24 ± 1.85, p = 0.5125), and since the upper limit of the confidence interval (1.00) was smaller than the predetermined non-inferiority margin (1.17), it was confirmed that the AGS group was non-inferior to the AGU group. The changes in each symptom in the BSS between visits 2 and 3 also showed no significant differences. The overall improvement rate measured by the investigator (91.7 vs. 89.7%; p = 0.3506) and the satisfaction rate of the participants at visit 3 also showed no significant differences (97.2 vs. 94.4%; p = 0.4388). Regarding safety issues, adverse reactions were noted in both groups similarly, with no serious adverse events (4.55 vs. 3.64%, p > 0.999). Conclusion Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome syrup is as effective and safe as P. sidoides in controlling symptoms of acute bronchitis.

Role of biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles in antibacterial activity and cefoperazone removal from pharmaceutical wastewater

Green biosynthesis of nanoparticles is emerging as a reliable technology that may be a viable alternative to chemical and physical processes. This study reports a cost-effective and eco-friendly green biosynthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) using Ivy leaf extract for the first time. The biosynthesized TiO2 NPs were characterized by FT-IR, SEM-EDX, TEM, UV–Vis, BET, and XRD. FT-IR spectrum confirmed the involvement of flavonoids and polyphenols in the stabilization/capping bioreduction of TiO2 NPs while XRD characterized the crystallographic plane of the Anatase phase. The average crystallite size was 26.34 nm of TiO2 NPs and EDX showed strong titanium signal characteristic peaks. The maximum absorption peak at 336 nm was investigated in the UV range with an energy band gap of 3.61 eV. The mesoporous structure of TiO2 NPs was revealed with a surface area of 69.556 m²/g. The biofabricated TiO2 NPs were used for cefoperazone (cefo) wastewater removal via an adsorption technique. The most suitable isothermal model was found to be Langmuir and the maximum removal capacity was 188.0 mg/g. An actual successful implementation approach was conducted to remove the contaminated Cefo-pharmaceutical wastewater. The biosynthesized TiO2 NPs as potential drugs against bacterial pathogens in the future may be used according to our investigations. Cefo@TiO2 NPs inhibition zones were found to be the most potent more than TiO2 NPs itself, where they showed 29±0.3 and 28±0.3 mm for P. aeruginosa and E. coli, respectively, and 28±0.3 and 25±0.9 mm for B. subtilis and S. aureus, respectively.

Cough in children: features of diagnosis and choice of therapy

Introduction. Cough is the most common symptom of acute respiratory infections, which results from inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Herbal medicines that include an ivy leaf extract preparation are widely used for the treatment of cough.Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the ivy leaf extract preparation as a syrup in young children with acute bronchitis. Materials and methods. We observed 44 children with acute bronchitis aged 4 months up to 3 years. The main group included 24 children receiving the ivy leaf extract preparation as part of complex therapy: 2.5 ml once a day for under 1-year children, and 2.5 ml 3 times a day for children aged 1–3 years for 7–10 days. The comparison group included 20 children receiving ambroxol at an age-appropriate dose as part of complex therapy. The complex therapy for bronchitis did not differ in the groups to be compared. Clinical effectiveness was assessed by analysis of the changes in the main symptoms of the disease.Results and discussion. It was found that the intake of the ivy leaf extract preparation showed high clinical effectiveness in 91.6% of cases, which included rapid relief of the main symptoms of the disease (cough, wheezing in the lungs), a 1.7-fold reduction of the exacerbation period, a 1.8-fold decrease of the cough period. Prescription of systemic antibiotics for children with acute bronchitis was required in 12.5% patients of the treatment group, and in 25% patients of the comparison group. The overall assessment of tolerability of the ivy leaf extract preparation was rated as excellent and good in 95.8% of cases.Conclusion. Due to high clinical effectiveness and safety of the ivy leaf extract preparation, it can be recommended for common practical use in acute bronchitis children from the first days of life.

Сontemporary approaches to the treatment of acute bronchitis: benefits of herbal medicine

Acute bronchitis (AB) is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract of predominantly viral etiology, the leading clinical symptom of which is a cough (usually productive), lasting no more than 2 weeks, in combination with characteristic signs of infection of the lower respiratory tract. OB is one of the most pressing problems of modern pulmonology, which is associated with a high incidence, reaching 30–40% annually. According to the results of epidemiological studies, OB is one of the most common reasons for patients seeking medical care in outpatient practice. In children, the incidence of OB in the Russian Federation averages 75–250 per 1000 per year, which is approximately 100 times higher than the incidence of pneumonia. According to the clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, in the treatment of OB, in the vast majority of cases, the prescription of antibiotics is unjustified. For patients with OB who have a productive cough, it is recommended to prescribe mucoactive drugs to thin and improve sputum expectoration. Herbal medicine traditionally occupies an important place in the treatment of cough. To date, the most convincing evidence base has been obtained for combination preparations, including extracts of thyme herbs, ivy leaves and primrose roots. One of the most studied and effective herbal medicines for the treatment of acute bronchitis is the drug Bronchipret. The active ingredients of Bronchipret (syrup) are standardized extracts: liquid thyme herb extract and liquid ivy leaf extract; those of Bronchipret TP (film-coated tablets) are dry thyme herb extract and dry primrose root extract. Using this combination allows achieving maximum effectiveness due to a synergistic effect of the active ingredients used.

RECENT ADVANCEMENTS IN COUGH MANAGEMENT: EMERGING STRATEGIES AND THERAPIES

The management of cough, a prevalent symptom impacting the quality of life, has undergone transformative developments propelled by recent research. Cough syrups, longstanding components in cough management, have witnessed substantial progress aimed at refining efficacy, safety, and targeted delivery. Modern formulations exhibit innovations in drug delivery systems, heightening bioavailability and allowing targeted drug release. Extended-release preparations and mucoadhesive syrups offer prolonged cough suppression or augmented expectorant effects. The incorporation of innovative compounds introduces diverse treatment options; transient receptor potential (TRP) channel antagonists, targeting cough receptors, prove effective in inhibiting cough reflex hypersensitivity, while anti-inflammatory agents address underlying airway inflammation. Natural remedies like ivy leaf extract, thyme, or licorice gain prominence for their antitussive and expectorant properties. Advancements in understanding cough pathophysiology enable tailored therapies for specific cough types or underlying causes. Specialized cough syrup formulations now address neuropathic cough, chronic cough associated with respiratory diseases, or cough triggered by gastroesophageal reflux, targeting the root causes of cough. This comprehensive review underscores the evolving landscape of cough management, encompassing enhanced formulations, novel compounds, and a nuanced understanding of cough pathophysiology. These advancements signify a paradigm shift in optimizing symptomatic relief and fostering an accelerated recovery process, marking a notable stride towards improving the overall well-being of individuals affected by cough.

Symptomatic treatment of cough in children

Cough is one of the most common symptoms in paediatric practice. Cough nature, duration, intensity, frequency, time and cause of occurrence should be considered in the differential diagnosis of its causes. Sputum evacuation disorders and changes in its rheological properties are indications for the prescription of mucoactive drugs. Despite the fact that the drugs included in this group have different mechanisms of action, all of them restore mucociliary clearance and lead to effective evacuation of secretions from the respiratory tract. Herbal medicinal products can be used along with classic mucoactive drugs (mucolytics, mucopegulators and mucokinetics). Ivy leaves are an example of a well-known and meticulously researched source of phytopharmaceutical products, they are included in the ESCOP monograph and entered into the positive list of the German Commission E. The efficacy and safety of ivy leaf products have been demonstrated in various controlled clinical studies. The authors presented a review of published clinical studies and non-interventional studies involving a total of 65,383 patients suffering from both acute and chronic respiratory diseases. The studies demonstrated the efficacy of ivy leaf extract preparations as achievement of a higher level of bronchodilation and surfactant production, which led to bronchospasmolytic, secretolytic, expectorant and, in turn, antitussive action. Herbal medicinal products are now actively used in the treatment of new coronavirus infection. Hedelix is one of the ivy leaf extract pharmaceutical preparations approved for use in children over the age of two years.

Complex therapy for prolonged cough in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract: case report

Cough is one of the most common symptoms in primary care. Despite the fact that a persistent cough resolves on its own in most cases and does not require special treatment, it can significantly reduce the quality of life and require large financial costs for treatment. Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract are one of the most common pathologies accompanied by cough. Protracted cough can significantly aggravate the course of the disease, and its duration for more than 4 weeks may indicate a chronic process. Drug therapy should be specific and combined, i.e. it should be aimed at the etiology of the disease, the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying it, and at alleviating symptoms, which leads to a speedy recovery of the patient. The article describes the causes leading to a prolonged cough in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract, the principles of differential diagnosis and some features of the treatment of persistent cough. Options for both etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy, as well as symptomatic treatment with ivy leaf extract and non-drug methods are given.In cases of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and bronchi accompanied by a non-productive cough, adding of common ivy leaf extract to the treatment allows us to predict relief of sputum discharge, and, consequently, an improvement in the patient’s condition as early as on Day 4-5. It is important to note that this drug should not be used in combination with any antitussive drugs, as it makes it difficult to evacuate thin secret and results in its congestion in the airways. A clinical case of polyetiologic chronic cough combined treatment using reflexology is presented.

Tactics of expectorant medicine use in pediatric practice

Introduction. Cough is one of the most frequent complaint when contacting a pediatrician. One of the mechanisms of cough development is the formation of viscous difficult-to-separate sputum. Therefore, determining the tactics of using expectorants and choosing the most effective and safe drug is an important part of the pediatrician’s work.Аim. Тo study the tactics of expectorant medicines use in pediatric practice.Materials and methods. The study included 84 patients with acute respiratory viral infections accompanied by cough, including 36 (42.85%) girls and 48 (57.15%) boys. The age of the children ranged from 4 to 7 years and averaged 5.57 ± 0.88 years. The drug of herbal syrups based on ivy extract in the form of syrup was prescribed to children in a dosage of 2.5 ml 4 times a day for 7 days. The effectiveness of the drug was evaluated on a scale of improvement/worsening of cough symptoms. In addition, the frequency of coughing, the ease of sputum discharge and the well-being of patients according to VAS were evaluated. The safety of the drug was assessed by identifying signs of the development of adverse events. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the SPSS 12.0 program.Results and discussion. After 7 days of the medicine using, a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of cough was recorded, as well as relief of sputum discharge in most children. 84.52% of children had no cough after the first week of therapy. In this regard, their well-being has significantly improved. No adverse events were detected during the use of the drug. Very few herbal medicinal products are manufactured for young children, whereas it is herbal therapy that is the most suitable for use at this age. The study of the effects of herbal medicinal products containing ivy leaf extracts approved for use in children from birth showed promising results.Conclusions. The use of the drug of herbal syrups based on ivy extract in preschool children contributes to a significant reduction in the frequency of cough, relief of sputum discharge and improvement of patients’ well-being. The drug is safe – there were no adverse events during its use.

The clinical efficacy of a mixture of ivy leaf extract and coptidis rhizome in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis and cough is the one of most common and major symptoms in IPF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a Mixture of Ivy Leaf Extract and Coptidis rhizome (Synatura®) in patients with IPF. This was a prospective, open-label, single-center, and single-arm study in Korea from October 2019 to September 2020. IPF patients with chronic bronchitis were enrolled. Between baseline and eight weeks after use of Synatura®, clinical measures regarding cough and health-related quality of life, and the systemic inflammatory markers was prospectively collected. Thirty patients were enrolled. Median age was 73 years and 86.7% were men. The median gender-age-pulmonary function stage of IPF was 3. Baseline total score of Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ) and St. George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) were 104.5 and 30.59 respectively. After eight weeks, there was no significant improvement in LCQ (16.8 [15.6-19.1] vs 17.5 [15.2-18.9], P = .772) and SGRQ (30.6 [19.4-37.8] vs 29.9 [19.6-41.8], P = .194) scores. Also, there was no significant difference of systemic inflammatory markers. In analysis of minimal clinically important differences (MCID), one third (33.3%) patients fulfilled the criteria of MCID (1.3) in LCQ scores and median differences was 14 (range: 10-18). In terms of SGRQ, 6 patients (20%) reached MCID (4.0) without significant predictive factors. In our study, use of Synatura® during 8 weeks improved cough-specific life quality in one third patients with IPF. Large-scale, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed.

Promoted to the highest evidence class: meta-analysis supports the evidence for EA 575® in treating acute cough

In self-limiting diseases such as acute respiratory infections, patients primarily expect relief of their symptoms, the aim being to reduce suffering and thus improve their quality of life. The results of a meta-analysis of two studies conducted in line with recognized scientific standards show that the positive effects of the dry ivy leaf extract EA 575® are visible and subjectively noticeable not only in the assessment of those administering the treatment, but also in the evaluation by the participating patients.

The place of phytotherapy in the treatment of acute upper respiratory tract infections

Phytotherapy is based on the use of herbal medicines. Treatment with phytopreparations is characterized by efficiency, low risk of adverse events and the ability to enhance the effect of complex therapy. Herbal preparations are subject to standard requirements for quality control, safety and effectiveness. Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract are characterized by numerous symptoms that significantly reduce the quality of life of the patient. Along with pathogenetic therapy, symptomatic treatment is used. For the treatment of respiratory diseases, phytopreparations with antipyretic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, mucolytic, bronchodilator and other clinically proven effects are used. The most common symptom of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract is cough. Many medicinal plants have antitussive effects. Ivy leaf extract has pronounced antitussive and mucolytic properties. The therapeutic effects of ivy are primarily due to the presence of saponins in its composition. Numerous randomized controlled trials have proven the efficacy and safety of H. Helix-based drugs in the treatment of cough in adults. A meta-analysis conducted by Barnes LA et al revealed that monopreparations and combined phytopreparations, including H. Helix, reduce the frequency and intensity of cough caused by viral respiratory infection. In a study involving 5,162 children, efficacy in the treatment of productive cough in children was proven. Currently, there are several medicines based on ivy leaves in liquid and solid forms on the pharmaceutical market of Russia. It leading position in sales of mucolytic agents of plant origin in Russia, due to its high efficiency and low frequency of adverse events.

Salicin and Hederacoside C-Based Extracts and UV-Absorbers Co-Loaded into Bioactive Lipid Nanocarriers with Promoted Skin Antiaging and Hydrating Efficacy.

Conventional and herbal active principles can be combined in a beneficial harmony using their best features and compensating for the certain weaknesses of each. The study will answer the question, “how can willow bark extract (Wbe) or ivy leaf extract (Ile) influence the photoprotective, skin permeation and hydration properties of Bioactive Lipid Nanocarriers (BLN) loaded with UV-filters and selected herbals?”. BLN-Wbe/Ile-UV-filters were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, thermal behavior, entrapment efficiency and drug loading. The formulated BLN-hydrogels (HG) were subjected to in vitro release and permeation experiments. The in vitro determination of sun protection factors, as well as comparative in vitro photostability tests, rheology behavior and in vivo hydration status have been also considered for hydrogels containing BLN-Ile/Wbe-UV-filters. Photoprotection of BLN-HG against UVA rays was more pronounced as compared with the UVB (UVA-PF reached values of 30, while the maximum SPF value was 13). The in vitro irradiation study demonstrated the photostability of BLN-HG under UV exposure. A noteworthy cosmetic efficacy was detected by in vivo skin test (hydration effect reached 97% for the BLN-Wbe-UV-filters prepared with pomegranate oil). The research novelty, represented by the first-time co-optation of the active herbal extracts (Wbe and Ile) together with two synthetic filters in the same nanostructured delivery system, will provide appropriate scientific support for the cosmetic industry to design novel marketed formulations with improved quality and health benefices.

Phytochemical Contents, Biological Activities and Therapeutic Applications of Hedera Helix (Ivy Leaf) Extracts: A Review

Background: Herbs have long been used as natural therapeutics, and recent controlled clinical studies have confirmed some of the presumed benefits. Hedera helix(ivy leaves) is a valuable common form related to the family Araliaceae. Many herbal preparations include extracts from their leaves as the principle active ingredient. Objective: The objective of this article is to summarize the pharmacological activities and phytochemical screening of H. helix. Methods: To prepare this article, the data was collected from different sources, including books, thesis, research and etc. Results: The all-published studies depend on isolation, identification, and characterization of different active constituents of H. helix leaves, followed by the determination of biological activities in vivo and in vitro. Chemical screening has shown that H. helix leaves are a rich source of phytochemicals demonstrating therapeutic activities, such as sterols, tannins, terpenoids, glycosides, phenols, emetine alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, volatile and fixed oils, vitamins, carbohydrates, reducing sugars, and minerals. Further, studies of disease models and clinical trials have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, analgesic, cough suppressant, expectorant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and smooth muscle relaxant activities. Conclusion: This review summarizes the bioactive constituents of H. helix leaves and their underlying pharmacological mechanisms, clinical efficacies, and safety profiles. We also suggest potential therapeutic uses for COVID-19.

Management of acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract with cough

Acute inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract (URTI) accompanied by cough are one of the most common groups of diseases in the world. It includes acute respiratory viral infections, often manifested by rhinosinusitis, tonsillopharyngitis and laryngitis. According to statistics, about 90% of all infectious diseases are acute respiratory infections, with cough accompanying acute respiratory infections in 83% of cases. Cough largely determines the severity of the disease, and its duration over 4 weeks indicates a high probability of process chronicity. Cough with difficult to detach sputum dramatically reduces the patient’s quality of life, bringing discomfort in everyday activities. In addition to the cough, the problem of viral diseases lies in the rather difficult diagnosis at the outpatient stage, due to which excessive prescription of antibiotics occurs. In order to avoid the occurrence of complications, chronicization of the disease and reduce the level of inappropriate prescriptions of antibacterial drugs, it is necessary to apply therapy, aimed both at the etiology, the links of pathogenesis, and the symptoms in order to alleviate the condition of the patient and his speedy recovery. The processes leading to the development of cough in URTI are described in the article; principles of differential diagnostics and peculiarities of therapy of URTI are reviewed. The article presents data on the use of a natural remedy, ivy leaf extract, which helps to get rid of cough in a shorter period of time, thereby improving the well-being of the patient, and is notable for its good tolerability and rare occurrence of side effects, which may surpass synthetic alternatives.

Bioactive phenolics fraction of Hedera helix L. (Common Ivy Leaf) standardized extract ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury in the mouse model through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress

Hedera helix L. (family Araliaceae) is classified as a conventional plant used as a medicinal product in the cure and prevention of upper respiratory tract inflammation and infection due to its secretolytic and broncholytic effects. Our research was conducted to authenticate the anti-inflammatory effect of ivy leaves extract in the prevention of acute lung injury (ALI) caused by intranasal administration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). In-vitro antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant were evaluated, in addition to the in-vivo acute lung inflammation model induced by LPS in mice. The animals were divided into seven groups randomly (each group containing 10 mice): control negative (saline only), control positive (LPS group), standard (Dexamethasone 2 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 100 mg/kg), ethanolic ivy leaves extract (EIE, 200 mg/kg), saponin rich fraction (SRF, 100 mg/kg) and phenolic rich fraction (PRF, 100 mg/kg). Right lungs were homogenized to determine the levels of SOD, MDA, catalase, IL-10, TNF-α, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and MPO. Left lungs were excised for histopathology and histomorphometry. Immunohistochemistry of Cox-2 and TNF-α levels were measured. Additionally, Western blotting was used to determine the levels of phosphorylated MAPK. Also, the ethanolic extract was also standardized through HPLC analysis for its content of rutin.The data showed that the oral supplementation with EIE, 200 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the pro-inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress biomarkers induced by LPS. Interestingly, the phenolics showed promising activity, therefore they are responsible for the action. In conclusion, the standardized ivy leaf extract could be advised for acute lung injury for its antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities.

The use of phytopreparations in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases: evidence base and practical experience

Respiratory diseases take the lead in the infectious pathology pattern of various organs and systems and are the most common. Acute bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchi due to a viral infection and is characterized by a persistent cough that can be productive or dry. The authors consider the use of herbal preparations as an effective symptomatic product for the treatment of cough of various origins. Medicinal herbs are widely used in medicine due to many useful properties and do not have any serious side effects. Ivy leaf (Hedera helix) extract preparations are common cough medicines available over the counter that are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Ivy (Hedera helix) leaves contain various biologically active components, but saponins are the main substance. Saponins are natural compounds that have a variety of biological effects. According to literature data, the action of saponins is determined not only by their bronchodilator and mucolytic properties: among additional therapeutic options of saponins are high anti-inflammatory activity, as well as antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral effects. The article shows the potential for use of ivy saponins as carriers of pharmaceutical substances, which can significantly reduce the effective doses of certain drugs. Preparations containing ivy leaf extract are safe and approved for use even in new-borns. Also, herbal preparations with antiviral, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential become the object of study as a new strategy for treating COVID-19.

The role of herbal medicines in treating cough in children

The physiological role of cough is to restore mucociliary clearance in the respiratory tract. However, if there are inflammatory changes against the background of a respiratory infection, cough may be non-productive and impair the patient’s quality of life. For a rational choice of drug, the true cause of cough should be determined on the basis of history, physical examination and, if necessary, additional instrumental/laboratory investigations. Modern phytopharmaceuticals are considered effective and safe for cough relief. Herbal medicines contain biologically active substances, which are incorporated into the metabolic processes of the body in a more natural way, in contrast to synthetic analogues. The article focuses on the effectiveness of an ivy leaf extract, which has a complex composition: it contains saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, as well as components of essential oils. Due to its composition, it has several effects: expectorant due to its secretolytic and mucolytic action, and antispasmodic based on the increased sensitivity of β2-adrenoreceptor cells of bronchial smooth muscle cells to endogenous and exogenous stimulation, on reducing intracellular calcium levels and bronchial relaxation. The efficacy of ivy leaf extract has been shown in a total of more than 20 clinical trials, mainly in children suffering from upper respiratory tract infections. Cough treatment aims at changing the rheological properties of the secretion and increasing the effectiveness of the cough. The good compatibility of herbal medicines with other drugs, including antibiotics, allows their use not only as monotherapeutic agents, but also in combination therapy for the treatment of cough in children.

Cough. The place of herbal medicine in treatment

Cough is one of the auxiliary mechanisms for cleaning the airways from mucus, foreign particles, microorganisms. The physiological cough reflex allows the mechanism of airway cleansing, provided that mucociliary clearance works sufficiently. However, sometimes the cough loses its protective function, becomes persistent, and impairs the quality of life of the patient. In this regard, in the treatment of cough, attention is paid to both secretomotor and secretolytic therapy. Medicinal plants are among the drugs with such properties. Numerous group of drugs containing herbal components has a reflex action, which allows coping most effectively with cough in the initial stages of diseases accompanied by respiratory symptoms. The most common among them and widely used are plantain leaf, coltsfoot leaf, thermopsis herb, ipecacuanha root, marshmallow root, licorice root, anise fruit, thyme (thyme) herb extract, ivy leaf extract. A well-known drug, the active ingredient of which is ivy leaf extract. Its mechanism of action consists in increasing the production of surfactant and increasing the number of β2-adrenoreceptors on the surface of alveolar cells of the bronchial tree, to which ivy active substance α-hederin is attached, which has a bronchospasmodic and expectorant action. Numerous clinical studies have proven a high efficacy and safety of the product based on ivy leaf extract, which allows us to recommend it as the drug of choice for symptomatic cough therapy in both children and adults during acute respiratory infections.

Досвід застосування екстракту листя плюща в комплексній терапії гострих обструктивних бронхітів у дітей

Актуальність. За даними Всесвітньої організації охорони здоров’я, у структурі причин звернення до педіатра чи лікаря загальної практики — сімейної медицини близько 70 % випадків припадає на гострі респіраторні захворювання (ГРЗ). Серед дитячого населення їх частота на одну дитину становить у середньому 6–10 випадків на рік, що робить ГРЗ однією з найбільш частих інфекційних хвороб у дитячій популяції усього світу. Серед ГРЗ у дітей гострий бронхіт та гострий обструктивний бронхіт є одними з найбільш поширених захворювань. Метою нашої роботи стало вивчення ефективності застосування екстракту листя плюща в комплексній терапії гострих обструктивних бронхітів у дітей. Матеріали досліджень. Під нашим спостереженням перебували 33 дитини віком від 4 до 8 років, які проходили лікування з діагнозом: ГРВІ: гострий обструктивний бронхіт, дихальна недостатність І або II ступеня. Усі пацієнти отримували в комплексі терапії Пектолван Плющ. Результати дослідження. Комплексне лікування гострого обструктивного бронхіту в дітей із включенням препарату Пектолван Плющ сприяє розрідженню бронхіального секрету та полегшенню його відходження в середньому вже на 3-й день від початку терапії, що проявляється зменшенням інтенсивності та числа нападів кашлю, збільшенням його продуктивності та переходом сухих свистячих хрипів у різнокаліберні вологі при аускультації легень. При цьому препарат Пектолван Плющ має задовільний профіль безпеки застосування в дітей. Висновки. Проведені дослідження із застосування препарату Пектолван Плющ у комплексній терапії гострих обструктивних бронхітів показали його ефективність. Препарат може бути рекомендований до широкого застосування в педіатричній практиці.

Відхаркувальна терапія при гострих респіраторних інфекціях у дітей

В огляді літератури подані сучасні відомості про застосування відхаркувальної терапії при гострих респіраторних інфекціях у дітей. Для написання статті здійснювався пошук інформації з використанням баз даних Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, PubMed, Google Scholar, CyberLeninka, «Російський індекс наукового цитування». Акцентовано увагу на важливості вибору препарату для патогенетичної терапії кашлю в дитини з урахуванням ефективності й безпечності лікарського засобу. На підставі проведеного інформаційного пошуку систематизовані дані щодо фармакологічних властивостей і доказової бази клінічної ефективності, переносимості й безпеки застосування при лікуванні гострих респіраторних інфекцій у дітей одного з ефективних відхаркувальних засобів рефлекторної дії рослинного походження — препарату сухого екстракту листя плюща звичайного Пектолван Плющ (Pectolvan hedera helix).