Hederae helicis folium

Ivy leaf is the common name for the leaves of the plant Hedera helix L.

Ivy leaf preparations are obtained as dry, liquid and soft extracts by putting the plant material in a solvent (such as ethanol) to dissolve compounds and form a liquid extract. The solvent is then partially or completely evaporated to obtain a soft or dry extract.

Herbal medicines containing ivy leaf are usually available in solid or liquid forms to be taken by mouth.

Ivy leaf preparations can also be found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines. These combinations are not covered in this summary.

The HMPC concluded that ivy leaf preparations can be used as an expectorant (a medicine that helps to bring up phlegm) for productive (chesty) coughs.

Ivy leaf medicines should only be used in adults, adolescents and children from the age of 2 years. If symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 week during the use of the medicine, a doctor or a pharmacist should be consulted. Detailed instructions on how to take ivy leaf medicines and who can use them can be found in the package leaflet that comes with the medicine.

The way ivy leaf acts is not fully known, but laboratory studies suggest that it may work by both widening the bronchi (air passages) in the lungs and by stimulating the bronchial glands in the lungs to secrete a watery fluid.

The HMPC conclusions on the use of ivy leaf medicines as an expectorant are based on their ‘well-established use’ in this condition. This means that there are bibliographic data providing scientific evidence of their effectiveness and safety when used in this way, covering a period of at least 10 years in the EU.

In its assessment, the HMPC considered a number of studies with ivy leaf in adults including one that showed ivy leaf was effective in reducing cough severity compared to dummy treatment. Studies in children showed ivy leaf to be comparable to the medicine acetylcysteine in improving symptoms in children with acute (sudden) bronchitis.

For detailed information on the studies assessed by the HMPC, see the HMPC assessment report.

Side effects affecting the stomach and gut such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, and allergic reactions such as hives, skin rash and difficulty breathing have been reported with ivy leaf medicines, although their frequency is not known.

Ivy leaf medicines must not be taken by people who are hypersensitive (allergic) to ivy leaf or to other plants of the ivy family (Araliaceae). Ivy leaf medicines must not be given to children under 2 years of age because of the risk of worsening respiratory symptoms when using cough medicines at this age.

Further information on the risks associated with ivy leaf medicines, including the appropriate precautions for their safe use, can be found in the monograph under the tab 'All documents'.

Any applications for the licensing of medicines containing ivy leaf have to be submitted to the national authorities responsible for medicinal products, which will assess the application for the herbal medicine and take into account the scientific conclusions of the HMPC.

Information on the use and licensing of ivy leaf medicines in EU Member States should be obtained from the relevant national authorities.Any applications for the licensing of medicines containing ivy leaf have to be submitted to the national authorities responsible for medicinal products, which will assess the application for the herbal medicine and take into account the scientific conclusions of the HMPC.

Information on the use and licensing of ivy leaf medicines in EU Member States should be obtained from the relevant national authorities.

Further information on the HMPC assessment of ivy leaf medicines, including details of the Committee's conclusions, can be found under the tab 'All documents'.

For more information about treatment with ivy leaf medicines, read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine or contact your doctor or pharmacist.