Flavonoid glycosides, phenolic acids, polyacetylenes, saponins (through the drying process, saponin α-hederin can form from hederacoside C), and essential oils. Standardization and/or quantification of α-hederin has yet to be performed, but the saponins are recognized in the literature as the drivers of English ivy’s efficacy.

Hydroethanolic extracts of English ivy leaves are now most used. The leaves, flowers, berries, and wood were traditionally used.

1. Beden, Andreja Borinc, et al. “Treatment of acute respiratory infections in Slovenian children with ivy lead extract syrup.” Slovenian Medical Journal, 80 (2011), Issue 4, pp. 276-284. CC BY-NC 4.0. 2. Cwientzek, Ute, et al. “Acute bronchitis therapy with ivy leaves extracts in a two-arm study. A double-blind, randomised study vs. an other ivy leaves extract.” Phytomedicine, vol. 18 (2011), Issue 13, pp. 1105-1109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2011.06.014. 3. European Medicines Agency: EMA/HMPC/325716/2017 – European Union herbal monograph on Hedera helix L., folium, https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european- union-herbal-monograph-hedera-helix-l-folium-revision-2_en.pdf, Sep 2022. 4. Fazio, S, et al. “Tolerance, safety and efficacy of Hedera helix extract in inflammatory bronchial diseases under clinical practice conditions: A prospective, open, multicentre postmarking study in 9657 patients.” Phytomedicine, 16 (2009) pp. 17-24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2006.05.003. 5. Hoffman, M, et al. “Efficacy of dry extract of ivy leaves in children with bronchial asthma – a review of randomized controlled trials.” Phytomedicine, vol. 10 (2003), Issues 2-3, pp. 213-220. https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103321659979. 6. King, J. The American Eclectic Dispensary, 1854. 7. Madaus, G. Textbook of Biological Remedies, 1938. 8. Reckenrich, Ann, et al. “Ivy Leaf Extracts for the Treatment of Respiratory Tract Diseases Accompanied by Cough: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.” HerbalGram, 117 (2018) pp. 58-71. 9. Schmidt, M., Schmidt, U., Thomsen, M. “Suitability of Ivy Extract for the Treatment of Paediatric Cough.” Phytotherapy Research, vol. 26 (2012), Issue 12, pp. 1942-1947. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.4671.

Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take medications, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before use.

This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.