The effects of Hedera helix on viral respiratory infections in humans: A rapid review

Barnes, LA; Leach, M; Anheyer, D; Brown, D; Carè, J; Lauche, R; Medina, DN; Pinder, T-A; Bugarcic, A; Steel, A

The effects of Hedera helix on viral respiratory infections in humans: A rapid review

Barnes, LA Leach, M Anheyer, D Brown, D Carè, J Lauche, R

Medina, DN Pinder, T-A Bugarcic, A Steel, A

Permalink

Publisher:: Elsevier BV
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Advances in integrative medicine, 2020, 7, (4), pp. 222-226
Issue Date:: 2020-12

Closed Access

	Filename	Description	Size
	The effects of iHedera helixi on viral respiratory infections in humans A rapid review.pdf	Published Version	427.29 kB	Adobe PDF	View/Open

Copyright Clearance Process

Recently Added
In Progress
Closed Access

This item is closed access and not available.

Full metadata record

Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Barnes, LA
dc.contributor.author	Leach, M
dc.contributor.author	Anheyer, D
dc.contributor.author	Brown, D
dc.contributor.author	Carè, J
dc.contributor.author	Lauche, R https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4171-7935
dc.contributor.author	Medina, DN
dc.contributor.author	Pinder, T-A
dc.contributor.author	Bugarcic, A
dc.contributor.author	Steel, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6643-9444
dc.date.accessioned	2021-02-24T06:19:43Z
dc.date.available	2021-02-24T06:19:43Z
dc.date.issued	2020-12
dc.identifier.citation	Advances in integrative medicine, 2020, 7, (4), pp. 222-226
dc.identifier.issn	2212-9588
dc.identifier.issn	2212-9596
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146395
dc.description.abstract	<h4>Brief overview</h4>Based on the evidence identified in this rapid review, <i>Hedera helix</i> preparations and herbal complex preparations including <i>H. helix</i> may be a therapeutic option for treating early symptoms of respiratory tract infections. The best effectiveness for <i>H. helix</i> preparations has been proven for coughing, as an expectorant and to reduce the frequency and intensity of cough. Only weak evidence was found for all other researched symptoms. Both adults and children tolerate <i>H. helix</i> well. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of this supplement in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. However, the current evidence justifies further research to better understand its applicability in coronavirus infections.<h4>Verdic</h4>tCurrent evidence suggests <i>H. helix</i> may improve the frequency and intensity of cough associated with viral respiratory infection. The overall applicability of additional findings is limited by the poorly defined outcome measures employed. However, studies focused explicitly on expectoration did report an increased conversion from dry to productive cough, and an improvement in expectoration amount, consistency and colour. These effects may be explained by a related finding of reduced oropharyngeal congestion and improved inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and c-reactive protein). A decrease in frequency of night cough and respiratory pain was also reported, as was improved sleep quality and reduced cough-related sleep disturbance.Some studies also measured general respiratory tract infection symptoms and identified clinical improvement or resolution of fever, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and body-ache. A reduced need for antibiotic prescriptions was also identified. While not consistently reported, the majority of studies also found <i>H. helix</i> reduced the overall severity of viral bronchitis and related conditions. Tolerability was rated as between 'good' and 'high'. Adverse events were rare or non-existent in almost all studies, and those that were reported were defined as non-serious and not drug-related.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	Elsevier BV
dc.relation.ispartof	Advances in integrative medicine
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.aimed.2020.07.012
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
dc.subject	1104 Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1111 Nutrition and Dietetics, 1117 Public Health and Health Services
dc.title	The effects of Hedera helix on viral respiratory infections in humans: A rapid review
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	7
utslib.location.activity	Netherlands
utslib.for	1104 Complementary and Alternative Medicine
utslib.for	1111 Nutrition and Dietetics
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access	*
dc.date.updated	2021-02-24T06:19:40Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	7
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

Brief overview

Based on the evidence identified in this rapid review, Hedera helix preparations and herbal complex preparations including H. helix may be a therapeutic option for treating early symptoms of respiratory tract infections. The best effectiveness for H. helix preparations has been proven for coughing, as an expectorant and to reduce the frequency and intensity of cough. Only weak evidence was found for all other researched symptoms. Both adults and children tolerate H. helix well. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of this supplement in the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. However, the current evidence justifies further research to better understand its applicability in coronavirus infections.

Verdic

tCurrent evidence suggests H. helix may improve the frequency and intensity of cough associated with viral respiratory infection. The overall applicability of additional findings is limited by the poorly defined outcome measures employed. However, studies focused explicitly on expectoration did report an increased conversion from dry to productive cough, and an improvement in expectoration amount, consistency and colour. These effects may be explained by a related finding of reduced oropharyngeal congestion and improved inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate and c-reactive protein). A decrease in frequency of night cough and respiratory pain was also reported, as was improved sleep quality and reduced cough-related sleep disturbance.Some studies also measured general respiratory tract infection symptoms and identified clinical improvement or resolution of fever, fatigue, sore throat, sneezing, wheezing, nasal congestion, post-nasal drip and body-ache. A reduced need for antibiotic prescriptions was also identified. While not consistently reported, the majority of studies also found H. helix reduced the overall severity of viral bronchitis and related conditions. Tolerability was rated as between 'good' and 'high'. Adverse events were rare or non-existent in almost all studies, and those that were reported were defined as non-serious and not drug-related.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/146395