English Ivy

Hedera helix

Hedera helix, commonly known as English ivy, is a traditional plant that has been used in various cultural practices. However, there are no specific traditional uses recorded for this plant in any tradition. Scientific evidence indicates potential benefits; an herbal mouthwash derived from Hedera helix showed comparable efficacy to chlorhexidine in managing gingivitis. Additionally, studies suggest that the combination of chitosan and ivy leaf extract may mitigate certain toxic effects caused by deltamethrin, though these findings are not as robustly supported for direct clinical use. AG NPP709, a formulation containing Hedera helix, demonstrated non-inferiority to ivy leaf extract in improving respiratory symptoms. Safety-wise, no major issues have been reported, and there is currently no recorded evidence of significant drug interactions involving Hedera helix.

At a glance
Best evidence
B
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • The herbal mouthwash derived from Pedicough syrup showed beneficial effects on clinical periodontal parameters similar to chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis. D PMID
  • Moss increased surface temperatures in direct sunlight by an average of +1.5°C to +4.1°C compared to bare mortar. D PMID
  • The combination of chitosan and ivy leaf extract mitigated deltamethrin-induced hepatorenal and reproductive toxicity by modulating miR-144 and restoring antioxidant defenses. D PMID
  • AG NPP709, compared to ivy leaf extract, showed non-inferior clinical improvement rates in patients with respiratory symptoms. B PMID
  • Sufficient evidence suggests that several plant-derived agents, including Hedera helix, may reduce the severity and duration of respiratory tract infections, though more research is needed. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is English Ivy?

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about English Ivy?

5 sourced findings are recorded for English Ivy; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The herbal mouthwash derived from Pedicough syrup showed beneficial effects on clinical periodontal parameters similar to chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis.

How strong is the evidence for English Ivy?

The strongest finding for English Ivy carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is English Ivy safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for English Ivy in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does English Ivy interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for English Ivy in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of English Ivy?

English Ivy is also known as: Плющ обыкновенный, lierre grimpant.

Is English Ivy a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter, Phase 3 Study of AG NPP709 Compared With Ivy Leaf Extract in Patients With Acute or Chronic Respiratory Symptoms. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 How moss affects urban temperatures: The effects of moss on the thermal dynamics of an urban cementitious surface. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Combined Chitosan and Ivy Leaf Extract Mitigate Deltamethrin-Induced Hepatorenal and Reproductive Toxicity via miR-144 Antioxidant Signaling. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 A Review of the Properties of Clinically Evaluated Plant-Derived Agents in the Treatment of Respiratory Infections. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Effect of an Herbal Mouthwash Derived from Pedicough Syrup on Plaque, Gingival and Bleeding Indices in Patients with Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. literature abstract metadata