WC 500120648

31 March 2011
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)
Assessment report on Hedera helix L., folium

Based on Article 10a of Directive 2001/83/EC as amended (well-established use)
Based on Article 16d(1), Article 16f and Article 16h of Directive 2001/83/EC as amended (traditional
use)
Final
Herbal substance(s) (binomial scientific name of
the plant, including plant part)
Hedera helix L., folium
Herbal preparation(s)
Well-established use
a) Dry extract (DER 4-8:1), extraction solvent

ethanol 24-30% m/m
b) Dry extract (DER 6-7:1), extraction solvent
ethanol 40% m/m
c)
Dry extract (DER 3-6:1), extraction solvent

ethanol 60% m/m
d) Liquid extract (DER 1:1), extraction solvent

ethanol 70% V/V
Traditional use
a)
Soft extract (DER 2.2-2.9:1), extraction

solvent ethanol 50% V/V: propylene glycol
(98:2)
Pharmaceutical forms
Herbal preparations in solid or liquid dosage forms

for oral use.
Rapporteur
Dr Jacqueline Wiesner
Assessor
Marianne Peikert
7 Westferry Circus Canary Wharf London E14 4HB United Kingdom

Telephone +44 (0)20 7418 8400 Facsimile +44 (0)20 7523 7051
E-mail info@ema.europa.eu Website www.ema.europa.eu
An agency of the European Union
European Medicines Agency, 2012. Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
Table of contents
Table of contents ......................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction ............................................................................................ 4
1.1. Description of the herbal substance(s), herbal preparation(s) or combinations thereof .. 4
1.2. Information about products on the market in the Member States ............................... 5
1.3. Search and assessment methodology ..................................................................... 9
2. Historical data on medicinal use .............................................................. 9

2.1. Information on period of medicinal use in the Community ......................................... 9
2.2. Information on traditional/current indications and specified substances/preparations .. 11
2.3. Specified strength/posology/route of administration/duration of use for relevant
preparations and indications ....................................................................................... 12
3. Non-Clinical Data ................................................................................... 23

3.1. Overview of available pharmacological data regarding the herbal substance(s), herbal
preparation(s) and relevant constituents thereof ........................................................... 23
3.2. Overview of available pharmacokinetic data regarding the herbal substance(s), herbal
preparation(s) and relevant constituents thereof ........................................................... 32
3.3. Overview of available toxicological data regarding the herbal substance(s)/herbal
preparation(s) and constituents thereof ....................................................................... 35
3.4. Overall conclusions on non-clinical data ................................................................ 41
4. Clinical Data .......................................................................................... 42

4.1. Clinical Pharmacology ......................................................................................... 42
4.1.1. Overview of pharmacodynamic data regarding the herbal substance(s)/preparation(s)
including data on relevant constituents ........................................................................ 42
4.1.1.1. Primary Pharmacodynamics ........................................................................... 42
4.1.1.2. Secondary Pharmacodynamics ....................................................................... 42
4.1.2. Overview of pharmacokinetic data regarding the herbal substance(s)/preparation(s)
including data on relevant constituents ........................................................................ 42
4.2. Clinical Efficacy .................................................................................................. 43
4.2.1. Dose response studies...................................................................................... 45
4.2.2. Clinical studies (case studies and clinical trials) ................................................... 46
4.2.3. Clinical studies in special populations (e.g. elderly and children) ............................ 73
4.3. Overall conclusions on clinical pharmacology and efficacy ........................................ 75
5. Clinical Safety/Pharmacovigilance ........................................................ 79

5.1. Overview of toxicological/safety data from clinical trials in humans ........................... 79
5.2. Patient exposure ................................................................................................ 79
5.3. Adverse events and serious adverse events and deaths .......................................... 79
5.4. Laboratory findings ............................................................................................. 83
5.5. Safety in special populations and situations ........................................................... 84
5.6. Overall conclusions on clinical safety ..................................................................... 86

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6. Overall conclusions................................................................................ 88
Annex ........................................................................................................ 89

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1. Introduction
1.1. Description of the herbal substance(s), herbal preparation(s) or
combinations thereof
Herbal substance(s)
Hederae folium (Ivy leaf) (European Pharmacopoeia)

Whole or cut, dried leaves of Hedera helix L., collected in spring.
Content: minimum 3.0% of hederacoside C (C59H96O26; Mr 1221) (dried herbal substance).
The species Hedera helix L., Araliaceae, is known under the synonyms: Hedera caucasigena POJARK;
H. chrysocarpa WALSH; Hedera helix ssp. caucasica KLEOP.; Hedera helix var. chrysocarpa TEN.;
Hedera taurica CARR.; Hedera helix var. taurica TOBLER (HagerROM, 2006). The species Hedera helix
L., which is a source of the drug, is subdivided into three botanical varieties, Hedera helix var. baltica,
Hedera helix var. helix and Hedera helix var. hibernica. (HagerROM, 2006).
In the European countries Hedera helix is designated as follow: German: Efeubtter, Rankenefeu,
Mauerefeu, Totenranke, Epig; English: English Ivy, Common Ivy, Woodbind, Bindwood; French: Lierre
cautre, Lierre commun, Lierre des potes, Lierre grimpant; Italian: Edera, Ellera; Spanish: Hiedra;
Danish: Efeu, Vedbend; Dutch: Klimop; Norwegian: Bergflette, Efi; Polish: Bluszcz; Russian: Pluszcz;
Swedish: Murgrna; Czech: Betan obecn; Hungarian: Borostyn (HagerROM, 2006).
Constituents:
According to Wichtl (2004) the most important constituents of the plant are:
About 2.5-6% mostly bidesmosidic triterpene saponins with hederagenin, oleanolic acid and
bayogenin (= 2-hydroxyhederagenin) as aglycones and acylglycosidic sugar chains at C-28 of
the carboxyl group
Small amounts of monodesmosides such as -hederin and hederagenin-3-O--D-glucoside,

which can develop during the drying process from the bisdesmoside in the fresh leaves by
hydrolytic cleavage of the sugar chain at C-28
The main saponin is the hederasaponin C (hederacoside C) with other hederasaponins (B, D, E,
F, G, H and I) present as well. Hederasaponin A, described in an earlier publication could no
longer be found in subsequent studies. The content ratios of the hederasaponins (C : B : D : E
: F : G : H : I) are about 1000 : 70 : 45 : 10 : 40 : 15 : 6 : 5
Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol including their 3-O-rutinosides and 3-Oglucosides (= isoquercitrin and astragalin)
Caffeic acid derivates and other phenolics such as caffeic acid and dihydroxy-benzoic acid
Coumarin glycoside scopolin and the polyacetylenes falcarinone, falcarinol and 11, 12dihydrofalcarinol
Phytosterols as stigmasterol, sitosterol, cholesterol, campesterol, -spinasterol
The volatile oil (in the fresh leaves 0.1-0.3%) consists of methyl-ethyl ketone, methylisobutyl
ketone, trans-hexanal, germacrene D, -caryphyllene, sabinene, - and -pinene
Hamamiletol
Free amino acids

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The occurrence of the alkaloid emetine could not be confirmed in recent studies (Czygan,
1990). From four varieties grown in Egypt the alkaloid emetine was isolated (Mahran et al.,
1975). Convincing studies are missing (HagerROM, 2006).
Herbal preparation(s)
See chapter 1.2.
Combinations of herbal substance(s) and/or herbal preparation(s) including a description of

vitamin(s) and/or mineral(s) as ingredients of traditional combination herbal medicinal products
assessed, where applicable.
Ivy extracts are also used in combination with other herbal substances/herbal preparations. This
monograph refers exclusively to monopreparations.
1.2. Information about products on the market in the Member States

Table 1. Specified products on the market in the European Member State
Member State
Medicinal Product
Regulatory
Status
Austria
1) 1 lozenge contains 26 mg dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent
MA 2005
ethanol 30% (m/m)

2) 1 capsule contains 26 mg dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent
MA 2005
ethanol 30% (m/m)

3) 1 effervescent tablet contains 50 mg dry extract (4-8:1),
MA 2005
extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

4) 100 g syrup contain 0.792g dry extract (6-7:1), extraction
MA 2005
solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)

5) 100 g oral solution contain 1.98 g dry extract (6-7:1), extraction
MA 2005

MA 2007

MA 2003

9) 1 capsule contains 26 mg dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent
MA 2002
ethanol 30% (m/m)

10) 100 g syrup contains 0.792 g dry extract (6-7:1), extraction
MA 2002

11) 100 g oral solution contains 1.98 g dry extract (6-7:1),
MA 2002

12) 1 effervescent tablet contains 65 mg dry extract (5-7.5:1),
MA 2000

13) 5 ml oral solution contains 35 mg dry extract (5-7.5:1),
MA 2007

14) 2.5 mg oral solution contains 17.5 mg dry extract (5-7.5:1),
MA 1998

Belgium
15) 1 ml contains 20.0 mg dry extract (no further details)
MA 1989
There are no preparations on the market.
other
The herbal substance is available in combination products. The

products are multi-ingredient herbal teas authorised since longer
than 1962.
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Czech
Republic
1) Hederae helicis folii extractum fluidum 1:10 (prepared from
MA 2000
Hederae folium 10.0g, Propylenglycolum 2.0 g, Ethanolum 96%

41.2 g, Aqua purificata ad 100.0 g) 100 g/100 g of the finished
product
2) Hederae helicis folii extractum spissum (2.2-2.9:1), extracted
MA 1998
with the mixture of ethanol 50% (V/V) and propylenglycol 98:2

(0.8 g/100 ml of the finished product)
3) Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (6-7:1), extracted with
MA 2007
ethanol 40% (m/m) (2.04 g/100 ml of the finished product)

4) Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (6-7:1), extracted with
MA 2007
ethanol 40% (m/m) (0.9 g/100 ml of the finished product)

5) Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (5-7.5:1), extracted with
MA 2008
ethanol 30% (m/m) (0.700 mg/100 ml of the finished product)

Denmark
The herbal substance is only available in combination products. One
MA 1999
authorised product contains extracts of 3 combination substances:

Hedera helix herba, Thymus vulgaris L., herba, Glycyrrhiza glabra
L., radix
Estonia
1) 100 ml syrup contains 2.0 g ivy leaf soft extract (Extr. Hederae
MA 2002
helic. Spiss.) (1:1), standardised

2) 1 ml (=31 drops) contains 0.04 g extract from ivy leaves (2.2-
MA 1999
2.9:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 50% by volume, propylene

glycol (98:2)
3) 100 ml solution contains 700 mg of dried ivy leaf extract (5-
MA 1999
7.5:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

4) 1 tablet contains 65 mg of dried ivy leaf extract (5-7.5:1),
MA 2000
extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

5) 1ml solution contains 20 mg of dried ivy leaf extract (5-7.5:1),
MA 2004

France
1) dry extract from Hederae helicis folium (5-7:1), extraction
MA 1997
solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

2) dry extract from Hederae helicis folium (4-6:1) extraction
MA 2001
solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V)

Germany
MA 1976

MA 1976

MA 1976

4) soft extract from Hederae helicis folium (2.2-2.9:1), extraction
MA 1976
solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V):propylene glycol (98:2)

5) dry extract from Hederae helicis folium (5-7.5:1), extraction
MA 1976

6) liquid extract from Hederae helicis folium (1:1), extraction
MA 1976
solvent: ethanol 70% (V/V)

7) liquid extract from Hederae helicis folium (1:7-9), extraction
MA 1990
solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V):propylene glycol (98:2)

MA 1976


EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
MA 2001
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Greece
100 ml solution contains 700 mg of dried ivy leaf extract (5-7.5:1),

Hungary
Hederae helicis folii soft extract (2.2-2.9:1), extraction solvent:
MA 1995
ethanol 50% (V/V): propyleneglycol (98:2)

Latvia
1) Hederae helicis folii extractum spissum (2.2-2.9:1), extraction
MA 1995
solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V), propylenglycol (98:2),

pharmaceutical form: syrup 8 mg/ml; oral drops, solution
40 mg/ml
2) Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (5-7.5:1), extraction
MA 1999
solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m), pharmaceutical form: syrup 7

mg/ml; oral drops solution 20 mg/ml; effervescent tablets 65 mg
Lithuania
Hederae helicis folii soft extract (2.2-2.9:1), extraction solvent:
MA 1998

Norway
The herbal substance is only available in one combination product.
Traditional
Hedera helix L., herba is in combination with Thymus vulgaris L.,
use
herba and Glycyrrhiza glabra L., radix.

Poland
1) Syrup Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (5-7.5:1), extraction
MA 2000

2) Syrup Hederae helicis folii extractum spissum (2.2-2.9:1),
MA 2000
extraction solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V)

3) Tablets Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (4-8:1), extraction
MA 2001

4) Oral drops Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (5-7.5:1),
MA 2000

5) Syrup Hederae helicis folii extractum siccum (4-8:1), extraction
MA 2000

Slovak
1) Extractum spissum, (1:1), 2.0 g in 100 ml of syrup
MA 1997
Republic
2) Extractum spissum, (1:1), 1 ml (31 drops) contains 0.1 g extract
MA 2001
3) Extractum siccum, ethanol 30% (m/m), (5-7.5:1), 700 mg in 100
MA 2007
ml of syrup
4) Extractum siccum, ethanol 30% (m/m) , (5-7.5:1), 65 mg in 1
MA 2007
tablet
5) Hederae helicis folii soft extract (2.2-2.9:1), extraction solvent:
MA 2001

There are combination products on the market. The main
combination substances are Thymi extractum fluidum and Hederae
helicis extractum.
Slovenia
1) 1 ml of syrup contains 7 mg of Hedera helix L., folium; extractum
MA 2001
siccum) (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent: 30% (V/V) ethanol

2) 1 tablet contains 65 mg of Hedera helix L., folium; extractum
siccum) (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent: 30% (V/V) ethanol
Spain
Sweden
MA 2001
Dry extract (4-6:1), extraction solvent ethanol 30% (V/V)
MA 2001
Ethanolic extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30%. 1 ml corresponding to 35-
Traditional
52.5 mg herbal substance
use 2006
Comment of the Swedish agency: The product is approved as a so

called natural remedy.

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Regulatory status overview

Member State
Regulatory Status
Comments
Austria
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Belgium
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Bulgaria
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Cyprus
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Czech Republic
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Denmark
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Estonia
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Finland
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
France
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Germany
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Greece
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Hungary
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Iceland
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Ireland
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
No marketing
authorisation
Italy
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
No marketing
authorisation
Latvia
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Liechtenstein
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Lithuania
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Luxemburg
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Malta
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
The Netherlands
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
No marketing
authorisation
Norway
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Combination
Poland
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Portugal
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Romania
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Slovak Republic
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Slovenia
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Spain
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Sweden
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
United Kingdom
MA
TRAD
Other TRAD
Other Specify:
Combinations
No marketing
authorisation
No marketing
authorisation
No marketing
authorisation
MA: Marketing Authorisation

TRAD: Traditional Use Registration
Other TRAD: Other national Traditional systems of registration
Other: If known, it should be specified or otherwise add Not Known
This regulatory overview is not legally binding and does not necessarily reflect the legal status of the
products in the MSs concerned.

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1.3. Search and assessment methodology

A literature search was performed on 21 April 2008 using the DIMDI database information system. The
searched databases were X-med-all: CCOO, CDSR93, DAHTA, GA03, GM03, HG05, KR03, KL97,
KP05, CDAR94, INHTA, SM78, SPPP, SP97, TVPP, TV01, CCTR93, ME60, ZT00, MK77, ED93, HN69,
CV72, CB85, NHSEED, AZ72, IA70, BA26, EM74, DH64, EA08, DD83, II78, IS74. Further literature
search was performed in the BfArM-database Lidos. The search term was hedera, ivy. The literature
list was examined and 245 articles were ordered. Additional hand searches were performed in books on
herbal medicines and plant monographs in the BfArM own library. The bibliographies of included trials
and other relevant reviews were searched to identify further potential trials.
In the list of references, the references supporting the assessment report are listed first and secondly
references used but not introduced into the assessment report. An additional search in the same
databases was performed on 26 January 2009 for the period from April 2008 to January 2009.
2. Historical data on medicinal use

2.1. Information on period of medicinal use in the Community
Madaus (1938) notes, that ivy leaf is mentioned since Dioskurides and Hippokrates. The
phytotherapeutical books of the 16th would describe very different indications as jaundice, lithiasis
dysenterie, emenaegogum etc. The oral use of ivy (1/2 teaspoon as infusion as daily dose) at rachitis,
lithiasis, bile- and liver dysfunction is recommended.
Steinmetz (1961) resumes that although the plant is decidedly poisonous (in large doses death can
occur by respiratory paralysis!), the leaves and berries have some good uses in therapy - provided
they are administered in safe doses as a stimulating medicine for chronic catarrh, bronchitis, and
especially whooping cough, for which Leclerc said the leaves deserve a place of honour as a specific.
The use of ivy in whooping cough was the object of clinical tests by Leuret (of Bordeaux), who
demonstrated its action. In small doses and taken internally, the leaf is a very active vaso-dilator.
However, in large doses, it is a vaso-constrictor which slows the beat of the heart and at the same
time increases its tonus. A daily intake of 15 drops (children) to 50 drops (adults) of a tincture of the
leaves, in doses of 5 to 15 drops, is said to restore hypertension to normal level within a few days and
without recurrence taking place soon after discontinuance. Experience has shown that ivy, applied
externally, acts as a very efficacious moderator of the sensitivity of the peripheral nerves, which finds
its principal indications in the treatment of rheumatism, neuritis, neuralgia and particular cellulagias.
The pounded leaves are also used externally as parasitic and insecticide, e.g., against scabies and lice,
including fauves.
According to the monograph Hedera helix of the Kommission D (1986), ivy is also used in homeopathic
preparations. The homeopathic preparations are indicated in diseases of the respiratory tract,
gastrointestinal tract, rheumatic diseases and hyperthyroidism. Due to the lack of clinical studies,
those indications are not considered in this assessment report.
Literature on current traditional use of Hedera helix leaves (not for marketed preparations)
Chichiricco (1980) collected information about traditional phytotherapy in the Subequana valley
Abruzzo, Central Italy. He noted the boiled leaves of Hedera helix L., applied to the part of the body
afflicted, fight ringworm, scabies and worm. The cataplasm of the leaves would rapidly heal furuncles.
Brussel (2004) focused in his study on plants used for medicinal purposes in the Mt. Pelion area of
Greece. He reported the traditional use of a libation made by letting crushed ivy leaves set in a
container of red wine for two weeks. It was used to treat depression and was said to have stimulant,
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narcotic and hallucinogenic properties that were dependent on the amount that was drunk.
Kltr (2007) collected information on traditional medicinal plants of the region of Kirklareli Province in
Turkey. A decoction of the leaves of Hedera helix L. was used for diabetes and blood depurative. The
dosage reported was one teacup two times daily for 7-8 days.
De Smet et al. (1993), Hausen et al. (1987), Hausen (1988) and Facino (1990) reported ivy leaves
were also incorporated into topical cosmetic preparations, e.g., for the treatment of cellulites and
shampoos. No marketed topical preparations exist currently in the member states.
The current use of ivy is described in many recent phytotherapeutic textbooks and has been introduced
into Pharmacopoeias or accepted collections in the European countries:
Hederae folium (Ivy leaf). European Pharmacopoeia 01/2008:2148 corrected 6.0
Hederae helicis folium, Efeubltter, German Kommission E Monograph (1988) Indication: Catarrh
of the respiratory passages and for symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammatory bronchial
illnesses.
Hedera helix L. in Medicaments base plantes (1998): Traditional used topically as a soothing
and antipruriginous application for dermatological ailments and as a protective treatment for
cracks, grazes, chapped skin and insect bites, therapeutic indication 86 traditionally used as an
adjuvant to slimming diets. Hedera helix stem wood therapeutic indication nr. 111 Traditionally
used in the symptomatic treatment of cough, therapeutic indication nr. 113: traditionally used
during benign acute bronchial conditions.
Hederae helicis folium in HagerROM (2006): Catarrh of the respiratory passages and for
symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammatory bronchial illnesses.
Hederae helicis folium in ESCOP Monographs (2003): Coughs, particularly when associated with
hypersecretion of viscous mucus; as adjuvant treatment of inflammatory bronchial diseases.
Hederae folium in Wichtl (2004): Extracts of ivy leaf have expectorant and spasmolytic actions.
They are used primarily as expectorants and antispasmodics for catarrh of the respiratory passages
and for symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammatory bronchial illnesses.
IVY. In Williamson (2003): Cathartic, febrifuge, diaphoretic, anthelmintic. It is widely used in

preparations for bronchitis and catarrh, as an expectorant. Ivy extracts are often used in cosmetic
preparations to treat cellulite, with some success.
Ivy. In: Sweetmann (2007) Ivy leaf is used for catarrh and chronic inflammation of the respiratory
tract. It has also been applied externally.
Ivy Leaf. In British Pharmacopoeia (2008)
Lierre grimpant. Valnet (1983): internal use: pertussis, chronical bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngitis,
rheumatism, lithiasis, hypertension, external use: cellulites, rheumatism, oedemas, erythema/burn
There are no convincing data demonstrating the traditional oral use of ivy leaf as mono-tea
preparation. The German Kommission E Monograph defines 0.3 g herbal substance as daily dosage.
Ivy leaf is not included in the German Standardzulassungen, where the most important herbal tea
preparations are listed. In Germany, there are only data on older tea preparations (1976) but currently
no herbal substance for tea as mono-preparation is on the market. The request of information gives no
information on tea preparations and their posology in other European countries. In many
phytotherapeutic books or generally accepted phytotherapeutic collections, for example WHO
Monographs, British Herbal Compendium, British Herbal Pharmacopoeia 1996, ivy leaf is missing
completely. Only Valnet (1979) recommends a daily dosage of 3 cups of an infusion of 3 soup spoons
(unclear fresh or dry leaves) per 1000 ml water.
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Conclusion: There is neither traditional nor well established use for the herbal tea preparation of ivy
leaf. Most preparations from ivy leaf contain hydro-ethanolic dry extracts in ethanol-containing or
ethanol-free oral liquids.
2.2. Information on traditional/current indications and specified

substances/preparations
For the following ivy leaf preparations a period of at least 30 years of medical use, as requested by
Directive 2004/24/EC for qualification as a traditional herbal medicinal product, is fulfilled and
additionally a marketing authorisation has been granted (see Table 1). This assessment report is
discussing which preparations are suitable for well-established and which ones for traditional use:
1. dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)
2. dry extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)
6. soft extract (2.2-2.9:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V):propyleneglycol (98:2)
7. liquid extract (1:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 70% (V/V)
For one ivy leaf preparation a period of at least 30 years of medicinal use is not fulfilled:
dry extract (4-6:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V).
The analytical comparison of the latter ivy leaf dry extract (4-6:1); extraction solvent: ethanol 30%
(V/V) used in commercial syrups with ivy leaf dry extract (5-7.5:1); extraction solvent: ethanol 30%
(m/m) showed no significant difference between the chemical composition (similar qualitative and
quantitative composition based on the main triterpene saponins and main phenolic compounds) of the
two preparations (analytical documentation Arkopharma). The HMPC therefore decided to include the
preparation in the WEU-part of the monograph. These two preparations are combined as: dry extract
(DER 4-8:1); extraction solvent: ethanol 24-30% (m/m).
The specified products on the market in the European Member States are used orally. The route of
administration depends on the pharmaceutical form (coated tablets, capsules, effervescent tablets,
drops or oral solution). The preparations are taken with a glass of water. The indications with regard to
the respiratory tract are the following:
a) Catarrh of the respiratory passages
Relief of cough associated with catarrhs of the respiratory tract
acute catarrhs of the airways with cough
traditionally used in the symptomatic treatment of coughs
They can be summarized in Medicinal product used in common cold associated with cough.
b) Traditionally used during benign acute bronchial conditions
symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammations in the bronchia.
Symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammatory bronchial disorders
acute inflammations of the respiratory tract accompanied by coughing
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They can be summarised in Symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic inflammatory bronchial
disorders.
The duration of use is regulated by a warning in the predominant cases. Patients are asked to consult a
doctor if the symptoms persist longer than 4-7 days.
2.3. Specified strength/posology/route of administration/duration of use

for relevant preparations and indications
1. dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)
Posology of the specified products
Posology of the preparation
1 preparation (Austria):
Adults:
1 lozenge contains 26 mg dry extract
Single dose: 26 mg dry extract
Adults and adolescents:

2 x 1 lozenge
Children 4-11 years:
(corresponding to 156 mg herbal substance)

Daily dose: 52 mg dry extract
1 x 1 lozenge
(MA 2005)
Single dose and daily dose: 26 mg dry extract

1 preparation (Austria)
Adults:
1 capsule contains 26 mg dry extract
Single dose: 26-52 mg dry extract

3 x 1-2 capsules
(MA 2005)
(corresponding to 156-312 mg herbal substance)

Daily dose: 78-156 mg dry extract
1 preparation (Austria) and 4 products
Adults:
(Germany)
1 effervescent tablet contains 50 mg dry extract
Adults and, adolescents:

1 x 1 effervescent tablet

(MA 2005)
Adults:

3 x 2 effervescent tablets
(MA 2007)

Adults:

1-2 x 1 effervescent tablet
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009

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(MA 2003)

Adults:
1 capsule contains 26 mg dry extract

3 x 1-2 capsules
3 x 1 capsule
(MA 2002)

Children 4-11years:
(corresponding to 468 mg dry extract)
3 preparations (Germany)
Adults:
1 oral gum contains 26 mg dry extract
Adults and adolescents > 12 years:

2 x daily 1 gum

1 preparation (Germany)
Adults:
15 ml (= 19.125 g) syrup contains 50 mg dry
Single dose: 16.7 mg dry extract
extract

3 x daily 5 ml

100 g (= 86.6 ml) oral liquid contains 0.25 g
Adults:
dry extract

3 x daily 12 ml
3 x daily 8 ml
Children 1-5 years:
3 x daily 4 ml

Children 1-5 years:
Daily dose: 34.5 mg dry extract
Adults:
1 effervescent tablet contains
31.5 mg dry extract

2 x daily 1 (corresponding to 378 mg herbal

substance per day)

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1.2 g (= 1 measuring spoon) instant herbal tea
contain 16.7 mg dry extract

3 x daily 1 measuring spoon with
1.2 g instant herbal tea dissolved in 150 ml of
(corresponding to 100 mg crude herb)

hot water (corresponding to 300 mg herbal

substance per day)
1 coated tablet contains 25 mg dry extract

2 x daily 1 containing 25 mg dry extract
(corresponding to 300 mg herbal substance per

day)
Summary of posology for dry extract (4-8:1),
Single dose: 16.7-52 mg dry extract
Daily dose: 50-156 dry extract
(corresponding to 300-936 herbal substance)

Children 1-5 years:
2. dry extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)
1 preparations (Austria) and 1 preparation
Adults:
(Germany)
1 effervescent tablet contains 65 mg dry
extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent ethanol
30% (m/m)
Single dose: 32.5 mg

3 x 1/2 effervescent tablet
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009

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Adults:
5 ml oral solution contains 35 mg dry extract
(5-7.5:1), extraction solvent ethanol 30%
(m/m)
Adults and adolescents: 3 x 5 ml
Adults:
2.5 (100) ml oral solution contains 17.5 mg
(0.7 g) dry extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent
ethanol 30% (m/m)

Adults and adolescents: 3-5 x 5 ml
Children 4-11 years: 3-5 x 2.5 ml

Adults and adolescents > 12 years: 3 x 5 ml
Children 6-11 years: 2 x 5 ml
Children 0-5 years: 2 x 2.5 ml
Daily dose: 52.5-87.5 mg dry extract

Children 0-5 years:
1 ml (=29 drops) contains 0.02 g dry extract

3 x daily 24 drops (corresponding to 50.4 mg
dry extract per day)

(corresponding to 70.3 mg herbal substance)
Children 1-4 years:


Children 1-4 years:

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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3 x daily 2 tablets containing each
25 mg dry extract (corresponding to 150 mg

3 x daily 5 ml (1 bag) containing
35 mg dry extract (corresponding to 105 mg

Summary of posology for dry extract (5-7.5:1),
Single dose: 16.8-65 mg dry extract (corresponding
to 105-406 mg herbal substance)
Daily dose: 50.4-175 dry extract
Single dose: 11.2-32.5 mg dry extract
(corresponding to 70.3-203 mg herbal substance)
Children 1-5 years:
(corresponding to 52.5-109 mg herbal substance)
Daily dose: 25.2-35 mg dry extract
(corresponding to 157-219 mg herbal substance

Adults:
100 ml contains 154 mg dry extract

3 x daily 10 ml


No information about density (mg/ml) was given.
100 g syrup contains 0.792 g dry extract (67:1) extraction solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)
Children < 1 year: 2 x 1 ml
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No information about density (mg/drop) was given.
100 g oral solution contains 1.98 g dry extract

(6-7:1) extraction solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)
Children <1 year: 3 x 8 drops
Children 1-3 years: 3 x 12 drops
Adults and adolescents: 3 x 25 drops
No information about density (mg/ml) was given.
100 g syrup contains 0.792 g dry extract (67:1) extraction solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)
No information about density (mg/drop) was given.
100 g oral solution contains

1.98 g dry extract (6-7:1) extraction solvent
ethanol 40% (m/m)
Children <1 year: 3 x 6 drops
Adults and adolescents: 3 x 25 drops
Adults:
100 ml (= 110 g) oral liquid contains 0.871 g
dry extract

3 x daily 1.8 ml

Children 1-4 years: 2 x daily 1 ml
Children 5-11 years: 1-2 x daily 1.8 ml

Children 1-4 years:
Adults:
100 g oral liquid contains 1.98 g
dry extract 10 drops oral liquid corresponding
to 75 mg herbal substance (11.55 mg dry
extract)
3 x daily 12-15 drops

3 preparation of this

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009

Page 17/89
3 preparations contains a posology for children:
Children 1-3 years:

Adults:
100 ml oral liquid contains
0.9 g dry extract

Adults and adolescents >12 years:

3 x daily 2 ml (corresponding to 350 mg herbal
substance per day)

Single dose: 13.5 / 18 mg dry extract
Children 4-12 years: 3 x daily 1.5 ml
(corresponding to 88 / 117 mg herbal substance)
Daily dose: 40 / 36 mg dry extract
day);
(corresponding to 260 / 230 mg herbal substance)
one preparation: 2 x daily 2 ml (corresponding

to 230 mg herbal substance per day)
Children 1-3 years: 3 x daily 1 ml
Children 1-3 years:

day)
100 ml oral liquid contains 2.08 g dry extract;
Adults:
1 ml = 29 drops

3 x daily 20-25 drops (corresponding to 280-
350 mg herbal substance per day)

Adults and adolescents > 12 years
100 ml oral liquid contain 2.040 g dry extract

3 x daily 27 drops (corresponding to 318 mg
herbal substance per day)
3 x daily 21 drops (corresponding to 245 mg

(corresponding to mg crude 318 herbal substance)
50 g (= 47.4 ml) oral liquid contain 0.99 g dry
extract

3 x daily 21-26 drops (corresponding to 270338 mg herbal substance per day)
3 x daily 14-17 drops (corresponding to 180Assessment report on Hedera helix L., folium
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009

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Children 1-4 years:
Children 1-4 years:
3 x daily 10-14 drops (corresponding to 135-

Summary for dry extract (6-7:1) extraction
Children 1-4 years:

(corresponding to 45- 8 mg herbal substance)
Daily dose: 17.427.7 mg dry extract
5. soft extract (2.2-2.9:1) extraction solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V):propylene glycol (98:2)
Adults:
1 ml (= 31 drops) oral liquid contains 0.04 g
Single dose: 40 mg extract
extract

3 x daily 31 drops
Daily dose: 120 mg extract

Children 4-10 years: 3 x daily 21 drops
Children 2-4 years: 3 x daily 16 drops
Single dose: 26.6 mg extract

Children 2-4 years:

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1 preparation (Czech Republic, Estonia,
Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia)
100 ml oral liquid contains 0.8 g extract

substance per day)
4 x daily 2.5 ml (corresponding to 200 mg
Children 1-4 years:

Children 1-4 years:
Children 0-1 year:
1 x daily 2.5 ml (corresponding to 50 mg herbal
substance per day)
Children 0-1 year:

Single dose and daily dose: 20 mg extract
Summary of posology for soft extract (2.22.9:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 50%
(V/V):propylene glycol (98:2)
Daily dose: 120 extract
(corresponding to 300 herbal substance)
Single dose: 20-26 mg extract
Children 1-4 years:
(corresponding to 150 mg herbal substance
Children 0-1 year:
Single dose and daily dose: 20 mg extract

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6. dry extract (36:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 60% (m/m)

100 ml oral liquid contain 330 mg dry extract

2 x daily 10 ml (corresponding to 297 mg
Children 1-4 years:
substance per day)

Children 1-4 years:
7. liquid extract (1:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 70% (V/V)

50 ml (= 47.9 g) oral solution contains 7.5 g
Single dose: 0.1 g liquid extract
liquid extract

3 x daily 20-25 drops (corresponding to 300 mg
Children 1-4 years:
Daily dose: 0.3 g liquid extract

3 x daily 10-15 drops (corresponding to and
Children 1-4 years:
Children 0-1 year:


Children 0-1 year:
Single dose: 0.40 ml liquid extract

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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8. dry extract (4-6:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V)

1 preparation (France)
100 ml syrup contain 1.00 g dry extract

Adults: 3-4 x daily 5 ml
Children 10-15 years: 2-3 x daily 5 ml
Children < 5 years: 2 x daily 2.5 ml

Children < 5 years:
1 preparation (France)
1 lozenge contains 30 mg dry extract
Adults: 4-6 lozenges

Children 10-15 years: 3-4 lozenges
Children 6-10 years: 2-3 lozenges

1 preparation (Spain)
100 ml oral solution contain 1.00 g dry extract
Adults: 3-4 x daily 5 ml

Children 10-15 years: 2-3 x daily 5 ml
Children 2-5 years: 2 x daily 2.5 ml


EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Children 2-5 years:
Summary of posology for dry extract (4-6:1),
extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V):
Daily dose: 120-200 mg dry extract (corresponding
to 600-1000 mg herbal substance)
Children 2-5 years:
3. Non-Clinical Data
3.1. Overview of available pharmacological data regarding the herbal
substance(s), herbal preparation(s) and relevant constituents thereof
Primary pharmacodynamics
Spasmolytic/bronchodilating activity
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In-vitro experiments
Spasmolytic activity
Trute et al. (1997): The antispasmodic activity of a dry extract of Hedera helix (6:1, extraction solvent
30% ethanol) standardised on papaverine (papaverine equivalent value, PE, activity of 1 g test
substance equivalent to the activity of x mg papaverine) was studied in in-vitro tests on isolated
guinea pig ileum with acetylcholine as spasmogen. A spasmolytic activity equivalent to that of 1 mg
papaverine was exerted by 169 mg of hederacoside C, 18 mg of -hederin and 21 mg of their aglycone
hederagenin, 7 mg of kaempferol and 18 mg of quercetin.
In order to determine the phytochemical basis for the antispasmodic activity, a bioassay guided
fractionation and subsequent isolation of phenolic compounds (flavonols and caffeoylquinic acids) and
saponins (hederacoside C, -hederin and hederagenin) from a dry extract of ivy leaves was carried
out. Fractions and isolates obtained were investigated for antispasmodic activity and their contribution
to the activity of the extract was calculated. A significant activity was found for both saponins and
phenolic compounds. The PE values were about 55 and 49 for -hederin and hederagenin, 54 and 143
for quercetin and kaempferol, and 22 for 3.5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. In view of their relative high
concentration, the saponins contributed most to the antispasmodic activity, followed by dicaffeoylquinic
acids and the flavonol derivatives. It was concluded that the summed PE value of the compounds
mentioned is in agreement with the PE value of the whole extract determined biologically.
Capasso et al. (1991): Apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol at a concentration of 10 M (single doses)
significantly reduced the contraction of guinea-pig isolated ileum induced by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)
and leukotriene D4 (LTD4). Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol including their 3-Orutinosides and 3-O-glucosides (=isoquercitrin and astragalin) are constituents of Hedera helix.
Ortiz de Urbina et al. (1990): Caffeic and protocatechic acids demonstrated a non-specific
antispasmodic action of smooth muscle in several isolated organs of the rat.
Becker (2003) and Beyer (2005) reported from in-vitro studies with an ivy leaf extract the
accumulation of -receptors responsible for spasmolytic and secretolytic activity at concentrations of
500 nmol hederin. According to Becker (2003), a resorption and blood concentration of 650 nmol
hederin could be shown in clinical studies. The authors concluded that the in-vitro experiment could
have clinical relevance.
Hegener et al. (2004): A preincubation for 24 h with the saponin compound -hederin (1 M) inhibited
the terbutaline-stimulated internalization of the 2-AR in alveolar epithelial typ II cell line (A549) by
87% after 20 min, in agreement with the fact that saponins are cholesterol-complex forming agents
and that cholesterol depletion is known to inhibit receptor internalization. Also in fluorescence
correlation spectroscopy (FCS) experiments -hederin exhibited an inhibition of 2-AR internalization in
alveolar epithelial type II cell line (A549). -Hederin did not show any affinity for the 2-AR in FCS
binding studies.
Runkel et al. (2005): -Hederin (0.5 M) inhibited the terbutaline-stimulated internalization of the
2-AR by 60% in alveolar epithelial type II cell line (A 549). The author stated that in recent resorption
studies -hederin was found at 0.66 M blood plasma concentration which was sufficiently bioavailable
to explain a -mimetic and spasmolytic effect.
Sieben et al. (2009): Internalization of 2-adrenergic receptor-GFP fusion proteins after stimulation with
1 M terbutaline was inhibited by preincubation of stably transfected HEK293 cells with 1 M -hederin
for 24 h, whereas neither hederacoside C nor hederagenin (1 M each) influenced this receptor
regulation. Pre-treatment of HASM cells with -hederin (1 M, 24 h) revealed an increased intracellular
cAMP level of 13.57.0% under stimulating conditions. Remarkably, structure-related saponins like

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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hederacoside C and hederagenin did not influence either the binding behaviour of 2AR or the
intracellular cAMP level.
In-vivo experiments
Haen (1996): In the compressed air model in conscious guinea pigs, an orally administered ethanolic
extract from ivy leaf at 50 mg/kg body weight dose-dependently inhibited bronchoconstriction induced
by inhalation of ovalbumin (57% inhibition, p=0.01) or platelet activating factor (43% inhibition,
p=0.03). The results demonstrated a statistically significant bronchodilating activity of the extract.
Secretolytic effect
Vogel (1963): Considered the hypothesis of the vagal effector mechanism for improvement of
expectoration to be unrealistic. He considered the surface activity of the saponins could play a role in
the local liquefaction of the mucus in the throat. Additionally, it might be possible that not only
saponins but also other substances like e.g. volatile oils contribute to the effect.
Mills and Bone (2000): Saponins are more or less irritating to gastrointestinal mucous membranes
(whether this is related to their detergent or haemolytic properties is not understood). This irritant
property creates an acrid sensation in the throat when a saponin-containing herb is chewed. One
effect, like the emetics, may be by upper gastrointestinal irritation to induce a reflex expectoration.
Mrz and Matthys (1997): Ivy is used as expectorant. For the mucus secretory cell the vagal effector
mechanism is only one of several trigger mechanism to induce secretion. Stimulation of gastric
receptors by emetic agents causes vomiting by vagal reflex acting through the modularly vomiting
centres. Subemetic doses of these agents activate a gastropulmonary mucokinetic vagal reflex, which
stimulates the bronchial glands to secrete a watery fluid.
A new mode of action was discussed by Stauss-Grabo (2008) based on the results of Hegener et al.
(2004) and Runkel et al. (2005). -Hederin inhibited the terbutaline-stimulated internalization of the
2-AR. The stimulation of 2-AR provides an increased surfactant production. The surfactant leads to
the liquefaction of the mucus.
Anti-inflammatory effect
In-vivo experiments
Haen (1996): An orally administered ethanolic extract from ivy leaf at 162 mg/kg body weight
inhibited carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema by 39% after 1 h and by 5% after 5 h.
Kim et al. (1999): Some steroidal and triterpenoid saponins were isolated and evaluated for their antiinflammatory activity using in-vivo mouse ear oedema test. Ear oedema was provoked by topical
application of 2% arachidonic acid or 2.5% croton oil. The oral dose of 100 mg/kg, several steroidal
saponins and triterpenoid saponins such as hederagenin glycosides showed significant inhibition of ear
oedema (20-37% inhibition). The inhibition of hederagenin was less potent than indometacin or
hydrocortisone.
Sleyman et al. (2003) tested the possible anti inflammatory effects of a crude saponin extract (CSE)
(10:1; extraction solvent ethanol 80% (V/V)) and saponin purified extracts (SPE) of Hedera helix in
carrageenan- and cotton-pellet-induced acute and chronic inflammation models in rats. The Hedera
helix extracts in 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg and indometacin in 20 mg/kg body weight doses were given
to rats orally once daily for 4 days. Both the CSE and SPE of Hedera helix caused anti-inflammatory
effects. The most potent drug screened was indometacin (89.2% acute anti inflammatory effect), while
the most potent extract screened was Hedera helix CSE at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight with 77%
acute anti-inflammatory effects. For testing chronic anti-inflammatory (antiproliferative) effects, the
cotton-pellet-granuloma test was conducted. Indometacin was the most potent drug in the chronic

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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phase of inflammation, with 66% effect. The SPE of Hedera helix was more potent than the CSE in its
chronic anti-inflammatory effect (60% and 49%, respectively).
Gepdiremen et al. (2005): The anti-inflammatory potential of -hederin and hederasaponin-C from
Hedera helix was investigated in carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in rats. Saponins were given
orally in concentrations of 0.02 mg/kg body weight and the reference product indometacin in 20 mg/kg
body weight. For the first phase of acute inflammation, indometacin was found as the most potent
substance. -Hederin and hederasaponin-C were found ineffective. For the second phase of acute
inflammation, indometacin was determined as very potent compound. -Hederin was found ineffective
for the second phase. Despite hederasaponin-C and E were found effective in the second phase of
inflammation, they were not as effective as indometacin.
Secondary Pharmacodynamics
Antibacterial effect
Cioaca et al. (1978) tested the antibacterial activity of saponins from Hedera helix against a large
number of microorganisms. The microbiological assay of saponins was made with 23 strains
representing 22 bacteria and one yeast species (Candida albicans). In a 10 and 5 mg/ml concentration
the saponin solution was bactericidal against al the 23 tested strains. The minimal inhibitory
concentration for the gram-positive bacteria varied between 0.312 and 1.250 mg/ml and for the gramnegative bacteria between 1.25 and 5.0 mg/ml. Generally, the saponins are more active against the
gram-positive than against the gram-negative bacteria. The activity of the saponins could be
demonstrated against some of the more resistant bacteria to antibiotics, like Staphylococcus aureus
(0.312 mg/ml), Salmonella para A (0.312 mg/ml), Shigella flexneri (0.625 mg/ml), Bacillus anthracis
(0.625 mg/ml), Streptococcus mutans (1.250 mg/ml). Saponin-containing extracts of ivy were active
against 23 strains of bacteria (from 22 genera) and against one yeast.
Ieven et al. (1979): An ethanolic extract of ivy leaf completely inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus
aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa and partially inhibited the growth of E. coli.
Antiviral effect
Rao et al. (1974) reported about the in-vitro anti-influenza activity of 11 naturally occurring
triterpenoid saponins (Aesculus hippocastanum, Cyclamen europeum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Hedera helix,
Primula veris, Polygala senega, Quillaja saponica, Bupleurum falcatum, Thea sinensis and Gymnema
sylvestre). Hederacoside C inhibited influenza virus at 54% in a concentration of 100 g/ml. The
majority of the triterpenoid saponins containing the acylated -amyrin skeleton exhibited anti-influenza
activity in-vitro.
Antimycotic effect
Wolters (1966): The antifungal activity of 30 saponin containing plant extracts (methanol 10%, no
further information) was tested in 4 different strains. Hedera helix extract had a fungistatic activity on
all the tested strains: Piricuralia oryzae, Trichothecium roseum, Claviceps purpurea and Polyporus
vesiculosus.
Favel et al. (1992): The antifungal activity of triterpenoid saponins was evaluated in-vitro by the agar
diffusion assay and experiments were performed with yeast and dermatophyte strains. Hederagenin
derivatives exhibited a broad spectrum of activity. All the yeast species (Candida albicans, C. krusei,

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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C. tropicalis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. glabrata) were inhibited at 50 g/ml or less. The MICs for the
dermatophytes were within the range 5-100 g/ml.
Favel et al. (1994): The antifungal activity of triterpenoid saponins, with hederagenin or oleanolic acid
as aglycon, was investigated in-vitro by the agar diffusion assay. Monodesmosidic hederagenin
derivatives were shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of activity against yeast as well as dermatophyte
species. -Hederin was the most active compound and Candida glabrata was the most susceptible
strain (MIC 6.7 M).
Moulin-Traffort et al. (1998): -Hederin isolated from Hedera helix L., was tested on Candida albicans
ultrastructure. The concentrations used were 6.25, 12.5, and 25 g/ml for an exposure time of 24 h.
Transmission electron microscopy observations indicated that compared with untreated control yeasts,
-hederin induced modifications of cellular contents and alterations of cell envelope with degradation
and death of the yeasts. After 24 h of treatment, numerous yeasts were dead disregarding the
concentration used. The impact of -hederin on the biomembranes and in particular on the
plasmalemma is discussed. The antifungal activity of -hederin was efficacious with 25 g/ml, which
conforms the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) obtained in-vitro by Favel et al. (1994).
In-vivo experiments
Timon-David et al. (1980): Four saponin derivatives, including hederasaponin C and -hederin, were
isolated from ivy leaves (Hedera helix) and their fungicidal effects were determined in-vitro and in
mice parasitized with Candida albicans. Results showed that a saponin mixture (60% hederasaponin C)
eliminated the infection in 90% of the animals after oral administration at 50 mg/kg body weight
within 7 days and in 100% within 10 days. In comparison, -hederin eliminated the infection at the
same dose of level in 90% in 10 day and hederasaponin C in 40% within 10 days. In comparison, the
infections were eliminated by oral amphotericin b at 2.5 mg/kg daily within 6 days.
Molluscicidal effect
Balansard et al. (1980): In in-vitro tests, -hederin, obtained by hydrolysis of hedera saponin C,
showed molluscicidal activity against liver flukes Fasciola hepatica and Dicrocoelium lanceolatum at
concentration of 1 g/ml and antifungal activity in Sabouraud liquid medium.
Hostettmann (1980) compared the molluscicidal effects of different ivy extracts and found a crude leaf
extract was less active than a crude methanolic extract of the berries. He isolated four saponins from
the berries, all of which showed a strong molluscicidal action against the bilharziasis-transmitting snail
Biomphalaria glabrata.
Hostettmann et al. (1982) tested a series of 24 different saponins isolated from various medicinal
plants against Biomphalaria glabrata, one of the snail vectors of schistosomiasis (bilharziasis). In
general, monodesmosidic triterpenoid saponins exhibited a strong molluscicidal activity whereas
bidesmosidic saponins as well as the aglycones were fully inactive.
In-vitro and in-vivo experiments
Julien et al. (1985): The in-vitro anthelmintic activity of a saponic complex 60% (CS 60), purified
saponic complex 90% (CS 90) and -hederin isolated from leaves of Hedera helix L. was investigated
on using the trematodes Fasciola hepatica and Dicocoelium spp. -Hederin was the most efficient.
In-vivo assays with sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium showed that al 3 products are capable
to lower or cease the egg production. One dose of 500 mg/kg and two doses of 800 mg/kg given orally
brought about total disappearance of eggs in the faces of sheep treated with CS 60 and CS 90. The
authors could not prove that -hederin showed a lowered effectiveness in-vivo.

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Protozoidal effect
Majester-Savornin et al. (1991): The activity of an isolated extract of Hedera helix named CS 60 (60%
saponic complex), the bidesmosides hederasaponin B, C and D, their corresponding to
monodesmosides -, beta-, and delta-hederin, and hederagenin against promastigote and amastigote
forms of Leishmania infantum and L. tropica was tested in-vitro. CS 60 and bidesmosides had shown
no effect. Monodesmosides were as effective on promastigote forms as the reference compound
(pentamidine). Only hederagenin exhibited a significant activity against amastigote forms, which was
equivalent to that of the reference compound (N-methylglucamine antimonate).
Tedlaouti et al. (1991): Moderate in-vitro antitrypanosomal activity for monodesmosides and
hederagenin was shown (-hederin MIC=25 g/ml). The bisesmosides hederasaponins C and D did not
show any effect on Trypanosoma brucei.
Delmas et al. (2000): The in-vitro antileishmanial activity of three saponins, -hederin and -hederin
isolated from leaves of Hedera helix L., and hederacolchiside A1 isolated from Hedera colchica was
investigated on Leishmania infantum. The assessment of possible targets (membrane integrity,
membrane potential, DNA synthesis and protein content) was performed in both Leishmania
promastigotes and human monocytes (THP1 cells). Results observed in Leishmania showed that the
saponins exhibited a strong antiproliferative activity on al stages of development of the parasite by
altering membrane integrity and potential. Hederacolchiside A1 appeared to be the most active
compound against both extracellular promastigotes (IC50=1.2 M) and intracellular amastigotes
(IC50=0.053 M). -Hederin and -hederin showed lower activities, IC50=13.6 and 12.0 M
respectively against promastigotes and IC50=0.35 and 0.25 M respectively against amastigotes.
Results observed in THP1 cells demonstrated that the saponins exerted also a potent antiproliferative
activity against human monocytes by producing a significant DNA synthesis inhibition. The authors
concluded that the ratio between antileishmanial activity on amastigotes and toxicity to human cells
suggested that the saponins could be considered as possible antileishmanial drugs.
Ridoux et al. (2001): The in-vitro antileishmanial activity of three saponins, - and -hederin isolated
from Hedera helix and hederacolchiside A1 from H. colchica was investigated on parasites of the
species Leishmania mexicana in their promastigote and amastigote forms, compared with their toxicity
versus human monocytes. The results showed that saponins exhibited a strong antiproliferative activity
on al stages of development of the parasite but demonstrated a strong toxicity versus human cells.
Combination of subtoxic concentrations of saponins with antileishmanial drugs such as pentamidine
and amphotericin B demonstrated that saponins could enhance the efficiency of conventional drugs on
both the promastigote and the amastigote stages of development of the parasite. The results
demonstrated moreover that the action of saponins on promastigote membrane was cumulative with
those of amphotericin B.
Hepatoprotective effect
Hensel et al. (2007) and Goetz (2007): Thirty commonly used medicinal plants were screened by a
selective and specific LC-MS/MS method for the occurrence of N-phenylpropenoyl-L-amino acid
amides, a new homologous class of secondary products. In 15 plants, one or more of the respective
derivatives (1 to 12) were found and quantified.
Especially roots from Angelica archangelica, fruits of Cassia angustifolia, C. senna, Coriandrum
sativum, leaves from Hedera helix, flowers from Lavandula spec. and from Sambucus nigra contained
high amounts (1 to 11g/g) of mixtures of the different amides 1 to 12. For functional investigations
on potential activity in cellular physiology, two amides with an aliphatic (N-(E)-Caffeic acid L-aspartic
acid amide (8)) and an aromatic amino acid residue (N-(E)-caffeic acid L-tryptophan amide (5)) were
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used. (8) and (5) stimulated mitochondrial activity as well as the proliferation rate of human liver cells
(HepG2) at 10 g/ml significantly. When monitoring the influence of selected phase I and II
metabolizing enzymes, both compounds did not influence CYP3A4 gene expression, but stimulated
CYP1A2 gene expression and inhibited GST expression. Also the proliferation of human keratinocytes
(NHK) was increased up to 150% by both, the amides 5 and 8. This stimulation was also detectable on
the level of gene expression by an up-regulation of the transcription factor STAT6.
In-vivo experiments
Liu et al. (1993) examined the protective effect of -hederin against cadmium (Cd) hepatotoxicity and
the mechanism of protection. -Hederin pre-treatment (100 M/kg, s.c.) dramatically decreased Cd
(3.7 mg/kg, i.v.) hepatotoxicity as indicated by a reduction of serum alanine aminotransferase and
sorbitol dehydrogenase, as well as by histopathological examination. The increased cytosolic Cd was
found primarily bound to a low-molecular-weight protein, metallothionein (MT). -Hederin produced a
dose-dependent increase in hepatic MT with a 100-fold increase over controls 24 h after a single
injection of 100 M/kg. The hepatic MT increase produced by -hederin is relatively long lasting. Six
days after a single administration, it was still eight times control values. The induction of MT was also
relatively specific for the liver, as little or no increase in MT was observed in other tissues.
Liu et al. (1995) determined the protective effects of -hederin on chemical-induced liver injury in CF-1
mice and evaluated cytochrome P450 suppression by -hederin as a means of protection. -Hederin
pre-treatment (30 M/kg, s.c., 3 days) protected mice from acetaminophen-, bromobenzene-, carbon
tetrachloride-, furosemide-, and thioacetamide-induced liver injury, without affecting the
hepatotoxicity of chloroform and dimethylnitrosamine. These results demonstrate that treatment of
mice with -hederin decreases the levels and activities of several P450 enzymes. The suppression of
P450 appears to be one of mechanisms by which -hederin protects mice from the hepatotoxicity of
some chemicals (Sea also chapter interactions 3.2.).
According to Shi and Liu (1996), there were the hepatoprotective effects of -hederin and sapindoside
B at least in part, due to its suppressive effect on liver cytochrome P-450.
Liu et al. (1997) examined whether -hederin modulates hepatic detoxyfying systems as a means of
hepatoprotection. Mice were injected -hederin 10 and 30 M/kg, s.c. once daily for 3 consecutive
days and liver cytosols were prepared 24 h after the last dose to study antioxidant enzymes and
nonenzymatic defense components. -Hederin increased the liver gluthathion (GSH) content (20%)
but had no effect on GSH peroxidase, GSH reductase and GSH S-transferase. The activities of
superoxide dismutase and quinone reductase were unaffected. At the high dose of -hederin, catalase
activity was decreased by 20%. The hepatic content of metallothionein was dramatically increased (50fold), along with elevations of hepatic Zn and Cu concentrations (25%-80%) but no effect on tocopherol in the liver was observed.
-Hederin enhanced some nonenzymatic antioxidant components in the liver, which play a partial role
in -hederin protection against hepatotoxicity produced by some chemicals.
Antithrombin activity
de Medeiros et al. (2000): A chromogenic bioassay was utilised to determine the antithrombin activity
of methylene chloride and methanol extracts (no information about the DER of the extract) prepared
from 50 plants of the Azores. Extracts of the six plants: Hedychium gardneranum, Tropaeolum majus,
Gunnera tinctoria, Hedera helix, Festuca jubata and Laurus azorica demonstrated an activity of 78% or
higher in this bioassay system. The activity of the Hedera helix methylene chloride extract (82%) was
higher than the activity of methanol extract (30%). It is believed, that hypercoagulability in cancer is
related to an increase of tissue factor (TF) in the patients. The author concluded that the lower

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activity of thrombin caused the lower coagulability, and subsequently the possibility of tumour cells to
spread or to adhere to any tissue.
Antioxidant effect
Mba Gachou et al. (1999): The study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of -hederin
extracted from Hedera helix against H2O2-mediated DNA damage on HepG2 cell line by the alkaline
comet assay. The effect of -hederin on catalase activity was evaluated after treating the cells with
3.36 mg/ml of 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (AMT) singly or in combination with -hederin (1.5 or 3 g/ml)
and H2O2 (8.8 M) during 1 h. The catalase activity was also biochemically measured after treating
cells with -hederin at 1.5, 3, or 15 g/ml during 1 h. Additionally, the influence of -hederin on
membrane Redox potential, pool of reduced glutathione and total protein content was evaluated by
flow cytometry. In the pre-treatment, the two concentrations of -hederin (1.5 and 3 g/ml)
decreased the lesions induced by H2O2 (8.8 M) significantly. This decrease was about 57.2% and
66.1%, respectively. Similar results were observed when cells were treated with -hederin and H2O2
simultaneously. The decrease of H2O2-induced lesions was about 78.2% and 83.2% (-hederin 1.5 and
3 g/ml, respectively). In the post-treatment protocol, this decrease was not significant. The
combination of AMT and H2O2 induced more DNA damage than H2O2 alone (tail moment (TM) means
were 31.4% and 21.8%, respectively). When -hederin was added to this mixture, TM means were
reduced significantly (17.4% for -hederin 1.5 g/ml and 15.5% for -hederin 3 g/ml). Up to
6.9 g/ml, -hederin enhanced catalase activity (60.5%), followed by a decrease of the activity. The
total protein content and membrane Redox potential were slightly increased up to 11 g/ml (14% and
3.6%, respectively) followed by a drop and a plateau. The pool of reduced glutathione remained
unchanged up to 10 g/ml, then dropped and reached a plateau. In conclusion, -hederin could exert
its protective effect against H2O2 mediated DNA damage by scavenging free radicals or by enhancing
the catalase activity.
Glcin et al. (2004): The antioxidant activities of -hederin and hederasaponin-C from Hedera helix,
and hederacolchisides-E and F from Hedera colchica were investigated in-vitro. The antioxidant
properties of the saponins were evaluated using different antioxidant tests: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging, total antioxidant activity, reducing power, superoxide anion radical
scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging and metal chelating activities. -Hederin and
hederasaponin-C exhibited a strong total antioxidant activity compared with model antioxidants such
as -tocopherol, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. At 75 g/ml, these saponins
showed 94% and 86% inhibition on lipid peroxidation of linoleic acid emulsion, respectively.
Hypoglycaemic activity
In-vivo experiments
Ibrar (2000) and Ibrar et al. (2003): The study showed that both the aqueous extracts (200 g of
powdered leaves in 1 l distilled water, soaking seven days at room temperature, filtrated and
concentrated) and methanolic extracts (no information about DER) of Hedera helix L. were
hypoglycemic, reducing the blood glucose level in normal rabbits. The methanolic and aqueous extracts
were administered orally at a dose equivalent to 4 g of powdered leaf per kg body weight in 20 ml of
2% gum traganth solution. In the alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits the aqueous extract showed a
hypoglyccemic effect after 8 h and sustained up to 12 h to significant levels. Trace element analysis of
the leaves showed that Hedera helix L. leaves contain the "hypoglycemic trace elements" (chromium,
manganese and zinc) in sufficiently large amounts. The authors concluded that these had played the
main role in reducing the blood glucose level.
Anti-hyaluronidase activity

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Facino et al. (1990): Evaluation of the anti-hyaluronidase activity of the saponin complex isolated from
Hedera helix L. leaves and of its constituents -hederin, hederacoside B and hederacoside C showed
that these compounds possess anti-enzyme activity. The complex inhibits hyaluronidase in a dose
dependent fashion (10% inhibition at 0.1 mM; 50% at 0.25 mM) comparable to aescin. -Hederin was
less effective than hederacosides.
The authors concluded that the recovery of the integrity of hyaluronic acid (and of its functional
interactions with proteoglycans) might lead to recovery of the biochemical integrity of the basal
amorphous substance in which the periadipocyte microvascular system is embedded, with a sealing
effect on the capillary walls.
Facino et al. (1995): In-vitro experiments have demonstrated inhibition of hyaluronidase activity by
hederagenin (IC50=280.4 M; oleanolic acid IC50=300.2 M) but not (only very weak) by hederacoside
C or -hederin.
Antiadhesive properties on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human stomach tissue
Hensel et al. (2007) and Goetz (2007): The aliphatic aspartic compound N-(E)-Caffeic acid L-aspartic
acid amide isolated from Hedera helix L. leaves showed strong anti adhesive properties on the
adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human stomach tissue (see also chapter hepatoprotective effect).
Antiexsudativ effect
In-vivo experiments
Vogel and Marek (1962): A saponin mixture isolated from ivy leaf and administered intravenously,
inhibited ovalbumin-induced rat paw oedema (100-150 g rats, 2 mg ovalbumin pro rat paw) with an
ED50 of 0.32 mg/kg. The therapeutical index (LD50:ED50) was 40.0.
Schottek (1972): A lung oedema was induced in mice by inhalation of a methallyl-air mixture at 2000
ppm of 1 h duration. A dose of 200 mg/kg i.p. of an ivy extract (Hedelix, no further information)
reduced the lung oedema considerably. Other ivy extract (Prospan, no further information) had no
influence on the development of oedema. A polyamid fraction of an ivy water extract (no further
information) increased the development of oedema.
Overall conclusion on pharmacology

A spasmolytic/bronchodilatating effect has been documented in in-vitro experiments and in in-vivo
studies in the compressed air model in conscious guinea pigs. An in-vitro effect of -hederin on
2-adrenergic receptors was demonstrated by Hegener et al. (2004) and Runkel et al. (2005). StaussGrabo (2008) documented the first pharmacokinetic study which indicated a possible systemic
resorption, distribution and elimination of -hederin and analysed the concentration in different organs.
The maximum -hederin concentration found at 24 h in the lung tissue was 0.018 g -hederin/g
corresponding to 0.024 nmol/kg (-hederin has a molecular weight of 750.98 g/mol), so the
documented concentration was lower than the concentrations used in the in-vitro experiments: 1 M,
(Hegener et al., 2004) and 0.5 M (Runkel et al., 2005). These results indicate an interesting
hypothetical mechanism, however, it could not be considered as clinically relevant because the
concentration in the lung is far below that used in the experiments.
The secretolytic activity shown in clinical praxis is not yet clarified in experiments. Probably subemetic
doses of saponins activate a gastro pulmonary mucokinetic vagal reflex, which stimulates the bronchial
glands to secret a watery fluid. No in-vitro or in-vivo studies referring to the mechanism of the
secretolytic effect exist. The mode of action for the secretolytic effect is discussed contradictory in
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literature (Hnsel and Sticher, 2004). Bechi (2002) considered the hypothesis of vagal reflex
mechanism as implausible because a daily dose of 0.5 g drug was well tolerated. The author
considered that the surface activity of the saponins could play a role in the local liquefaction of the
mucus in the throat thus being more important in clinical praxis. In contrast, Wagner and Wiesenauer
(1995) stated that the surface activity was unrealistic in oral administration. The concentration of
saponins in the lung would be too low to explain such an activity. The surfactant hypothesis of Hegener
et al. (2004) and Runkel et al.(2005) was also stated by Stauss-Grabo (2008). The pharmacokinetic
study by Stauss-Grabo showed too low concentrations in the lung compared with that used in in-vitro
experiments and indicated no clinical relevance of this mechanism.
The anti-inflammatory effects could be shown in different in-vivo models, for example with orally
administered ethanolic ivy leaf extract (Haen, 1996), the topical application of isolated saponin
extracts (Kim et al., 1999), the cotton-pellet granuloma test with saponin extracts (Sleyman et al.,
2003) and with orally administered -hederin in the carragenaan-induced acute paw oedema in rats.
The clinical relevance of this mechanism is not clear.
A lot of secondary phamacodynamic studies were performed in-vitro and in-vivo. Antibacterial,
antiviral, antimycotic, mulluscicidal, hepatoprotectiv, cytotoxic and hypoglycemic effects could be
demonstrated in-vitro and in-vivo.
The hypoglycemic effects were shown with methanolic and aqueous extracts administered orally at a
dose equivalent to 4 g of powdered leaf per kg body weight. The dosage corresponds to 280 g ivy leaf
in a 70 kg patient. This is approximately the 930-fold dosage of a human daily dosage of 0.3 g. The
hypoglycaemic effect is therefore considered to be irrelevant for human praxis with low dosages. The
results of the in-vivo studies on the antiexsudative effects are contradictory and do not provide much
more information.
In-vitro molluscicidal, protozoidal, antithrombin, antioxidant, anti-enzyme activity, antiadhesive
properties on the adhesion of Heliobacter pylori to human stomach tissue were shown.
3.2. Overview of available pharmacokinetic data regarding the herbal

substance(s), herbal preparation(s) and relevant constituents thereof
Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Elimination
Vogel and Marek (1962) found more than 7.7-fold difference between the i.v. and p.o. LD50-values of
saponins from Hedera helix in rats. They concluded that small quantities of saponin were absorbed in
the rats intestinal tract.
Schmidt (2003): One hour after a single p.o. application of 1 g/kg of an ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1;
extraction solvent ethanol 30%) in rats, -hederin was found in blood samples in concentrations
exceeding 10 g/ml. Three hours after application, 3-7% of the applied amount of -hederin could be
detected. After repeated p.o. application over 3 days approximately, 2% p.o. -hederin in respect of
the total applied saponin content calculated as -hederin was found. No hederacoside C could be found
in the blood. The author concluded that hederacoside C was metabolised to -hederin in the stomach.
Assessors comment:
Schmidt (2003) could detect 3-7% of the applied amount of -hederin in blood in an in-vivo study in
rats 3 h after p.o. application of an ivy dry extract. The study was conducted with very high dosages,
not comparable to human dosages. Lower dosages could not be analysed because of the limit of
detection of -hederin in blood. The one-point measurement did not allow conclusions about the
systemic absorption.
Stauss-Grabo (2008): The pharmacokinetics of -hederin given as oral single doses were investigated
in a pilot study on male Wistar rats. Radioactive tritium was used as a tracer. -Hederin has a specific
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radioactivity of 1.398 Ci/g. The results of the pilot study showed absorption and uptake in blood and
further passing into liver and lungs. To allow a statement on the pharmacokinetics and tissue
distribution, the main study was carried out over 336 h. 335 g/kg -hederin (corresponding to a
human dosage of 23.4 mg in a 70 kg patient) was administered in oral single doses to male Wistar
rats. From the main study it could be shown that the maximal amounts of radioactivity in the blood
could be detected at 24 h (tmax). At 24 h, the highest concentration of about 5% of the applied total
amount of radioactivity was detectable in the blood. The total systemic uptake at 24 h was estimated
to be at least 30% of the applied total amount of radioactivity. Absorption and elimination of -hederin
were documented completely over the period of 336 h. The radioactivity of 1 g lung tissue was
documented 5.55+05 DPM (-hederin group) and 5.76+05 DPM (in the -hederin + ivy extract group).
The radioactivity at 24 h of the lung was documented as 0.02 Ci/g tissue (in the -hederin group) and
0.025 Ci/g tissue (in the -hederin +ivy extract group). -Hederin has a specific radioactivity of
1.398 Ci/g. The following -hederin concentrations can be calculated (0.02 or 0.025:1.398):
At 24 h: radioactivity in the lung tissue
in the -hederin group
0.02 Ci/g
-hederin 0.014 g/g
in the -hederin + ivy extract group
0.025 Ci/g
-hederin 0.018 g/g
A table shows the radioactivity in blood over 336 h. At 24 h, the highest radioactivity in blood is
approximately 0.32Ci/ml (in the -hederin +ivy extract group). The following -hederin
concentrations can be calculated (0.32:1.398):
At 24 h: radioactivity in blood
in the -hederin group
0.27 Ci/ml
-hederin 0.19 g/ml
in the -hederin + ivy extract group
0.32 Ci/ml
-hederin 0.23 g/ml
Assessors comment:
Stauss-Grabo (2008) documented the pharmacokinetic data of -hederin for the first time. They
indicated a possible systemic resorption of -hederin estimated to be maximally 30% of the applied
total amount in 24 h. The examined substance was not unambiguously identified. The quantitative
measurement of -hederin wasnt conducted by HPLC. The concentrations were calculated from the
measurement of radioactivity, which may be caused by -hederin or theoretically also by other
metabolites.
Jeong and Park (1998): Treatment of mice with -hederin (s.c.) decreased the expression and had a
blood-concentration-time curve and a concentration-time curve of the excretion in the urine and faces
and thus was described for the very first time. The one-compartiment model with absorption and
elimination of the first order was suitable to describe the kinetics. The binding of -hederin was evenly
distributed to cellular and non cellular blood components. The uptake of the mixture of pure -hederin
and ivy extract increased both, the rate and the extent of absorption (statistically significant). The
authors concluded that these results showed that 50% of -hederin were eliminated per urin and 50%
per feces. At 24 h, the following radioactivity was detected in organs: in the lung approximately 0.2%;
stomach 11.1%; gastrointestinal tract approximately 9.2% and in the body without organs
approximately 24% of the initial doses.
Pharmacokinetic interactions with other medicinal products
Liu et al. (1995): Treatment of mice (10 and 30 M/kg, s.c. or vehicle once daily for 3 consecutive
days) with -hederin produced a dose-dependent suppression of liver cytochrome P450 (30-50%).
-Hederin treatment also decreased the activities of P450 enzymes. The levels of CYP1A, CYP2A and

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CYP3A enzymes were also suppressed as determined by immunoblotting with antibodies against rat
P450 enzymes.
Jeong (1998): The administration of -hederin (s.c. at 8, 40, 80 mg/kg body weight) to mice
significantly decreased the hepatic content of P450 and the activities of microsomal ethoxyresorufin Odeethylase, methoxyresorufin O-demetylase and aniline hydroxylase, representative activities of
cytochrome-P4501A1, P4501A2 and P4502E1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. However,
pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase, a representative activity of cytochrome P4502B1/2, was decreased to a
lesser extent. -Hederin also decreased inducible monooxygenase activities in the same manner.
Suppressions of P450 isozyme expression occurred in -hederin treated hepatic microsomes, as
determined by immunoblot analysis in a consistent manner with that of the enzyme activity levels.
Levels of mRNA of P4501A1/2 and P4502B1/2 were also decreased by -hederin as shown by Northern
blot analysis. In contrast, the level of P4502E1 mRNA in the liver of -hederin treated mice was
unchanged. These results suggested that -hederin might act as a more specific suppressor for P4501A
and P4502E1 than P4502B and that the suppression involved decreases in mRNA levels except in the
case of P4502E1.
Assessors comment:
The in-vivo applied s.c. dosage of 7.5 mg -hederin/kg was approximately 25-fold higher than the
therapeutically oral applied dosage. The different administration is to be considered: in both in-vivo
experiments -hederin was administered subcutaneously and not orally. The influence of P 450 was in
a dose dependent manner. No clinical relevance is expected from these results. Anyhow, clinical
adverse events should be observed critically in the context of possible interactions because of influence
on P 450 enzymes.
Overall conclusion on pharmacokinetics

In two in-vivo interaction studies (Liu et al., 1995) and (Jeong, 1998), s.c. administered -hederin
influenced P450 enzymes. According to current resorption studies, by oral administration -hederin is
resorbed maximally in approximately 30%. In the worst case scenario (if the human dosage would be
resorbed at all), the clinical relevance can be appreciated as follows: the lowest administered dosage of
10 mol -hederin/kg corresponds to approximately 7.5 mg -hederin/kg. The implicated human daily
dosage for adults of 300 mg herbal substance (as recommended of Kommission E) contains
approximately 6% saponins, corresponding to 18 mg -hederin. In a patient of 60 kg weight, the
applied dosage is approximately 0.3 mg -hederin/kg. The in-vivo applied s.c. dosage of 7.5 mg
-hederin/kg is approximately 25-fold higher as the therapeutically orally applied dosage. The different
administration is to be considered. In both in-vivo experiments, -hederin was administered
subcutaneously and not orally. The influence of P450 was in a dose dependent manner. No clinical
relevance is expected from these results. Anyhow, clinical adverse events should be observed critically
in context of possible interactions because of influence in P 450 enzymes.
In the available literature, it is assumed that hederasaponins are poorly absorbed following oral
administration. This assumption is supported by experiments by Vogel and Marek (1962), cited in De
Smet et al. (1993). Mills and Bone (2000) note, that after oral intake, the major part of saponins is not
absorbed or is only slowly and partially absorbed as the aglycones.
Schmidt (2003) could detect, in an in-vivo study in rats 3 h after p.o. application of an ivy dry extract,
3-7% of the applied amount of -hederin in the blood. The study was conducted with very high
dosages, not comparable to human dosages. Lower dosages could not be analysed because of the limit
of detection of -hederin in the blood. The one-point measurement doesnt allow conclusions about the
systemic absorption.

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Stauss-Grabo (2008) documented, for the first time, the pharmacokinetic data on -hederin. They
indicated a possible systemic resorption of -hederin estimated to be at least 30% of the applied total
amount in 24 h. The examined substance is not unambiguously identified. The quantitative
measurement of -hederin wasnt conducted with HPLC. The concentrations were deduced by
measurement of radioactivity, which can be caused by -hederin or theoretically by other chemical
substances.
The results have to be considered in the assessment of the hypothetic mode of action and in the
assessment of toxicology and use in pregnancy. From the results, it can be concluded, that -hederin
may be resorbed, at approximately 30% in 24 h. The oral resorption is still unclear. No published
pharmacokinetic data in repeated oral administration exist.
3.3. Overview of available toxicological data regarding the herbal

substance(s)/herbal preparation(s) and constituents thereof
Single dose toxicity
Oral administration
Lanza et al. (1980): Oral administration of a dry extract of ivy leaf (ethanol 66% (V/V), no DER
information) to rats 3.0-4.1 g/kg body weight caused no death within 72 h. Only diarrhoea was
observed.
On the other hand, oral administration of dry extracts of ivy berries (ethanol 66% (V/V), no DER
information) to rats at doses 2.8-4.7 g/kg body weight induced the death of all examined wistar rats
within 48 h (90% in 24 h). Faintness, diarrhoea and hemorrhage were observed. Diarrhoea was also
the only symptom when an aqueous extract from the seed (3.0-3.9 g/kg body weight) was given. No
effects were observed with an aqueous extract from the berries (3.0 g/kg).
Vogel and Marek (1962) found LD50-values of >100 mg/kg p.o. for saponin from the leaf of Hedera
helix in rats.
Timon-David et al. (1980): Oral LD50 in mice of saponin mixtures from ivy leaf containing 60% and
90% of hederacoside C, and of hederasaponin C and -hederin, were all >4 g/kg body weight.
Intravenous administration
Vogel and Marek (1962) found LD50-values of 13 mg/kg i.v. for saponin from the leaf of Hedera helix in
rats.
Wulff (1968): LD50-values of 4.5 mg/kg i.v. for hederin and hederasaponin C >50 mg/kg i.v. in rats
after 7 days observation period.
Intraperitoneal administration
Timon-David et al. (1980): The intraperitoneal LD50 values in mice of -hederin and the saponin
mixtures from ivy leaf containing 60% of hederacoside C were 1.8 g/kg and 2.3 g/kg body weight,
respectively.
Repeat dose toxicity
Oral administration
ESCOP (2003): Daily oral administration of an ivy leaf dry extract to rats at 1.5 g/kg body weight for
100 days caused no toxic effects. Haematological and biochemical parameters, histological findings and
kidney and liver weights were normal compared to those of control animals.
Haemolytic effects were detected after oral administration of a hydroethanolic dry extract from ivy leaf
to rats at 4 g/kg body weight, for 90 days.

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Genotoxicity
Elias et al. (1990): -Hederin, -hederin and -hederin isolated from ivy leaf showed no mutagenic
potential in the Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium strain TA 98, with or without S9 activation.
Screening of the antimutagenic activity was performed with the known promutagen benzopyrene (BP)
and a mutagenic urine concentrate from a smoker (SU). These three saponins showed dose-dependent
antimutagenic effects against benz(a)pyrene and SU at levels between 80 and 200 g/plate in the
Ames test.
Amara-Mokrane et al. (1996): The influence of -hederin, chlorophyllin, the sodium-copper salt of
chlorophyll and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the direct clastogenicity of doxorubicin (Adriamycin) was
investigated in-vitro in human lymphocytes for the induction of micronuclei. In order to determine a
possible mechanism of action responsible for the antimutagenic activity, treatments were performed
for the three substances at different times of the culture (pre-treatment, simultaneous and posttreatment). -Hederin (1.3 times 10-2, 0.13, 1.3 and 13 nmol/ml) and chlorophyllin (0.14, 1.4 and
14 nmol/ml) were found to exert an antimutagenic effect against the clastogenicity of doxorubicin (1.5
times 10-2 nmol/ml) in all treatments at all concentrations. The results suggested a desmutagenic
effect for -hederin, chlorophyllin and ascorbic acid. Chlorophyllin acted also through a bioantimutagenic mechanism and -hederin seemed to induce metabolic enzymes, which inactivated
doxorubicin. Preliminary studies showed that the effective antimutagenic concentrations of -hederin,
chlorophyllin and ascorbic acid had no clastogenic or aneugenic effects in human lymphocytes. No
cytotoxicity was observed for the three antimutagenic agents either.
Villani et al. (2001) studied the antimutagenic potential of -hederin versus a clastogenic agent,
doxorubicin and an aneugenic agent, carbendazim. They have applied a protocol of incorporation of
-hederin as pretreatment, simultaneous treatment and post treatment to determine the mechanism
of action. According to this protocol, -hederin induces a significant diminution of the rate of
micronuclei. The authors concluded the results demonstrate the antimutagenic activity of -hederin.
Carcinogenicity
Data on carcinogenicity studies with ivy leaf extracts or its components are not available.
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity
Daston et al. (1994) tested the hypothesis that toxicant-induced changes in Zn disposition in the
pregnant rat, which occurs as part of an acute-phase response, can produce adverse developmental
effects by making the embryo Zn deficient. Zn deficiency in the embryo was tested by treating
pregnant rats during organogenesis with -hederin. A single dose of -hederin, injected
subcutaneously at dosages of 3 to 300 M/kg, caused an acute phase response indicated by decreased
Fe and Zn, and increased Cu, 1-acid glycoprotein, and ceruloplasmin concentration in plasma, along
with a dosage-related increase in maternal hepatic metallothionein (MT) concentration. Plasma Zn
concentration decreased after -hederin treatment to approximately 75% of control at a dosage of
30 M/kg and 50% of control at 300 M/kg. Both 30 and 300 M/kg increased resorption incidence,
and 300 M/kg also decreased foetal weight and increased the incidence of abnormal foetuses.
Abnormalities include encephalocele, undescedent testis, umbilical hernia,
hydronephrosis/hydrourether, along of several others of unique incidence. There was also evidence of
delayed skeletal ossification in the 300 mol/kg group. Adding Zn to the serum restored normal
embyotoxic development. -Hederin did not appear to be directly embyotoxic. It did not produce any
effects when added to rat embryo cultures. The authors concluded that these data are consistent with
the hypothesis that systemic changes in Zn status, brought about by a hepatic acute phase response,
including a substantial induction of hepatic MT, may be a mechanism for maternally mediated
abnormal development.
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Duffy et al. (1997) conducted a study to determine whether repeated administration of low dosages of
-hederin throughout organogenesis would produce a lasting response with substained elevation of
metallothionein levels and subsequent developmental abnormities. Rats were injected subcutaneously
dosage levels of 0 (vehicle only), 20 or 30 M/kg from gestation day 6-15. Maternal hepatic
metallothionein levels were 10-fold higher on gestation day 16 in the treatment groups than in the
controls. Consequently, liver zinc concentrations increased by 60% and 54%, whereas plasma levels
decreased by 23% and 33% in the 20 and 30 M/kg treatment groups, respectively. At gestation day
20, mean foetal weights of the treatment litters were 11% less than control litters. The administration
of -hederin resulted in a 3-fold increase in the number of offspring with developmental abnormalities,
including visceral and skeletal malformations. In the 30 mol/kg treatment group, all of the litters
contained pups that exhibited at least one abnormality. The visceral abnormalities observed included
hydrocephaly, hydronephrosis and hydroureter. The skeletal abnormalities included scoliosis, fused and
missing ribs, and delayed ossification of sternebrae. Repeated dosing throughout organogenesis, as
required in regulated safety assessment testing, increased the severity of the effects previously
observed with single large dosages in the study Daston et al. (1994) of the toxicant administered
during midgestation.
Local tolerance
Vogel (1963) tested in-vivo the local tolerance of different saponins at the conjunctiva of the rabbit.
The concentration of saponins causing local stimulation was 1:1000 - 1:10000 in this model. No
correlation between local stimulation and haemolytic activity was found. There is no specific
information on the local stimulation of Hedera saponins.
Allergenic activity
Ivy has often been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Boll and Hansen (1987) analysed
leaves and stems of 10 species. The allergenic polyacetylene falcarinol was present in Fatshedera lizei,
Hedera helix, Hedera helix subsp. canariensis and Tupindanthus calyptrata (T. calyptratus). Bruhn et
al. (1987) isolated falcarinol and didehydrofalcarinol from Hedera helix, subspecies helix and
subspecies canariensis and identified its structures by mass spectrometry and NMR.
The principal allergens were isolated also by Hausen et al. (1987) using sensitized guinea pigs and
were identified as falcarinol and dehydrofalcarinol. Multiple examinations of the extract at different
seasons showed a remarkable variation in the concentrations of falcarinol and dehydrofalcarinol as well
as their ratio, depending on climate, soil and other regional conditions.
Other studies
Haemolytic activity
In-vivo experiments
Vogel and Marek (1962), Vogel (1963): Studied the haemolytic effect in-vivo after i.v. administration
of different saponins in rats. A correlation between haemolytic index and toxic dose could not be found.
He detected signs of massive intravascular haemolysis as the leading symptom in all saponins,
especially haemolytic effects in liver and kidney tissue. The heart was dilated and collapse of the
cardiovascular system was seen. No toxic signs were found after oral administration. Fatal absorptive
effects were not observed after oral administration. They concluded that no quantities of saponin were
absorbed by the rats intestinal tract. The haemolytic index of Hedera saponin found was 1:103000 in
blood (diluted 1:50) and 1:262 000 in washed erythrocytes (diluted 1:50).
Hiller (1966): If saponins get into the bloodstream they are toxic. Toxic signs were found primary in
kidneys and liver. At oral administration, no toxic activity is to expect because they are not resorbed
by an intact intestinal tract. Infections of the throat, stomach or intestinal tract may elevate the risk of
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resorption.
Wulff (1968): The haemolytic index of hedera saponin C and B is given as 1:1000 and of -hederin
1:150000).
Mills and Bone (2000): Saponins are capable of destroying red blood cells by dissolving their
membranes (a process known as haemolysis) and releasing free haemoglobin into the bloodstream.
The toxic dose of an injected saponin occurs when sufficient haemoglobin is released to cause renal
failure. After an oral intake, much of the saponin is not absorbed or is slowly and partially absorbed as
the aglycone. The kidneys are thereby spared the sudden influx of haemoglobin.
Cytotoxic activity
El-Marzabani et al. (1979): An ethanolic ivy extract (70% ethanol, 2:1) showed a cytotoxic activity on
Ehrlich tumour cells in-vitro. After 4 h incubation almost all cells were non-viable. In-vivo there was a
significant increase in the lifespan of mice treated with Hedera helix extract intraperitoneally
(T/C=2.26) when the extract corresponding to 5 g dry plant/kg was given every other day over 10
days period (5 doses).
Quetin-Leclercq et al. (1992): The possible cytotoxic effects of sixteen saponins were detected in-vitro
by the use of a semi-quantitative microtest. The biological test was carried out on four cell strains:
mouse B16 melanoma cells, mouse 3T3 non cancer fibroblasts, flow 2002 non-cancer human cells and
human HeLa tumour cells. The results showed that the hederasaponins B, C, D isolated from ivy and
other plants were at least five times less active than the reference compound (strychnopentamine) and
that none of them seemed to have any specific action on cancer cells. The most active compounds
were the monodesmosides, which showed some degree of cytotoxicity at concentrations of 10 g/ml
and above. Among them, - and -hederin were the most potent substances. They were about ten
times more active than the other saponins. The authors concluded, that - and -hederin were
cytotoxic but also antimutagenic, which was of interest, because substances used in cancer
chemotherapy were, on the contrary, mutagenic.
Danloy et al. (1994): Analysed the effects of -hederin on mouse B16 melanoma cells and non-cancer
mouse 3T3 fibroblasts cultured in-vitro. The results indicated that in a serum-free medium, -hederin
was cytotoxic and inhibited proliferation in both cell lines at rather low concentrations (<5 g/ml) after
only 8 h of treatment.
Its cytotoxicity decreased in the presence of serum in the culture medium, indicating that -hederin
could, like other saponins, bind to proteins present in FCS and particularly bovine serum albumin
(BSA). It also induced vacuolization of the cytoplasm and membrane alterations leading to cell death.
Bun et al. (2008): -hederin at subcytotoxic concentrations of 5 or 10M enhanced 5-FU antitumor
activity in human colon adenocarcinoma cells in-vitro about 3.3-fold. In this study, -hederin alone had
a modest growth inhibitory effect in HT-29 cells compared to 5-FU.
In-vivo experiments
Ibrar et al. (2001): The methanolic leaf extract of Hedera helix (500 g powdered leaves in 1250 ml
methanol, vacuum evaporation to semi solid extract) was investigated for cytotoxic potential using
brine shrimp bioassay. Results showed that the methanolic leaf extract possessed cytotoxicity
(LC50=802.73 g). The saponin fraction has no cytotoxicity (LC50 greater than 1000 g). The fraction
left after separation of saponin (residue) was cytotoxic (LC50=700.54 g). Further fractionation and
subsequent brine shrimp bioassays of the fractions obtained showed that the fraction F4 contained the
cytotoxic principle (LC50=161.84 g). According to infrared, ultraviolet spectroscopic analysis and
chemical tests, the F4 fraction was a phenolic compound. The authors concluded that although
methanolic extract of Hedera helix leaf was cytotoxic, the saponin isolated was not. This fact is also
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confirmed by the findings of Quetin-Leclercq et al. (1992) that the crude extract of Hedera helix
exerted cytotoxic activity, both in-vitro and in-vivo, but the saponin isolated from this plant had no
cytotoxic effect on cancer cells.
Olariu (2007): The inoculation of cellular B16F10 line melanoma suspension was made subcutaneous
on singenic C57B1/6 line mice. Bioactive compounds isolated from Salvia officinalis and Hedera helix
were applied s.c. beginning with the second and the third passage, 24 h from melanoma induction. The
melanoma occurrence was delayed with 20-44 days in average, comparing with control lots. Also
tumour attachment was affected by these treatments as shown by much smaller number of ill mice in
treated lots. Regarding dissemination of tumour cells in lungs there were no differences between
treated and untreated mice.
Overall conclusion on toxicological data

Single/repeat dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity,
carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, local tolerance or other particular studies
have not been performed according to the state of the art and current guidelines. Only few data have
been published based on the results from studies with other intention or summarising secondary
literature. The cited studies give only limited information on the acute and chronic toxicity since the
DER of the extracts is unclear and the route of administration was mostly i.p. and not oral.
According to Lanza et al. (1980), the oral administration of a single dose of a dry extract of ivy leaf
(ethanol 66% (V/V), no DER information) to rats 3.0-4.0 g/kg body weight caused no death within
72 h. Only diarrhoea was observed. Similar results reported Timon-David et al. (1980) from a study in
mice. Oral LD50 values in mice of saponin mixtures from ivy leaf containing 60% and 90% of
hederacoside C, and of hederasaponin C and -hederin, were all >4 g/kg body weight. Toxicity studies
in other animal species are not published, therefore interspecies differences can not be excluded.
Results of toxicity studies in i.v. administration of ivy extracts are not published. LD50-values of
4.5 mg/kg i.v. for hederin and hederasaponin C>50 mg/kg i.v. in rats after 7 days observation period
was reported by Wulff (1968).
Haemolytic effects were detected after oral administration of a hydroethanolic dry extract from ivy leaf
to rats at 4 g/kg body weight for 90 days; (Bucher, 1969; an internal report, cited in ESCOP, 2003).
Repeated oral administration of an ivy leaf dry extract (no more information) to rats at daily 1.5 g/kg
body weight for 100 days caused no toxic effects (ESCOP, 2003).
No genotoxicity studies have been conducted with ivy leaf extracts. -Hederin, -hederin and
-hederin isolated from ivy leaf showed no mutagenic potential in the Ames test using Salmonella
typhimurium strain TA 98, with or without S9 activation (Elias et al., 1990).
Embryotoxic effects of the monidesmoside -hederin were reported from experiments in rats following
the single subcutaneous injection of 300 mol/kg body weight (Daston et al., 1994) as well as
repeated subcutaneous administration of 10 and 30 mol/kg body weight (Duffy et al., 1997), which
were attributed to an -hederin induced drop in the maternal serum zinc concentration. The human
daily dosage for adults of 300 mg herbal substance (as recommended of Kommission E) contains
approximately 6% of saponins corresponding to 18 mg of -hederin. In a patient of 60 kg weight,
approximately 0.3 mg -hederin/kg (corresponding to 0.4 mol -hederin/kg) can be appreciated/
calculated as daily oral dose (30 mol -hederin/kg corresponds approximately to 22 mg
-hederin/kg).
Subcutaneous repeated daily dose in-vivo
10 and 30 mol/kg body weight
Human daily oral dose of 300 mg herbal substance
0.4/0.9 mol -hederin/kg
(Kommission E dosage)/650 mg herbal substance

(dosage of many preparations)
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Human daily oral dose of 1093 mg herbal substance
1.46 mol -hederin/kg
(the greatest dosage in EU)
The following points support the view that available data have no clinical relevance:
Subcutaneous administration cannot be compared with oral administration in in-vivo experiments.
The mode of action, as increasing the maternal hepatic metallothionein levels, -hederin does not
have a direct embryotoxic effect and no embryotoxic metabolites of -hederin occur in the rat.
In literature (ESCOP, 2003; Mller-Jakic, 1998) the in-vivo studies Daston et al. (1994) and Duffy
et al. (1997) are considered not to be of relevance for human therapy with ivy preparations.
Consumption of different saponins in human alimentation

Current studies (Stauss-Grabo, 2008) indicate a 30% resorption of a single dose of -hederin in
24 h, therefore the safety factor could be assumed as ~40. From earlier studies even lower
resorption rates were calculated (see chapter 4.1.2.).
The study of Stauss-Grabo (2008) could not discriminate between -hederin and/or its
metabolites.
The following arguments support that use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended:
A greater resorption in case of infectious diseases as gastritis is hypothetically possible.
The s.c. administered in-vivo concentrations with a clinical manifested toxic effect are only
approximately 7-75-fold superior compared to the oral human therapeutic dose (100% resorption,
the worst case).
No screening studies about increasing of human maternal hepatic metallothionein levels of oral ivy
extracts exist.
The question, where developmental toxicity occurs only at the maternally toxic dosages is open.
The saponins are very different in some pharmacological effects (ivy saponins have a great
haemolytic effect).
Different use in tradition: some saponins are used in the human alimentation others are considered
to be toxic (beans are eaten, ivy is not eaten and not prepared as tea).
The observed embryotoxic effect is considered to be an important effect. In the 30 mol/kg

treatment group, all of the litters contained pups that exhibited at least one abnormality.
From the results of the in-vivo study with s.c. administered ivy preparations, no influence on the
outcome after orally administered ivy preparations can be concluded. The therapeutically
recommended doses with a maximal daily oral dosage of approximately 650 mg of herbal substance
are 10-fold under the repeated s.c. doses of the in-vivo experiment. Safety during pregnancy and
lactation has not been established. In view of the pre-clinical safety data, the use during pregnancy
and lactation should be avoided.
The results regarding local cutaneous sensitisation with accompanying contact dermatitis, which were
reported for fresh parts of Hedera helix only, are of no relevance for the oral route of administration of
preparations containing the dried ivy leaf extract.
In-vivo experiments by Vogel and Marek (1962) found signs of massive intravascular haemolysis,
especially haemolytic effects in liver and kidney tissue after i.v. administration of different saponins in
rats. Haemolytic effects were detected after an oral administration of a hydroethanolic dry extract from

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ivy leaf to rats at 4 g/kg body weight for 90 days. The effects were observed only at exposures
considered sufficiently in excess of the maximum human exposure indicating little relevance to clinical
use.
For human safety laboratory data see chapter 5.4. No relevant changes occur in human laboratory
parameters after administration of therapeutically recommended dosages. Concerning the
pharmacokinetic results of the in vivo study Stauss-Grabo (2008) with a possible 30% resorption of a
single dose of -hederin in 24 h, the human laboratory tests indicate no relevant oral resorption and
contribute to a positive benefit-risk-relation for the recommended dosage ranges.
Some monodesmosides, especially -hederin and -hederin, showed some degree of cytotoxicity on
cancer cells at concentrations of 10 g/ml and above (Quetin-Leclercq et al., 1992). Melanoma
occurrence was delayed by 20-40 days in average compared with control lots in an in vivo test
performed by Olariu (2007) with s.c. administered bioactive compounds of Hedera helix. Regarding
dissemination of tumour cells in lung, there were no differences between treated and untreated mice.
Due to the s.c administration and unknown dosages of unknown compounds, a clinical relevance for
the extract can not be concluded. There are no appropriate in-vivo experiments at present on the
relevance on this finding.
3.4. Overall conclusions on non-clinical data

Extracts of ivy leaves are used therapeutically in commercially available preparations in Europe for the
treatment at common cold associated with cough and symptomatic treatment of acute and chronic
inflammatory bronchial disorders.
The spasmolytic/bronchodilatating effect could be documented in in vitro experiments and in vivo
studies in the compressed air model in conscious guinea pigs. The mechanism of the secretolytic
activity observed in clinical praxis has not been established experimentally yet. Probably sub-emetic
doses of saponins activate a gastro-pulmonary mucokinetic vagal reflex, which stimulates the bronchial
glands to secret a watery fluid. An in-vitro effect of -hederin on 2-adrenergic receptors could be
demonstrated. Anti-inflammatory effects could be shown in different in-vivo models with orally
administered ethanolic ivy leaf extracts. The antibacterial activity of saponins from Hedera helix
against a large number of microorganisms was shown in-vitro. The antiviral activity of hederacoside C
was demonstrated in in-vitro experiments with the influenza virus.
In summary, the pharmacological data of different in vitro and in vivo experiments, conducted with ivy
leaves extract or saponins, support the use of ivy preparations in the context of inflammatory bronchial
diseases and cough and colds.
Single/repeat dose toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive and developmental toxicity,
carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, local tolerance or other special studies do not
exist according to the state of the art and the relevant guidelines. Some aspects have been addressed
by the following studies:
Lanza et al. (1980): The oral administration of a single dose of dry extract of ivy leaf (ethanol 66%
(V/V), no DER information) to rats 3.0-4.0 g/kg body weight caused no death within 72 h. Only
diarrhoea was observed. Similar results were reported by Timon-David et al. (1980) from a study in
mice. Oral LD50 values in mice of saponin mixtures from ivy leaf containing 60% and 90% of
hederacoside C, and of hederasaponin C and -hederin, were all >4 g/kg body weight.
The haemolytic effects were detected after oral administration of a hydroethanolic dry extract from ivy
leaf to rats at 4 g/kg body weight for 90 days (ESCOP, 2003). Repeated oral administration of an ivy
leaf dry extract (no more information) to rats at daily 1.5 g/kg body weight for 100 days caused no
toxic effects.

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No genotoxicity studies have been conducted with ivy leaf extracts. -Hederin, -hederin and hederin isolated from ivy leaf showed no mutagenic potential in the Ames test using Salmonella
typhimurium strain TA 98, with or without S9 activation.
Embryotoxic effects of the monidesmoside -hederin were reported from experiments in rats following
the single s.c. injection of 300 mol/kg body weight (Daston et al., 1994) as well as repeated s.c.
administration of 10 and 30 mol/kg body weight (Duffy et al., 1997), which were attributed to an
-hederin induced drop in the maternal serum zinc concentration. The fact, that -hederin does not
have a direct embryotoxic effect, is considered to support the safety of -hederin in the cited
publication.
Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. In view of the pre-clinical safety data,
the use during pregnancy and lactation should be avoided.
The results regarding local cutaneous sensitisation with accompanying contact dermatitis, which were
reported for fresh parts of Hedera helix only, are no relevant for the oral route of administration of
preparations containing the dried ivy leaf extract.
4. Clinical Data
4.1. Clinical Pharmacology
4.1.1. Overview of pharmacodynamic data regarding the herbal
substance(s)/preparation(s) including data on relevant constituents
4.1.1.1. Primary Pharmacodynamics
No data available.
4.1.1.2. Secondary Pharmacodynamics
No data available.
4.1.2. Overview of pharmacokinetic data regarding the herbal

substance(s)/preparation(s) including data on relevant constituents
Schmidt (2003): In a pilot study, the bioavailability of -hederin was evaluated in human volunteers
after oral administration. One volunteer took orally 1 g of ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1; extraction solvent
ethanol 30%) with a content of 6.5% Hederacosid C and 4.0% -hederin. No -hederin could be
detected in the blood. The limit of detection of -hederin in blood was calculated with 1.0 g/ml.
A repeated dose of 2 times daily 130 mg of the same extract over a period of 7 days was administered
to 4 volunteers (cumulative 1820 mg ivy extract with 72.8 mg -hederin). In 3 humans, a very small
peak whithin the limit of detection could be observed. Quantification was not possible due to the low
concentration in the whole blood samples. The estimated/calculated concentrations of -hederin in
blood using reference chromatogram were 0.8; 0.6; 0.5 and 0 g/ml. It corresponds to 4% of the
cumulative administered -hederin.
Landgrebe (2002): A daily dose of 130 mg of ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1; extraction solvent ethanol 30%)
was administered to 16 human volunteers. -Hederin could be detected only in blood of two of
volunteers. The detected concentration was 1.39-1.51 nMol/l plasma.

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4.2. Clinical Efficacy

Ivy preparations are worldwide marketed for treatment of different diseases of the respiratory tract
system (Catarrh of the respiratory passages; symptomatic treatment of chronic inflammatory
bronchial illnesses; acute inflammations of the respiratory tract accompanied by coughing). The
following list shows the classification of WHO ICD-10 diseases of the respiratory tract system for the
currently used ivy indications:
J00-J99: Diseases of the respiratory system
J00-J06: Acute upper respiratory infections
J00 Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]
J01 Acute sinusitis
J02 Acute pharyngitis
J03 Acute tonsilitis
J03 Acute laryngitis and tracheitis
J05 Acute obstructive lanryngitis [croup] and epiglotitis
J06 Acute upper respiratory infections of multiple and unspecified site
J20-J22: Other acute lower respiratory infections
J20 Acute bronchitis (NOS in those under 15 years of age, acute and subacute bronchits (with
bronchospasm, fibrinous, membranous, purulent, septic, tracheitis), acute tracheobronchits
(excludes: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with acute exacerbation NOS and lower
respiratory infection)
J21 Acute bronchiolitis (includes with bronchospasm)
J22 Unspecified acute lower respiratory infection
J40-J47: Chronic lower respiratory diseases
J40 Bronchitis, not specified as acute or chronic
J41 Simple and mucopurulent chronic bronchitis (excludes: chronic bronchitis, NOS,
obstructive)
- J41.0 Simple chronic bronchitis
- J41.1 Mucupurulent chronic bronchitis
- J41.8 Mixed simple and mucupurulent chronic bronchitis
J42 Unspecified chronic bronchitis (chronic bronchitis NOS, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis)

excludes: chronic asthmatic bronchitis, chronic bronchitis; bronchitis: simple and
mucopurulent; bronchits with airways obstuction; emphysematous bronchitis; obstructive
pulmonary disease NOS
J43 Emphysema
J44 Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
J45 Asthma (excludes: acute severe asthma, chronic asthmatic (obstructive) bronchitis,
chronic obstructive asthma, eosinophilic asthma, lung diseases due to external agents, tatus
asthmaticus)
J46 Status asthmaticus
J47 Bronchiectasis
Definitions
Definitions were searched in current guidelines: WHO GOLD guideline. Global initiative for chronic
obstructive lung disease (2006), BTS Guideline: Recommendations for the management of cough in

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adults (Morice et al., 2006), DEGAM guideline 11 Husten (cough) (2008) and Leitlinie der Deutschen
Atemwegsliga (Vogelmeier et al., 2007).
Viral infection (Common cold):
DEGAM guideline 11-cough (2008): Common cold symptoms are failing or mild fever, sore throat,
cough, headache, chest pain, running or blocked nose, first clear and after 2-3 days purulent nasal
secretion. If the symptoms improve after 3-4 days, the diagnosis common cold is attested.
Acute bronchitis
DEGAM guideline 11-cough (2008): The symptoms of acute bronchitis are dry cough, later productive
cough, often fever, sore throat, secretion of the nose and sometimes bronchial obstruction. In 80% it
is caused by viral infection (Adenovirus, Rhinovirus, Influenza, Parainfluenza, Coronavirus, RSV and
Coxackivirus). In the absence of significant co-morbidity, an acute bronchitis is normally benign and
self-limiting. Most of the symptoms improve in 2-5 days. The cough can linger several weeks.
Acute cough with fever, malaise, purulent sputum, or history of recent infection should be assessed for
possible serious acute lung infection.
Acute exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Only mild cases can be treated ambulant. The majority of cases have to be treated in hospital. For the
ambulant treatment -sympatomimetics are given. Antibiotics are recommended for bacterial
infections.
Chronical bronchitis
DEGAM guideline 11 (2008): Chronic bronchitis is defined clinically by the presence of chronic bronchial
secretions, enough to cause expectoration, occurring on most days for a minimum of 3 months of the
year for 2 consecutive years. The pathological basis of chronic bronchitis is mucus hypersecretion
secondary to hypertrophy of the glandular elements of the bronchial mucosa. Two forms can be
distinguished:
a) Simple chronic bronchitis, the uncomplicated form is not obstructive
b) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD (WHO definition)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lung disease characterised by chronic obstruction of
lung airflow that interferes with normal breathing. It is not fully reversible. The more familiar terms
'chronic bronchitis' and 'emphysema' (emphysema has a pathological definition, which is a condition
where there is permanent destructive enlargement of the airspaces distal to the terminal bronchioles
without obvious fibrosis) are no longer used, but are now included within the COPD diagnosis. A COPD
diagnosis is confirmed by a spirometry test, which measures how deeply a person can breathe and how
fast air can move in and out of the lungs (forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1). Clinical
symptoms and signs, such as abnormal shortness of breath and increased forced expiratory time, can
be used to help with the diagnosis.
According to the WHO (GOLD guideline, 2006), the regular use of mucolytics in COPD has been
evaluated in a number of long-term studies with controversial results; although few patients with
viscous sputum may benefit from mucolytics. The widespread use of these agents cannot be
recommended at present. The treatment is based on bronchodilatators as anticholinergica,
-sympatomimetica and theophyllin. Glucocorticoides are also used. Mucolytics should be used
critically with respect to the subjective therapeutic success.

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Asthma bronchiale (WHO definition)

Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which
vary in severity and frequency from person to person. Symptoms may occur several times a day or a
week in affected individuals; for some people become worse during physical activity or at night. The
treatment depends on the asthma classification and is based on -sympathomimetics, glucocorticoides,
chromone and montelucast. Mucolytics are not recommended.
Acute cough
The current DEGAM guideline 11 (2008) gives the following definition for acute cough: A cough lasting
less than 3 weeks is termed acute.
According to the BTS guideline (Morice et al., 2006), the grey area between 3 and 8 weeks of cough is
difficult to define aetiologically since all chronic cough will have started as an acute cough, but the
clear diagnostic groups of chronic cough are diluted by those patients with post-viral cough. An upper
respiratory tract infection (URTI) cough lingering for more than 3 weeks is usually termed post-viral
cough. Symptomatic URTIs occur at rates of 2-5 per adult person per year, with school children
suffering from 7-10 episodes per year (Morice et al., 2006).
The differential diagnosis of acute cough includes the following respiratory tract infections: viral
infection (common cold), acute bronchitis, pneumonie, viral influenza, acute exacerbation of COPD,
asthma bronchiale. Diseases in other organ systems (heart system, gastrointestinal tract) or exogenic
causes (medicaments) can also cause acute cough.
Chronic cough (>3 weeks/>8 weeks)
The DEGAM guideline 11 (2008) gives the following definition for a chronic cough: A cough lasting
longer than 3 weeks is termed chronic. According the BTS guideline (Morice et al., 2006), a cough
lasting longer than 8 weeks is defined as chronic. According to the same guideline, a cut of 2 months
for chronic cough has been arbitrarily agreed in both American and European guidelines.
The differential diagnosis of chronic cough includes often diseases as chronic bronchitis, postnasal drip
syndrome, bronchial hyperreagibility, COPD, asthma bronchiale and gastrooesophagial reflux.
4.2.1. Dose response studies

No data available.
Dose comparative clinical studies
Gulyas (1997): In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study involving 25 children (aged 10-15
years) with chronic obstructive pulmonary complaints, changes in lung function were examined after
treatment over separate 10-day periods with two oral liquid preparations based on the same ivy leaves
dry extract: an ethanol-free preparation (3 x 5 ml daily, corresponding to 3 x 35 mg of dry extract (57.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m) or 630 mg of herbal substance daily) and an ethanol-containing
preparation (3 x 20 drops daily, corresponding to 3 x 14 mg of dry extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30%
(m/m) or 252 mg of herbal substance daily).
The parameters of lung function (FEV1, forced vital capacity, vital capacity, peak flow rate) were
measured on the 1st day (before the start of treatment), on the 5th day and on the 10th day (before
and 3 h after administration). Body plethysmography was also used before the start of the treatment
and on the 10th day, 3 h after the last dose to measure the airway resistance, intrathoracic gas volume
and specific airway resistance. As in the first study, 2-sympathomimetic drugs were not permitted for
6 h before the lung function test.
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The change in airway resistance (RAW) was the main criterion of the study to compare the two
presentations in the chosen dosage. The comparison of the airway resistance with the baseline level
showed more significant improvement in the first study (after 3 days), than in the second study (after
10 days). Comparable improvements in spirometric and bodyplethysmographic parameters were
observed after both treatments. The author concluded that it was necessary to give two times higher
dosage of the ethanol-free preparation than the ethanol-containing preparation to achieve the same
therapeutic effect.
Assessors comment:
This assumption cannot be generalised because the low dose of ethanol-free juice was not examined.
The statement on the need of higher dosage ranges is controversially discussed because the study was
only conducted in 25 children aged from 10 to 15 years.
For a detailed analysis of the study see chapter 4.2.2. For dosage discussion see the point dosage in
chapter 4.3.
Unkauf and Friderich (2000): In a randomized prospective multicenter, reference controlled study,
52 children (mean 7.9 years) with a clinically confirmed bronchitis (no information acute or chronic)
were treated either with Valverde (200 ml juice contain 660-1000 mg ivy dry extract (3-6:1),
extraction solvent ethanol 60% (m/m)) or Prospan Hustensaft (100 ml contain 700 mg ivy dry extract
(5-7.5:1), extraction solvent ethanol 30 (m/m)). The daily dose of Valverde was: children up to 4
years 2 x 5 ml daily; 4-10 years 2 x 7.5 ml daily; 10-12 years 2 x 10 ml daily. The dosage of
Valverde corresponds up to 4 years: 150-225 mg herbal substance, 4-10 years 253-338 mg herbal
substance, 10-12 years 350-450 mg herbal substance. Prospan cough juice corresponds up to 4
years:
350-490 mg herbal substance, 4-10 years 525-735 mg herbal substance, 10-12 years 700-980 mg
herbal substance per day.
The primary objective endpoint was the bronchitis severity score as judged by the impairment of the
state of the patient by means of a visual analogy scale at inclusion and at the end of the study on day
10. Secondary variables were severity of illness (CGI items II), the ratio of the therapeutic effect to the
adverse drug reactions (CGI items III), frequency and kind of cough, colour and quality of the
expectoration and auscultation.
The primary endpoint "bronchitis severity" was reduced in both treatment groups in the course of the
study from day zero to day ten. From 52 children, 51 were responders (98%) and showed an
improvement of the variables by at least 50%. The comparison of both medical treatment groups
concerning the primary criterion showed a statistically significant equivalence of both ivy products after
five days (p=0.0022) and after ten days (p=0.0031). The comparison of the laboratory values at the
start and the end of the therapy did not show any relevant variations.
4.2.2. Clinical studies (case studies and clinical trials)

Controlled studies
Meyer-Wegener et al. (1993): A randomized controlled double-blind comparative study of 99 adult
patients (aged from 25-70 years) with mild to moderate, simple or obstructive chronic bronchitis was
carried out. They were treated either 3-5 times daily for 4 weeks with 20 drops of ivy leaves extract
((5-7.5-1), ethanol 30% (m/m); 2 g of dry extract pro 100 ml)) and 3 times daily with 1 placebo tablet
or 3-5 times daily with ambroxol 30 mg tablet and 3-5 times daily with 20 drops placebo. The daily
dosage was 0.25-0.42 g of a herbal substance. Excluded were patients with asthma bronchial, chronic
bacterial bronchitis and patient with severe lung diseases. Objective parameters of the study were the

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spirometric data (vital capacity, 1 sec. capacity, and peak flow), the symptoms and the auscultation
results.
Improvements in spirometric and auscultation parameters were observed in both groups with no
significant differences between the groups. The vital capacity in the group treated with the ivy
preparation increased slightly more (from 2.84 l to 3.11 l) than in the ambroxol group (from 2.89 l to
2.92 l). The FEV1 remained unchanged in both groups (1.80 l/s ivy leaf extract and 1.88 l/s ambroxol).
The global rating for efficacy was good in 58.3% of the cases in the ambroxol group and in 55.1% in
the ivy group. The patients diaries were analysed descriptive because the diaries were not fully
completed. The results indicated a tendency towards greater decrease in frequency of coughing,
sputum production and dyspnoea in the ivy leaf extract group.
Table 1: Vital capacity (l)
ivy leaf extract
ambroxol
Study week
Average
Standard deviation
Average
Standard deviation
2.84
1.21
2.89
0.93
3.09
0.91
2.92
1.17
3.01
0.97
3.02
0.78
3.07
0.88
2.90
0.94
3.11
1.06
2.92
0.93
Patients rated the tolerability as good or very good in 87.8% (ivy leaf extract) and 87.5%
(ambroxol) of cases in the 3th week and 93.4% (ivy leaf extract) and 95.5% (ambroxol) in the 4th
week. In the verum group, 7 patients had undesirable effects (not described). Two of them were
considered to have a causal relation to the medication. In the ambroxol group, 6 undesirable effects
occured and 3 of them were considered to have a causal relation to ambroxol. One drop out case
occured in the ambroxol group.
Assessors comment:
The study of Meyer-Wegener et al. (1993) analyses both the spirometric parameters and symptomatic
benefits as a combined primary outcome. The study was conducted in simple chronic bronchitis
(patients without obstruction) and in patients with obstructive chronic bronchitis. There is no
information about the number of patients in the subgroups.
According to the current definition, obstructive chronic bronchitis is subsumed under COPD.
Physiological changes characteristic of the disease include mucus hypersecretion, airflow limitation and
air trapping (leading to hyperinflation), gas exchange abnormalities, and cor pulmonale. Due to airway
fibrosis and alveolar destruction, the airflow limitation is not fully reversible.
For the diagnosis and assessment of COPD, spirometry is the gold standard as it is the most
reproducible, standardised and objective way of measuring airflow limitation. Spirometry should
measure the volume of air forcibly exhaled from the point of maximal inspiration (forced vital capacity,
FVC) and the volume of air exhaled during the first second of this manoeuvre (forced expiratory
volume in one second, FEV1). The ratio of these two measurements (FEV1/FVC) should be calculated.
The presence of a post bronchodilator FEV1/FVC <0.70 and FEV1 <80% predicted confirms the
presence of airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. According the WHO GOLD guideline (2006), an
increase in FEV1 that is both greater than 200 ml and 12% above the pre-bronchodilator FEV1 is
considered significant.
In this study, the FEV1 remained unchanged in both groups (1.80 l/s ivy leaf extract and 1.88 l/s
ambroxol). The vital capacity in the group treated with the ivy preparation increased slightly more (rise
from 2.84 l to 3.11 l) than in the ambroxol group (rise from 2.89 l to 2.92 l). Neither ambroxol nor the
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ivy preparation reduced the FEV1 in the range of 12%. The results indicate that both preparations are
not eligible to act as bronchodilator for efficacy in obstructive chronic
bronchitis/COPD.
The study results show no significant differences between the groups in auscultation parameters and
clinical symptoms. Patients with viscous sputum may benefit from both preparations.
Ambroxol was granted the indication For secretolytic therapy in acute and chronic bronchopulmonary
diseases, concomitant with disturbance in formation and transport of viscous sputum.
The study results are in line with the indication of ambroxol, where only a secretolytic therapy is
described. The results indicate that patients with simple chronic bronchitis and patients with
obstructive chronic bronchitis may benefit from the ivy preparation for decreases in frequency of
coughing, sputum production and dyspnoea, comparable to the secretolytic therapy with ambroxol.
The long term use as a secretolytic in chronic bronchitis can not be deduced by the study results. The
benefit is shown only for short term use of maximum 4 weeks.
Maidannik et al. (2003): In an open and controlled study (in two clinical hospitals in Kiev and
Dnepopetrovsk), 72 children (7 months-15 years) suffering from acute inflammatory diseases of the
respiratory tract (6 patients acute respiratory viral infection, 19 acute bronchopneumonia, 25 acute
bronchitis, 11 acute obstructive bronchitis, 4 recurrent bronchitis, 5 bronchial asthma, 2
mucoviscidose) were treated either with Prospan (ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m))
(n=53) or with ambroxol (n=19). Prospan was prescribed in the following dosages: from 1 to 6 years
3 times daily 1 teaspoon, from 7 to 14 years 3 times daily 2 teaspoons. The duration of a treatment
was between 7-10 days. In the case of a chronic disease, the treatment duration was 10-14 days.
Spirometric and bodyplethysmographic measurements of the lung function were carried out before the
beginning and during the medication (VC, FVC, FEV1 and PEF, MEF25, MEF50). Subjective symptoms
were documented within patients diaries by using a 5-score rating scale. The documented clinical
symptoms were duration of fever, cough, ease of expectoration, character of breathlessness,
auscultatory picture of patients lung. In addition, the blood analyses, including the calculation of
leucocytic count, flora identification, virological and bacteriological test were performed.
The authors resumed, after 7 days of Prospan treatment, that the velocity parameters of external
respiration were normalised nearly in all children with obstructive diseases, while in the ambroxol
treatment group normalisation could not be documented, but the parameters got even worse. No
results referring to the ambroxol group were shown.
Comparing the course of auscultatory picture in lungs, a fast decrease of crepitation was only seen in
the group of children treated with Prospan (Prospan: 94.3% before treatment, 45.8% in 7 days;
ambroxol: 87.6% before treatment, 47.3% in 7 days).
The comparison of the decrease in productive cough in both treatment groups showed no statistical
significant differences. After 7 days of the treatment, the cough in both groups was healed in more
than half of the patients, and within 14 days disappeared in general. The clinical symptom short
breath increased a little bit at day 3 of the treatment, the result at day 7 is not shown. Normalization
of leukocytic count was documented after 7+1.5 days. The course of external respiration in % of the
normal (VC, FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF25, MEF50) was shown only for the ivy preparation group. The authors
concluded that after 7 days of Prospan treatment, the velocity parameters of external respiration
were normalised nearly in all children with obstructive diseases, while in the ambroxol group
normalisation could not be documented.
Assessors comment:
This study supports the results of the study conducted by Meyer-Wegener et al. (1993). Patients with
cough/viscous sputum may benefit from the use of an ivy preparation or ambroxol. The study
demonstrated a positive influence on symptoms such as cough in acute inflammatory diseases. The
comparison of the decrease in productive cough in both treatment groups showed no statistical
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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significant differences. Comparing the course of auscultatory picture in lungs, a fast decrease of
crepitation was only seen in the group of children treated with Prospan. After 7 days of the treatment,
the cough in both groups was cured in more than half of the patients, and within 14 days it
disappeared in general.
No conclusion on efficacy for the specific indications is possible. The number of patients for each of the
multifaced diagnosis is 2-25. Because of the small number of patients for each diagnosis, the results of
spirometry are to be used with caution. The authors conclusion, that the ivy preparation has a better
efficacy as ambroxol, is not convincing because the ambroxol data are often missing. Blood analyses
were performed in this study, so the study contributes to safety data of high dosages of ivy leaf
preparations in children.
Bolbot et al. (2004): In an open and controlled study (in two clinical hospitals in Krivoy Rog and
Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine), 50 children (2-10 years) suffering from acute bronchitis (25 patients with
obstructive and 25 patients with non obstructive acute bronchitis) were treated either with Prospan
syrup (ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)) (n=25) or with acetylcysteine
(n=25). Patients with hypersensitive reactions or taking other expectorants were excluded. Prospan
was prescribed in the following dosages: 2-6 years 3 times daily 5 ml, 7-10 years 3 times daily 10 ml;
acetylcysteine: 2-6 years 3 times daily 100-200 mg, 7-10 years 3 times daily 300-400 mg. The
duration of the treatment was between 7 and 10 days. Spirometric and bodyplethysmographic
measurements of the lung function were carried out before the beginning, at day 5 and after full
treatment (FVC, FEV1 and PEF, MEF25, MEF50, MEF75). Documented clinical symptoms were: cough,
sputum, short breath and respiratory pain. Along with the tested products, 48% of the Prospan group
and 56% of the acetylcysteine group were taking additional medication as antibiotics, antihistamines,
etc.
After 5 days of the treatment, the improvements of parameters concerning the function of upper and
middle airways (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF25, MEF50) were greater in the Prospan group and statistic
different from parameters in the ACC group (p<0.05) and from baseline (p<0.05). In 10 days, 15% of
the Prospan group and 28.6% of the ACC group still had cough and sputum. All patients with cough
had liquid sputum (no viscous, no half-viscous) at the end of the study. After 10 days, no patients had
short breath or respiratory pain. The efficacy ratings of Prospan were in 96% very good and good
comparable with 79.2% for ACC. The tolerability of Prospan was rated by doctors in 40% as very
good and 60% as good.
Table 2: External respiration parameters during the treatment (in % from normal)
Parameter
Prospan group
before
in 5 days
ACC group
after treatment
treatment
before
in 5 days
after treatment
treatment
FVC
60.59.9
73.85.4
13619.1
564.3
71.77.5
89.47.5
FEV 1
628.4
74.55.8
129.618.4
63.76.9
71.37
88.68.5
Assessors comment:
At the end of the study all patients with cough had liquid sputum (no viscous, no half-viscous). In 10
days, 15% of the Prospan group and 28.6% of the ACC group still had cough and sputum. The
comparison suggests that ivy extracts can be therapeutically equivalent or better than ACC in
secretolytic therapy and improvement of cough in patients with acute bronchitis. This study supports
the results of the study by Meyer-Wegener et al. (1993), refering to the secretolytic activity of ivy
preparations in clinical praxis.
The comparison of the change of the spirometric parameter FEV1 (ivy: 67%; ACC: 25%) suggests
better efficacy in spasmolytic activity for the ivy preparation than for ACC. An increase of 67% (62%
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before treatment to 129% after treatment of 10 days) for the ivy preparation cannot be assessed
without a positive control and without placebo. The low number of patients and the concomitant
medication of antibiotics (comparable in the groups) affect negatively the level of evidence with regard
to efficacy.
The results of the study indicate that the ivy preparation has a benefit for secretolytic therapy in acute
bronchitis, concomitant with disturbance in formation and transport of viscous expectoration.
Additional controlled clinical studies with influence on spirometric and
bodyplethysmografhic parameters
Assessors comment:
In the preclinical studies, ivy preparations showed a convincing antispasmodic activity (compared to
papaverine). The clinical controlled studies by Gulyas (1997), Mansfeld et al. (1997, 1998) and Gulyas
(1999) analysed the influence on spirometric and bodyplethysmographic parameters in clinical use.
These studies were only conducted on small sample size (n=maximal 26), for a short time (10 days, 3
days, 3 days and 14-20 days) and no clinical symptoms were tested. Therefore, they cannot proof
efficacy in the intended indications (in the context of bronchitis). They have supportive character for
information on clinical pharmacology.
Gulyas (1997): description of the study see chapter 4.2.1
Table 3: Spirometric parameters: average parameters of lung function FEV1 (l), forced vital capacity
FVC (l), vital capacity VC (l) and PEV (l/s).
ethanol-free juice
st
1 day
ethanol-containing drops
5
th
day
th
10
day of
1st day
5th day
10th day of treatment
before
3 h after
before
treatment
before
3 h after
med.
before
3 h after
med.
med.
3 h after
med.
FEV 1 (l)
2.01
2.08
2.14
2.15
2.00
2.09
2.14
2.15
FVC (l)
2.26
2.34
2.40
2.40
2.27
2.34
2.39
2.40
VC (l)
2.37
2.44
2.49
2.49
2.37
2.45
2.50
2.50
PEF
4.44
4.64
4.83
4.91
4.44
4.75
4.97
4.91
(l/s)
Table 4: Bodyplethysmographic parameters (ITGW: intrathoracal gas volume; RAW: Airway

resistance; SRAW: Specific airway resistance).
ethanol-containing drops
ethanol-free juice
(630 mg herbal substance)
(252 mg herbal substance)
1st day
10th day
1st day
10th day
before
3 h after
before
3 h after
medication
medication
medication
medication
RAW (kPa/l/sec.)
3.77
3.39
3.74
3.39
ITGV (l)
2.78
2.59
2.76
2.59
SRAW (kPa/l/sec.)
9.93
8.30
9.81
8.29
Comparable improvements in spirometric and bodyplethysmographic parameters were observed after

both treatments. The author concludes thay the ethanol-free preparation is necessary to be given in
two times higher dosage than the ethanol-containing preparation to achieve the same therapeutic
effect.
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Assessors comment:
The author analysed the reversibility of the bronchial obstruction comparing the data with salbutamol.
Salbutamol as a positive control showed changes of 22.5% at first day. Before medication the FEV1
was 2.0 l in both groups. Ten minutes after inhalative application of 200 g salbutamol medication, the
FEV1 was 2.46 l in the juice group and 2.44 l in the drops group.
The data show that the FEV1 rises in the 5th day, 3 h after medication only to 2.08 l in the juice group
and 2.09 l in the drop group. The change of proximally 4% is not considered as clinical relevant. After
10 days, the FEV1 was 2.15 l (proximally 8%) in both treatment groups 3 h after medication. After 10
days the FEV1 in both groups was 2.15 l before treatment and 2.45 l after salbutamol medication.
According the WHO GOLD guideline (2006), an increase in FEV1 that is both greater than 200 ml and
12% above the pre-bronchodilator FEV1 is considered clinically significant. The change of 8% is under
this borderline. The bronchodilating clinical activity is proximally 1/3 of salbutamol. No placebo control
was conducted.
For dosage discussion see the point dosage in chapter 4.3.
Mansfeld et al. (1997): In a randomized, comparative, cross-over study, 26 children (aged 5-11
years) suffering from bronchial asthma were treated for 3 days with preparations containing a dry
extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m) from ivy leaf 2 x 25 drops of an oral liquid
preparation (35 mg of the extract daily, corresponding to 218 mg herbal substance) and then, after a
4-day wash-out interval, 2 suppositories daily (=160 mg dry extract daily, corresponding to 1000 mg
herbal substance). The peak flow improved in comparison with the initial value by 21.8% after
application of the suppositories and by 25.2% after administration of the drops. A reduction of the
airway resistance of 0.49 kPa/l/sec (31%) (oral liquid) and 0.44 kPa/l/sec (23%) (suppositories)
compared to initial values was observed. The FEV1 increased on the 3th day, 3 h after medication from
1.37 l to 1.64 l (suppositories) and 1.39 l to 1.61 l (oral liquid). The FEV1 after inhalation of fenoterol
was 1.61/1.64 l.
Assessors comment:
The results are comparable to the results of the (asthma) study by Mansfeld et al. (1998), with the
difference that no placebo control was conducted in this study. Without a placebo control, the
relevance of the data is limited. In the study of Mansfeld et al. (1998) the differences in FEV1 was not
statistically significant in comparison to placebo.
Mansfeld et al. (1998): In a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled crossover comparative
study 28 (24) children, 13 girls and 15 boys, aged 4-12 years, suffering from bronchial asthma were
treated for 3 days each with a dry extract from ivy leaves (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m) or placebo,
interrupted by a wash-out phase from 3-5 days. The daily dosage of 2 x 25 drops was equivalent to
35 mg dried ivy leaf extract or 218 mg herbal substance. The change of the airway resistance was
evaluated as a primary objective criterion. Four children were not evaluated because they were
considered as drop-outs.
A statistically significant reduction of 0.14 kPa/l/sec (23.6%) of the airway resistance was proved in
comparison to placebo therapy. The verum therapy had a positive effect on bodyplethysmographic and
spirometric parameters that was not statistically significant in comparison to placebo. The assessment
of the tolerance by the physician and the patients did not show any relevant differences between
verum and placebo and was considered as very good.

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Table 5: Bodyplethysmographic parameters
1 day before
Airway resistance
Intrathoracal gas volume
(kPa/l/sec)
(ITGV) (l)
Residual volume (l)
Verum
Placebo
Verum
Placebo
Verum
Placebo
0.75
0.70
1.71
1.64
1.11
1.02
0.61
0.67
1.55
1.66
0.97
1.00
-23.6%
-4.9%
-10.1%
+0.7%
-14.3%
-2.4%
medication
3 days after
medication
Difference
3 days after
medication
difference to
p=0.0361
p=0.0007
p=0.1671
FVC (l)
FEV 1 (l)
placebo
Table 6: Spirometric parameters
VC (l)
Verum
Placebo
Verum
Placebo
Verum
Placebo
1.93
1.94
1.82
1.84
1.61
1.59
1st day after
2.00
1.98
1.93
1.92
1.73
1.70
3rd day before
1.89
1.93
1.86
1.89
1.62
1.60
2.06
1.99
1.97
1.90
1.80
1.67
2.8
8.4
3.3
11.8
5.0
st
1 day before
medication
rd
day after
Difference in % 6.5
3rd day after
medication
Verum
Placebo
Control FEV 1
10 min after
(l)
inhalation of 2 x
Control FEV 1 (l)
10 min after inhalation of 2

x 100 g fenoterol
100 g fenoterol
FEV 1 (l)
FEV 1 (l)
1st day before
1.44
1.75
1.44
1.75
1.80
1.83
1.67
1.79
medication
3rd day 3 h
after
medication
Assessors comment:
A statistic significant reduction of 0.14 kPa/l/sec (23.6%) of the airway resistance was proved in
comparison to the placebo therapy. The positive control for reversbility of bronchial obstruction was
conducted with inhalative fenoterol.
The authors conclusion that the bronchodilalatory effect of the ivy preparation was comparable to
fenoterol is not convincing. On the first day, ivy has a difference in FEV1 of 0.12 l (1.73-1.61) placebo
of 0.11 l (1.70-1.59) and fenoterol of 0.31 l (1.75-1.44). The direct bronchodilatory effect of the ivy
preparation on the first day is proximally 1/3 of fenoterol and comparabel to placebo. The difference
was not statistically significant in comparison to placebo.
The results showed increases in FEV1 from day 1 to day 3, both in the verum group and the placebo
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group (verum 0.36 l (1.80-1.44); placebo 0.23 l (1.67-1.44)). This indicated an improvement in the
lung function and was in accordance with the results of airway resistance. The increase of FEV1 on the
third day, 3h after inhalation of 2 x 100 g fenoterol medication was minimal, 1.80 l to 1.83 l in the ivy
group and 1.67 l to 1.79 l in the placebo group. All together, the results indicate an improvement of
lung function, but no significant better bronchodilatory effect than placebo.
Gulyas (1999): In a controlled pilot study 20 children (9-15 years), with a chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, were treated either with Prospan Hustensaft (ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol
30% (m/m)) (n=10) or with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) (n=10) in the dosages recommended (ivy extract
corresponding to 630 mg herbal substance). The duration of the treatment was between 14 and 20
days. Spirometric and bodyplethysmographic measurements of the lung function were carried out
before the beginning of the medication and at the end. VC, FEV1 and PEF in addition were determined
after one-week of therapy.
Regarding the vital capacity (VC), a clinically relevant improvement was seen in the two treatment
groups. After one-week therapy with ivy extract, the vital capacity of 1.93 l rose to 2.07 l and 2.19 l
until the end of the therapy. VC improved in the acetylcysteine group from 1.78 l to 1.94 l after one
week and to 2.01 l at the end of the therapy. With regard to the forced expiratory volume (FEV1), a
clear difference was found in favour of the ivy extract: the FEV1 increased under ivy extract from 1.56 l
to 1.90 l after 2 weeks and under acetylcysteine from 1.50 l to 1.72 l. A similar trend was observed at
the peak-flow values and the airway resistance.
The authors concluded that the results of this study show a clinically relevant effect of ivy leaves
extract and also of acetylcysteine on the bronchial obstruction in children with a chronic obstructive
bronchitis with a tendency towards greater efficacy of the herbal preparation. No statistical evaluation
was performed.
Assessors comment:
No information about a positive control for reversibility of bronchialobstuction was given in the study.
The FEV1 increased under ivy extract from 1.56 l to 1.90 l after 2 weeks and under acetylcysteine from
1.50 l to 1.72 l. Without a positive control the relevance of data cannot be evaluated.
Conclusion
Assessors comment:
The results of the study by Gulyas (1997) indicate that the FEV1 change is in the range of 8% that
corresponds to proximally 1/3 of the FEV1 after inhalative application of 200 g salbutamol (in patients
with chronic obstructive pulmonary complaints).
In another placebo controlled study in children with bronchial asthma by Mansfeld et al., (1998), a
statistically significant reduction of the airway resistance of 0.14 kPa/l/sec (23.6%) was proved in
comparison to placebo therapy. The authors conclusion that the bronchodilalatory effect of the ivy
preparation was comparable to fenoterol is not convincing. On the first day ivy caused a difference in
FEV1 of 0.12 l (1.7-1.61) placebo of 0.11 l (1.70-1.59) and fenoterol of 0.31 l (1.75-1.44). The direct
bronchodilatory effect of the ivy preparation on the first day was proximally 1/3 of fenoterol and
comparable to placebo.
All together, the results indicate a statistically significant improvement of lung function in comparison
to placebo, but no significant better bronchodilatory effect as placebo. The results on spirometric and
bodyplethysmographic parameters in clinical use indicate a benefit for the use as secretolytic. The
bronchospasmolytic activity is approximally 1/3 of salbutamol and fenoterol and is concidered to be to
low for clinical relevance in severe obstructive diseases.

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Controlled clinical studies with only supportive character for the long tradtional use of ivy
preparations in the context of cough
Assessors comment:
Some early controlled clinical studies by Stcklin (1959) and Rath (1968) cannot proof efficacy
because of their limited methodological quality. Blinding and randomisation are two essential features
for minimising bias. These studies are not double blinded. The method of randomisation is not
described. Substantial differences between the numbers of patients in test and control groups exist
(Rath, 1968). This could suggest that inappropriate methods of randomisation were used. Formal
sample size or power calculation were not reported. There is a lack of description of drop-outs. The
validity was further limited by failing to report statistical analysis, or inappropriate analyses. The
information about the used ivy leaves extract and dosage is missing in the publication by Stcklin
(1959). Rath (1968) includes patients with bronchopneumonia pertussis, malign diseases. In 53 cases,
an additional antibacterial treatment was given.
Stcklin (1959) evaluated the efficacy of ivy extract in 50 children of 1-8 years who suffered from
whooping cough (n=40) or spastic bronchitis (n=10). The control group included 50 children who were
treated with standard therapy while the verum group received an ivy preparation (no clear
information) in addition to the standard therapy. The standard therapy is described as one of
different preparations (cardiazol-dicodid, codein, romilar, ipedrin, belladenal etc.). The used ivy leaves
extract and dosage are missing in the publication. The children treated with ivy leaves extract
accomplished the therapy objective (3 coughing fits/day) on the day 14, 10 days earlier than the
control group. The children treated with ivy were attack free after 24 days. In the control group the
children where attack free only after 34 days. It was observed that the ivy extract was most successful
in reducing the intensity in cases of strong coughing.
Assessors comment:
The study has only supportive character for the long traditional use of ivy preparations in the context
of cough. The extraction solvent, DER and dosage used in the study are unknown. The majority of
treated children included in the study suffered from whooping cough. Actually, ivy preparations are not
used in whooping cough, so the study is not of relevance. Only 10 children suffered from spastic
bronchitis. The methodology was not accurate to proof efficacy in chronic bronchitis. There was no use
of FEV1 and no measurement of symptomatic benefit. No statistical analysis was performed.
Rath (1968): A placebo controlled double-blind study was carried out in 100 children of 3 months-13
years. The ivy product (Prospan drops) used in this study contained additionally 0.5 mg of anise and
thyme oil in 1 g solution. Seventy one children were treated with the ivy preparation and 29 children
with placebo. Seventy four children suffered from acute bronchitis in the context of feverish infections,
9 under cough in context of malign diseases, 7 under spastic bronchitis, 10 under chronic bronchitis,
bronchopneumonia or pertussis. The number of cough attacks and the auscultation results were
assessed. Within only three days the verum therapy was successful in 85% and placebo in 61% cases.
In 53 cases an additional antibacterial treatment was given. Therapy success in the verum group was
81% compared to 37% in cases used placebo.
Assessors comment:
The study has only supportive character for the long traditional use of ivy preparations in the context
of cough. The extraction solvent, DER and dosage used in the study are unknown. The majority of
treated children included in the study suffered from other diseases as the relevant. The number of
children suffering from chronic bronchitis is less than 10. The duration of the study was only 3 days
and there was no use of FEV1 and no measurement of symptomatic benefit. In 53% of the cases, an
additional antibacterial treatment was given. No statistical analysis was performed.
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Table 7: Controlled studies with ivy leaf products

Authors,
Study
Duration
Study and Control
Number of
Diagnosis,
Primary
Year
design,
of Treat-
drugs, Dose
Subjects by
Inclusion
Endpoints
Control
ment
Arms, Age
Criteria
verum: standard
n=100
whooping cough
number and
attack free after 24
no side
therapy in addition
n=50 verum
(n=40) or
intensity of
days in the verum
effects in
to ivy extract drops
n=50 control
spastic
coughing fits
group, in the control
both groups
Efficacy results
Safety
results
type
Stcklin,
open,
1959
controlled
30 days
(no clear
bronchitis
group only after 34
composition)
(n=10)
days; reduction of
infants: 3-4 x 20
the intensity of
drops, children: 3-
coughing
4x30 drops, school

children 3-4 x 70
drops
control: standard
therapy alone
oral
verum: Prospan
n=100
acute bronchitis
number of
therapy success on
no side
controlled,
drops + 0.5 mg of
n=71 verum
(of feverish
cough
the cough
effects in
double-blind
anise and thyme oil
n=29
infections)
attacks and
ivy: 85%
both groups
Rath,
placebo
1968
3 days

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
in 1 g solution:
placebo
(n=74), cough
auscultation
placebo: 61%
infant: 8 x 15 drops,
(47 as a
(of maligne
results
ivy and antibiotics:
children: 8 x 30
mono
diseases)
81% placebo and
drops, school child:
therapy,
(n=9), spastic
antibiotics: 37%
8 x 45 drops/day
53 as an
bronchitis
corresponding to
addition to
(n=7), chronic
approximately
antibiotics)
bronchitis,
0.46-1.38 g herbal
bronchopneumo
substance/day
-nia or pertussis
oral
(n=10)
Page 55/89
Meyer-
controlled,
Wegener
et al.,
4 weeks
verum: 3-5 x 20
n=97
simple or
spirometric,
no significant
verum: 7
double-blind,
drops ivy dry extract
n=49 verum
obstructive
bodyplethys-
difference for
undesirable
monocentric
(5-7.5:1); ethanol
n=48
chronic
mographic
spirometric,
effects (not
30% (m/m) 0.25-
ambroxol
bronchitis
parameters
bodyplethysmogra-
described)
0.42 g herbal
40 female,
(VC, 1 sec. C,
phic parameters (VC
ambroxol: 6
substance/day)
57 male
peak flow),
in the ivy group
undesirable
standard therapy:
25-70 years
patients
2.84 l to 3.11 l,
effects and
diaries
ambroxol group
one drop out
1993
ambroxol:
2.89 l to 2.92 l ) in
3 x 30 mg/day
oral
4 weeks
Gulyas,
crossover
each
Prospan juice:
1997
randomized,
treatment
3 x 5 ml = 105 mg
double-blind
: 10 days
ivy dry extract (5-
(wash-
7.5:1); ethanol 30%
out
(m/m),
phase: 2-
corresponding to
parameters clinically
4 days)
0.63 g herbal
and statistically
substance/day
significant;
Prospan drops: 3 x
reduction in the
20 drops = 42 mg
airway resistance by
dry extract (5-
0.38 kPa/l/sec for
7.5:1); ethanol 30%
juice and 0.35
(m/m),
kPa/l/sec for drops
n=25
10-16 years
chronic
spirometric
ivy drops and juice
no side
obstructive
and
therapeutically
effects in
pulmonary
bodyplethys-
equivalent;
both groups
complaints
mographic
improvement in the
parameters
lung function
corresponding to
0.25 g herbal
substance/ day
oral

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Mansfeld
randomized,
each
Prospan drops:
n=26
asthma
spirometric
Peak flow improved
no side
et al.,
crossover
treatment
2 x 25 drops = 35
11 female
bronchiale with
and
by 21.8%
effects in
mg ivy dry extract
15 male
reversible
bodyplethys-
(suppositories) and
both groups
3 days
(5-7.5:1); ethanol
5-11 years
bronchial
mographic
by 25.2% (drops);
(wash-
30% (m/m),
obstruction
parameters
reduction of the
out
corresponding to
(VC, 1 sec. C,
airway resistance of
phase: 2-
0.21 g herbal
air way
0.49 kPa/l/sec
4 days)
substance/day oral
resistance
(31%) (oral liquid)
(kPa/l/sec),
and 0.44 kPa/l/sec
peakflow
(23%)
1997
Prospan
supp.: 2 x
1 supp. = 160 mg of
ivy dry extract (5-
(suppositories)
7.5:1); ethanol 30%

(m/m),
corresponding to 1 g
herbal substance/
day)
Rectal
Mansfeld
crossover
3 days
Prospan drops:
n=28
asthma
air way
reduction of airway
tolerance
et al.,
randomized,
verum/
2 x 25 drops ivy dry
13 female,
bronchiale with
resistance
resistance by 0.14
considered
1998
placebo-
placebo,
extract (5-7.5:1);
15 male
reversible
(kPa/l/sec)
kPa/l/sec (23.6%)
as very
controlled
3-5 days
ethanol 30% (m/m),
7.82.5
bronchial
under verum;
good
double-blind
wash-out
corresponding to
years
obstruction
significant difference
phase, 3
0.21 g herbal
PPA=23 or
between verum and
days
substance/day
24
placebo (p=0.036)
verum/
oral
placebo

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Gulyas,
controlled
14-20
ivy dry extract (5-
n=20
chronic
spirometric
increase of FEV1: ivy
no
1999
pilot study
days
7.5:1); ethanol 30%
n=10 ivy
obstructive
and
0.34 l, ACC: 0.22 l
information
(m/m),
n=10 ACC
respiratory
bodyplethys-
increase of VC: ivy:
corresponding to
9-15 years
disease
mographic
0.26 l; ACC: 0.23 l
parameters
peak-flow: ivy: 57
630 mg herbal
substance daily
l/min; ACC: 39
ACC: no information
l/min
oral
Valverde:
n=52
reference
ivy dry extract (3-
controlled
6:1); ethanol 60%
equivalence
study
Unkauf
randomized,
and
Friderich,
2000
10 days
bronchitis
improvement
equivalence
no relevant
n=25
of symptoms
between the two
changing in
Valverde
(VAS scale),
therapies; 98% of
laboratory
(m/m)
n=27
CGI items I,
the children were
values,
up to 4 years
Prospan
II, III
responder
no adverse
corresponding to
25 female
cough,
(improvement of the
events
150-225 mg herbal
27 male
expectoration
variables by at least
substance , 4-10
mean 7.9
years corresponding
years
50%)
to 253-338 mg
herbal substance,
10-12 years
corresponding to
350-450 mg herbal
substance
Prospan cough
juice: ivy dry extract
(5-7.5:1); ethanol
30% (m/m)
up to 4 years
corresponding to
350-490 mg herbal
substance, 4-10
years corresponding
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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to 525-735 mg
herbal substance,
10-12 years
corresponding to
700-980 mg herbal
substance/day
oral
Mai-
open,
dannik,
reference
2003
7-14 days
ambroxol: no
n=72
acute
spirometric
velocity parameters
no adverse
information
n=53
respiratory viral
and
of external
events,
controlled
Prospan
Prospan
infection (n=6),
bodyplethys-
respiration after 7
study
n=19
acute
mographic
days: Prospan =
cough
(5-7.5:1); ethanol
ambroxol
bronchopneumo
parameters,
normalized nearly in
30% (m/m)
7 month-15
-nia (n=19),
improvement
all children with
1-6 years: 3 x 1
years
acute bronchitis
of symptoms
obstructive
teaspoon = 3 x 5 ml
(n=25), acute
(VAS scale)
diseases; ambroxol
corresponding to
obstructive
= normali-zation
0.63 g herbal
bronchitis
could not be
substance/day
(n=11),
documented;
7-14 years: 3 x 2
recurrent
auscultatory picture
teaspoons = 3 x 10
bronchitis
in lungs: Prospan
ml corresponding to
(n=4), bronchial
= fast decrease of
1.26 g herbal
asthma (n=5),
crepitation (94.30%
substance/day
mucoviscidose
before treatment,
oral
(n=2)
45.80% in 7 days);
ambroxol: 87.60%
before treatment,
47% in 7 days).
decrease in
productive cough:
no statistical
significant
differences

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Prospan cough
n=50 (25
reference
and 25)
controlled
study
Bolbot
open,
2004
7-10 days
acute bronchitis
spirometric
parameters of
tolerability of
and
external respiration:
Prospan was
(5-7.5:1); ethanol
bodyplethys-
in Prospan group
rated by
30% (m/m); 2 to 6
mographic
statistically higher
doctors 40%
years: 3 x 5 ml,
parameters,
than in the ACC
as very
corresponding to
improvement
group; efficacy
good and
ratings of Prospan
60% as
substance/day
96% very good
good
7 to 10 years: 3 x
and good
10 ml,
comparable with
corresponding to
79.2% for ACC
0.63 g herbal
of symptoms
1.26 g herbal
substance/day
ACC: 2-6 years: 3 x
daily 100-200 mg,
7-10 years 3 x daily
300-400 mg

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Non-controlled studies
In early non-controlled clinical studies ivy leaf extract was used in the treatment of children and
adults suffering from various respiratory complains involving coughing. Reductions were observed
in frequency of coughs. The studies were all conducted in a small number of patients (under 100).
In some studies, the preparation was administered per inhalation. The posology is not mentioned
and there is no information about additional medication. For example, Arch (1974) examined 30
patients with tuberculosis; Dchtel-Brhl (1976) examined 44 patients, no posology and no
endpoint criteria; Bhlau (1977) included 30 patients in aerosol therapy; Rudowski (1979)
examined 29 children in aerosoltherapy; Leskow (1985) included 84 patients additional medication
to antibiotics and steroids; Gulyas (1992) had only 24 patients, no control. The methodology of
these early studies was not considered to be adequate to show efficacy of ivy leaf preparations in
the labelled indication of currently marketed products (Loos, 1958; Arch, 1974; Dchtel-Brhl,
1976; Bhlau, 1977; Rudkowski, 1979; Leskow, 1985; Gulyas, 1992). Therefore they are not
described in the assessment report in detail.
Non-controlled clinical studies with relevance for clinical safety
The methodology of non-controlled clinical studies is appropriate to draw conclusions about safety.
They support the efficacy results of the controlled studies.
Lssig et al. (1996): In a multicenter surveillance study, 113 children (aged 6-15 years)
suffering from recurrent obstructive respiratory complaints were treated with Prospan cough juice
((100 ml contains 0.7 g ivy dry extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m)) for up to 20 days (in some
cases up to 30 days). As daily dose 64% of the patients took 3 x 5 ml (15 ml/day), 32% took 8-10
x 2.5 ml (20-25 ml/day) and 4% took only 3-4 x 2.5 ml (7.5-10 ml/day). The lung function
parameters (FVC, FEV1, PEF, MEF25, MEF50) as well as the symptoms cough (frequency, kind) and
expectoration (colour, quality) improved significantly in the course of the medical treatment. The
physician considered the tolerance of the therapy as very good: 68.7%, good: 29.5%.
Hecker (1999): In an open comparative study 248 children (176 patients (71%) were younger
than 15 years) suffering from chronic obstructive bronchitis were treated with two different ivy leaf
preparations. 120 patients were treated with Prospan cough juice (100 ml contains 0.7 g dry ivy
extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m)) and 128 took Prospan acute effervescent cough Tablets
(one effervescent tablet contains 65 mg evy leaf extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m)). The
duration of use was 7.3+2.4 (juice) and 8.2+2.5 (effervescent tablets) days. The dosage was 76%
as recommended in the package leaflet (no specific information). The efficacy on the symptoms of
cough, expectoration, dyspnea and respiratory pain was evaluated by the physician with a fourstep scale. In the general judgement, the efficacy was documented in 86% of the patients as "very
good" or "good". A healing or improvement of the symptoms of cough and expectoration were
observed in about 90% of the patients. The authors considered this outcome as meaningful,
because all patients, except one, suffered from cough and more than half (63%) had expectoration
at the beginning of the study. From 16% of the patients having dyspnoea and 23% having
respiratory pain, 60% reached a healing or recovery. The tolerance to the therapy was considered
as "very good" or "good" for 98% of the patients. One adverse event (allergic exanthema) occured.
Jahn and Mller (2000), Mller and Bracher (2002): In an open study 372 children aged from
2 months to over 10 years (mean 5.7 years, 186 male, 178 female, 8 no data) suffering from
respiratory tract infections (64.8%) or infections of the lower respiratory tract (22.8%) and both
lower and upper respiratory tract (11.6%) were treated for 5-8 days (7.2 days) with an oral liquid
preparation containing a dry extract from ivy leaves ((6-7:1), ethanol 40%; 2 ml of a preparation
contained 18 mg of extract corresponding to 108-126 mg of herbal substance). Depending on age,
the average daily doses ranged from 2.8 to 6.7 ml, corresponding to 150-420 mg of herbal
substance. The patient age groups were:
0-1 year:
n=26
1-3 years:
n=93
4-9 years:
n=189
10-16 years:
n=56
16 years:
n=4
no information: n=4
The irritation of the throat improved in the course of the medical treatment for 89.5% of the
patients. At the end of the study no cough was observed in 119 patients (32.0%). In the third of
the patients (30.3%), the dry cough was solved and changed into a productive one. The frequency
of the expectoration was reduced in the course of the medical treatment from 33.6% in the
beginning to 19.6% in the end of therapy.
Spirometric data were available from 187 children at least 4 years old. The lung function improved
in the course of the ivy treatment, with an increase of the peak-flow rate from 228 l/min to
273 l/min. As expected, a stronger increase in the peak-flow rate could be reached in relation to
increasing age. The patients were symptom free on the average after 6.5 days. Almost half of the
patients were recovered after one-week therapy and the illness improved by 47.8%. The
physicians judged the therapy success as "very good" or "good" for 94.4% of the patients. No
adverse reaction occured. Four patients dropped out. The dosages used were in accordance to the
dosage recommendations of Dorsch et al. (2002).
Roth (2000): In an open study, 1024 children (mean 4.4 3.8 years old) suffering from acute
infections of the upper respiratory system (52.4%), acute bronchitis/bronchiolitis (26.6%) and
bronchitis (not further specified, 22.2%) were treated with the same ivy leaf dry extract in two
different alcohol-free preparations. 789 children took Sedotussin ivy juice (100 g contain 0.79 g
ivy dry extract (6-7:1), ethanol 40% (m/m)) and 234 children got Sedotussin ivy drops (100 g
drops contain 1.98 g ivy dry extract (6-7:1), ethanol 40% (m/m)).
The patient groups were the following:
Sedotussin drops:
0-1 year:
3 x 8 drops (0.166 g herbal substance) (n=72)
1-3 years:
4-9 years:
greater then 10 years:
Sedotussin ivy juice:

0-1 year:
2 ml (0.118 g herbal substance) (n=87)
1-3 years:
4-9 years:
greater than 10 years:
A significant decrease (p<0.01) of the complaints (cough, expectoration and dyspnoea) could be
recorded at the end of the treatment. 72.6% of the children were cough free at the end of the
study period; cough was improved at further 24.2%. No expectoration or an improvement was
documented in 3.2% of the children. The symptom dyspnoea could be removed or improved in
99.2% of the children. The tolerability was considered as very good and good in 95.9% of the
patients by the physicians, and in 90.8% by patients judgment. According to the publication,
infants till 1 year received the drug as a middle daily dose of 0.1 g, children (1-4 years) 0.15 g,
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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schoolchildren (4-10 years) 0.2 g as well as teenagers and adults 0.3 g. Depending on the age,
average daily doses ranged for Sedotussin juice (789 patients) from 2 to 6 ml, corresponding to
0.118-0.354 g of herbal substance. The daily dosage for Sedotussin drops (234 patients) ranged
from 24 drops to 75 drops, corresponding to 0.166-0.52 g herbal substance. There was no
difference between the efficacy and tolerability of the different dosage regimes. One patient had
vomiting and another patient exanthema.
Hecker et al. (2002): The changes of clinical symptoms and the tolerability of Prospan acute
effervescent Cough Tablets (one effervescent tablet contains 65 mg ivy leaf dry extract (5-7.5-1),
ethanol 30% (m/m)) were investigated in a multicenter, prospective post-marketing surveillance
study (PMS) focusing on patients with chronic bronchitis. The study included 1350 patients (682
male and 667 female) aged 4 years and above who were treated in one of 135 participating
medical practices and who suffered from chronic bronchitis (with or without airway obstruction).
1043 patients were upon 25 years old, 128 were 13-24 years old and 165 were 12 years old or
younger.
During a scheduled observational period of 4 weeks, the patients had to take 1(1/2) or 2 tablets
per day (depending on their age), according to the manufacturer's dosing recommendations,
corresponding to 97.5 or 130 mg of dried ivy leaf extract (about 585-780 mg of herbal substance).
The treatment success was assessed by observing the changes in the direct symptoms of chronic
bronchitis between the baseline examination and the end of treatment. Safety was evaluated by
analysing adverse events. In comparison to baseline, the following percentages of patients showed
improved symptoms or were cured at treatment end: cough 92.2%; expectoration 94.2%;
dyspnoea 83.1%; respiratory pain 86.9%. In each of the four symptoms at least 38% of the
initially affected patients were completely free of complaints. Three patients (0.2%) experienced
adverse events (2 eructation, 1 nausea), in which a causal relationship to the drug under
investigation could not be excluded. The authors concluded that considering the favourable
changes in all investigated clinical symptoms as well as the excellent tolerability in children and
adults, that the ivy leaf extract preparation Prospan acute Effervescent Cough Tablets could be
considered as a therapeutic option in alleviating the symptoms of chronic bronchitis.
Bechi and Khler (2003): In a multicenter open drug surveillance study over the period of one
week, the efficacy and safety of ivy pastilles (one pastille contains 26 mg ivy leaf extract; 4-8:1,
ethanol 30% (m/m)) were tested on 56 patients (7-93 years, average: 49 years) suffering from
respiratory system disease with expectoration (14), from acute bronchitis (18) and from cough
(30) because of cold. The dosage was at least 2 pastilles/day (corresponding to 312 mg of herbal
substance). Ninenteen patients took the middle dosage of 2-4 pastilles /day (corresponding to 312624 mg of herbal substance) and 35 took the maximal dosage of 4-6 pastilles /day (corresponding
to 624-936 mg of herbal substance). Compared to baseline (symptom scale), improvement of
clinical symptoms was observed. The irritation of the throat was reduced from 2.7 on 1.3, the
quantity of expectoration from 1.5 on 1.1, the colour of the mucus got clearer or whiter and the
consistence of the mucus improved from 2.2 on 1.3. Adverse drug reactions did not occur.
Kraft (2004): A retrospective survey in a great number of children (52,478) between 0 and 12
years from 310 medical practices was conducted to evaluate the tolerability of Prospan cough
juice (100 ml contains 0.7 g dry ivy extract 5-7.5:1, ethanol 30% (m/m)).
0-1 year: 15% (n=7,871)
1-5 years: 51% (n=26,763)
6-9 years: 25% (n=13,119)
10 years: 9% (n=4,723)
In children under 1 year, the average daily dose corresponded to 227 mg of herbal substance.
Children from 1-5 years were administered 364 mg herbal substance daily, from 6-9 years 653 mg
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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and up to 10 years 710 mg herbal substance daily. 115 (0.22%) adverse effects were reported.
The most frequent adverse effects were: diarrhoea (0.1%), enteritis (0.04%), allergic
exanthema/urticaria (0.04%) and vomiting (0.02%). In total, gastrointestinal disturbances
occurred in 0.17% of children. The incidence of adverse effects was age dependent. In children
under 1 year, adverse effects occured in 0.4% and in children upon 9 years in 0.13%.
Assessors comment:
The study provides substantial information on tolerance and safety, because it included a large
number of patients (42,478 patients) and relatively high dosages were administered.
Fazio et al. (2009): A total of 10,562 patients were recruited by 3,287 doctors participating in an
open multicenter postmarketing study in 11 Latin American countries. Nine hundred and five
patients were not eligible for analysis because they did not show up for the follow-up visit. In the
study on 9,657 patients consisting of 5,181 children (53.7%) at the age of 0-14 years (median
5.5) and 4,476 (46.3%) adults aged from 15-98 years (median 41.9) with bronchitis (acute or
chronic bronchial inflammatory disease, associated with hypersecretion of mucus and productive
cough, frequently associated with an infectious agent, and patient with cough alone) were treated
with Prospan cough juice (100 ml contains 0.7 g dry ivy extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m))
for 7 days. The age range of children was:
<1 year:
188 (3.6%),
1-5 years:
2,822 (54.5%),
6-12 years:
1,843 (35.6%),
13-14 years:
328 (6.3%).
The recommended dosages were: 0-5 years 2.5 ml 3 x day, 6-12 years 5 ml 3 x day, >12 years
and adults 5-7.5 ml 3 x day. Concomitant drugs were prescribed in 60.7%, and 39.2% used
antibiotics. Adverse events were reported in a total of 2.1% of the patients, while 1.2% were
reported in children. Forty six (0.5%) patients discontinued the therapy due to adverse events,
mainly to gastrointestinal disorders. The adverse events were: 1.5% gastrointestinal disorders
(diarrhoea 0.8%, abdominal and epigastric pain 0.4%, nausea and vomiting 0.3%), 0.1 skin
allergy. Other adverse events that occurred in less than 0.1% were: dry mouth and thirst,
anorexia, eructation, stomatitis, anxiety, headache, drowsiness, palpitation, sweating and others.
The relative risk of adverse events when using Hedera helix alone was significantly lower compared
to the group receiving Hedera helix plus antibiotics (increased by 26%). It was more than twice
when other non antibiotic medication was added. A good tolerance was in 96.6% of the patients.
Improvement / healing of the symptoms assessed by doctors was achieved in 95.1%. The authors
concluded that the analysis of efficacy shows that the application of antibiotics in case of bronchitis
has no additional benefit.
Assessors comment:
The study provides substantial information on tolerance and safety because it included a large
number of patients, and relatively high dosages were administered. The results show a higher
event rate than the retrospective study by Kraft (2004). A point for criticism is the high rate of
drop outs. Nine hundred and five patients, 8.6% of 10,562 patients, were not analysed because
they did not take part in the follow-up visit. This may be attributed to the special situation that the
study was performed in South America. 388 Patients (4%) of the analysed patients discontinued
the therapy. Considering the drop outs of 8.6%, the adverse events can theoretically be in a higher
range compared with the reported 2.1% of the analysed patients. The documented frequency of
adverse events is therefore to be considered as a minimum. The results are considered only for
safety conclusions. The study is not blinded, so probably the strong cases were treated with
antibiotics. It can be considered that at the beginning of the study the symptom-score of the
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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antibiotic group was not comparable to that of the ivy group. Therefore, the efficacy results have
only supportive character for simple acute bronchitis. The duration of the study was 7 days, so it is
not appropriate to draw any conclusions of efficacy in chronic bronchitis.

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Table 8: Non-controlled studies with ivy leaf products

Authors,
Study
Duration
Study and Control
Number
Diagnosis,
Primary
Year
design,
of Treat-
drugs, Dose
of
Inclusion
Endpoints
Control
ment
Subjects
Criteria
type
Efficacy results
Safety results
by Arms,
Age
Lssig et
open
75% of
Prospan
n=113
obstructive
symptoms,
sung function
safety
al., 1996
multicenter
the
juice (100 ml
cough
45%
respiratory
spirometric
parameters, cough
statement of
surveillance
cases: 20
contains 0.7 g dry
female
disease with
parameters
and expectoration
the physician:
study
days
ivy extract (5-
55% male
cough and
significantly
very good:
26% of
7.5:1); ethanol 30%
mean: 8.9
expectoration
improved
68.7%; good:
the
(m/m)):
years
(concomitant -
29.5%;
cases:
daily dose:
(6-15
sympatomimetica!)
satisfactory:
21-30
32%: 8-10 x 2.5 ml
years)
days
(20-25 ml/day)
deteriorate:
64%: 3 x 5 ml (15
0%
0%;
ml/day),
4%: 3-4 x 2.5 ml
(7.5-10 ml/day)
daily dose
corresponding to
0.32-1.09 g herbal
substance
Hecker,
open
7.3-8.2
Prospan cough
n=248
bronchitis
symptoms
improvement or
safety very
1999
multicenter,
days
juice (100 ml
n=120
(45%);
(cough,
healing: in cough
good and good
comparative
contains 0.7 g dry
juice
respiratory
expectoration,
and expectoration:
in 98% of the
surveillance
ivy extract (5-
n=128
system
dyspnoea,
90%, in dyspnoea
cases; one
study
7.5:1), ethanol 30%
efferescent
infection
respiratory
and respiratory
adverse drug
(m/m))
tablets
(29%)
pains),
pains: 60%
reaction
138 female
judgment of
efficacy very good
allergic
110 male
the physician
or good in 86% of
exanthema
Prospan acute
effervescent tablets
(1 tablet contains 65
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
the patients
Page 66/89
mg ivy dry extract

(5-7.5:1); ethanol
30% (m/m))
Dose in accordance
with manufacturer
recommendation
(no information)
oral
Jahn and
open
Mller,
2000
7 days
dry extract from ivy
n=372
infection of the
symptoms
89.5%
safety very
multicenter
leaves (6-7:1),
186 female
respiratory
(cough,
improvement of the
good and good
surveillance
ethanol 40% (m/m),
178 male
tract
expectoration
irritation of the
in 98.9% of the
study
2 ml contained
5.7 years
upper: 241,
throat;
patients;
18 mg of dry extract
lower: 85,
peak flow at
improvement of the
no adverse drug
corresponding to
both: 43;
187 patients
quality of the
reactions
108-126 mg of
infection
cough; increase in
herbal substance)
acute: 86.6%
the peak flow from
dosage: age
recurrent:
228 l/min to 273
dependent 3 x 0.5-2
10.5%
l/min
ml corresponding to
chronic: 2.4%
efficacy very good
herbal substance:
and good in
0-1 year: 0.15-
94.4%;
0.17 g 1-4 years:
48.7% recovered
0.22-0.25 g
4-10 years: 0.290.34 g
older: 0.36-0.42 g;
oral
Sedotussin juice:
n=1024
acute infection
symptoms
cough,
safety very
multicenter
corresponding to
n=789
of the upper
(cough,
expectoration and
good and good
surveillance
herbal
juice
respiratory
expectoration
dyspnoea:
in 95.9% of the
study
substance/day:
n=234
tract: acute
and
significant decrease
patients
0-1 year: 0.1 g
drops
bronchitis
dyspnoea)
(p<0.01); 72.6% of
(physicians
Roth,
open
2000
2 weeks

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 67/89
1-4 years: 0.15 g
mean: 4.4
/bronchiolitis
4-10 years: 0.2 g
years
4 point scale
the children cough
judgement) and
(52.4%), ,
free;
in 90.8%
12 years and older:
bronchitis
effectiveness very
(patients
0.3 g
(26.6%); not
good or good in
judgment)
Sedotussin drops:
further
67.4% of the cases
age dependent:
specified
corresponding to
(22.2%)
0.166-0.52 g herbal
substance/day
oral
Prospan acute
n=1350
chronic
multicenter
effervescent tablets
667 female
surveillance
(1 tablet contains 65
682 male
study
mg ivy dry extract
up to 12
(5-7.5:1); ethanol
years: 165
30% (m/m)):
13-24
respiratory pains:
1.5-2 tablets,
years: 128,
86.9%
corresponding to
up to 25
585-780 mg herbal
years:
substance/day
1043
Hecker
open
et al.,
2002
4 weeks
symptoms
improvement of
3 adverse drug
bronchitis with
cough: 92.2%
reactions
or without
expectoration:
(0.2%)
obstruction
94.2%
(2 x eructation,
dyspnoea: 83.1%
1 x nausea)
oral
Bechi
open
Ivy leaves extract
n=56
respiratory
symptoms
irritation of throat
no adverse drug
and
multicenter
pastilles (1 pastille
7-93 years
system
(irritation of
reduced from 2.7 to
reaction;
Khler,
surveillance
contains 26 mg ivy
(mean: 49
disease
the throat,
1.3; quantity of
tolerance of ivy
2003
study
leaf dry extract (4-
years)
(n=14)
quantity of
expectoration
pastilles very
good
1 week
8:1); ethanol 30%
expectoration,
reduced from 1.5 to
(m/m))
colour of
1.1; consistence of
2-6 pastilles
mucus,
mucus improved
corresponding to
consistence of
from 2.2 to 1.3
312-936 mg herbal
mucus)
substance daily
oral
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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Kraft,
retro-
2004
spective
study
no data
Prospan cough
n=52,478
diseases of the
adverse
115 adverse effects
juice (100 ml
(0-12
respiratory
effects
(0.22%):
contains 0.7 g dry
years)
tract
diarrhoea (0.1%);
ivy extract (5-
enteritis (0.04%),
7.5:1); ethanol 30%
children 1-
allergic exanthem/
(m/m)):
5 years =
urticaria (0.04%);
0-1 year: 227 mg
51% of the
vomiting (0.02%);
herbal
patients
gastrointestinal
substance/day
disturbances 0.17%
1-5 years: 364 mg
in total: children 0-
herbal
1 year (0.4%),
substance/day
children 2-9 years
6-9 years: 653 mg
(0.13%)
herbal
substance/day
10-12 years: 710
mg herbal
substance/day
oral
unpub-
open
10-12
1 ml Hedelix s.a.
n=136
symptoms of
safety
improved clinical
safety: very
lished
multicenter
days
drops contains 0.1 g
n=32 (0-1
common cold;
evaluation
symptoms at the
good: 38.7%;
report:
surveillance
Hederae helix soft
year)
symptoms of
(additional
end of the study
good: 60.5%;
28.01.
study
extract (1:1);
n=36 (1-4
chronic
evaluation:
efficacy: very good:
satisfactory:
ethanol 45% V/V,
years)
obstructive
symptom
27.5%; good:
0.8% (parents
(preparation is
n=34 (5-
bronchitis
score,
68.7%;
judgment); very
identical with soft
10 years)
statement of
satisfactory: 3.9%
good: 47.6%,
extract (DER 2.2-
n=34 (11-
efficacy)
(physicians
good: 52.4%,
2.9:1); ethanol 50%
12 years)
judgement)
(physicians
2002

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
V/V: propylene
judgement);
glycol (98:2) [other
3 adverse drug
declaration])
reactions:2
0-1 year: 3 x 5
vomiting, 1
Page 69/89
drops corresponding
dermatitis,
to 0.05 g herbal
causality was
substance daily;
considered as
1-4 years: 3 x 16
possible
drops corresponding
to 0.15 g herbal
substance daily;
5-10 years: 3 x 21
drops corresponding
to 0.2 g herbal
substance daily;
11-12 years: 3 x 31
drops corresponding
to 0.3 g herbal
substance daily
unpub-
open
10-12
100 ml Hedelix
n=133
symptoms of
safety
improved clinical
safety: very
lished
multicenter
days
Hustensaft contain 2
n=35 (0-1
common cold,
evaluation
symptoms at the
good: 22.7%;
report:
surveillance
(min. 9,
g Hederae helix soft
year)
symptoms of
(additional
end of the study
good: 73.1%;
30.01.
study
max. 18)
extract (1:1);
n=32 (1-4
chronic
evaluation:
Efficacy:
satisfactory:
ethanol 45% V/V,
years)
obstructive
symptom
very good: 25.4%;
4.2% (parents
(preparation is
n=33 (5-
bronchitis
score,
good: 71.4%;
judgment);
identical with soft
10 years)
statement of
satisfactory: 3.2%
very good:
extract (DER 2.2-
n=33 (11-
efficacy)
(physicians
26.9%; good:
2.9:1); ethanol 50%
12 years)
judgement)
72.3%;
2002

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
(V/V): propylene
satisfactory:
glycol (98:2) [other
0.8%(physician
declaration])
s judgement);
0-1 year: 1x2.5 ml
2 adverse drug
corresponding 0.05
reactions:
g herbal substance
1 diarrhoea and
daily; 1-4 years:
1 stomach
3x2.5 ml
disorder with
Page 70/89
corresponding 0.15
nausea;
g herbal substance
causality was
daily; 5-10 years:
considered as
4x2.5 ml
possible
corresponding 0.2 g
herbal substance
daily, 11-12 years:
3x5ml corresponding
0.3 g herbal
substance daily
Prospan cough
n=9,657
inflammatory
adverse
improvement /
adverse events:
multicenter
juice (100 ml
children=
bronchial
effects
healing of the
2.1% of the
surveillance
contain 0.7 g dry ivy
5,181
diseases
symptoms in 95.1%
patients (1.2%
study
dry extract (5-
(53.7%)
(acute and
(physicians
in children)
7.5:1); ethanol 30%
n= 188 (0-
chronic
assessment)
1.5% gastro-
(m/m))
1 year;
bronchitis,
intestinal
0-5 years: 3x2.5
3.6%)
cough)
disorders
ml/day; 6-12 years
n=2,822
(diarrhoea
3x5 ml/day, >12
(1-5 years;
0.8%,
years and adults:
54.5%)
abdominal and
3x5-7.5 mlday
n=1,843
epigastric pain
concomitant drugs:
(6-12
0.4%, nausea
60.7%, antibiotics:
years;
and vomiting
39.2%
35.6%)
0.3%);
n=328
0.1 skin allergy;
Fazio et
open
al., 2009
7 days
(13-14
other adverse
years;
events <0.1%:
6.3%)
dry mouth and
n=4,476
thirst, anorexia,
(adults;
eructation,
46.3%)
stomatitis,
anxiety, head

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 71/89
ache, drowsiness,
palpitation,
sweating and
others
46 (0.5%)
patients
discontinued
therapy due to
adverse events

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 72/89
Reviews
Landgrebe et al. (1999): A discussion about an extract of Hedera helix (ivy) was presented,
including the contents of active substances and an examination of pertinent literature on clinical
tests of the therapeutic effects as an expectorant in obstructive respiratory system disorders. The
authors concluded an alcohol-free preparation prepared of a dry ethanolic extract and water
needed a 2.5-fold dosage for the equivalent efficacy as a preparation containing the alcoholic liquid
extract. They recommended considering new dosage recommendations.
Hofmann et al. (2003): A systematic review of trials documented in the literature with reanalysis of original data was performed to investigate the efficacy of dried ivy leaves in the
treatment of chronic airway obstruction in children suffering from bronchial asthma. Five
randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of ivy leaf extract preparations in chronic
bronchitis were included. Three of these trials were conducted in children and met the selection
criteria. One trial compared ivy leaf extract cough drops to placebo (n=24), one compared
suppositories to drops (n=26) and one tested syrup against drops (n=25). The main outcome
measures were body-plethysmographic and spirometric measures. Drops were significantly
superior to placebo in reducing airway resistance (primary outcome measure; p=0.04 two-sided).
A major limitation of the analysis was that the only one placebo-controlled trial had a small sample
size (n=24 patients evaluable for efficacy). For syrup and suppositories, at least 54%, resp. 35% of
the effect against placebo were preserved. Thus, the trial with suppositories showed an ineffective
treatment because the margin of 50% for the minimum effect size was not fulfilled. The authors
concluded that the trials included in this review indicated that ivy leaf extract preparations had
effects with respect to an improvement of respiratory functions of children with chronic bronchial
asthma. More far-reaching conclusions could hardly be drawn because of a limited database,
including the fact that only one primary trial included a placebo control and no clinical symptoms
were tested. Further research, particularly into the long-term efficacy of the herbal extract, is
needed.
The CDR (Centre for Reviews and Dissemination) (2008) assessed the results of the review,
that ivy leaf preparations may lead to improvement of respiratory functions, as promising but
based on limited and low quality evidence.
Guo et al. (2006): In a review the authors referred to the effectiveness of different herbal
medicines for treating chronic obstructive disease. The authors concluded that currently the
evidence from randomised clinical trials was scarce and often methodologically weak. For ivy, only
one clinical study meets the criteria stated by EMA for COPD.
4.2.3. Clinical studies in special populations (e.g. elderly and children)

Children:
Well established use:
Ivy preparations are used commonly in children. In prospective conducted clinical studies more
than 7,000 children were involved. More than 52,000 children were analysed in a retrospective
study. The safety studies were conducted with a large number of children including groups of low
age, for example:
0-1 year:
26 by Jahn and Mller (2000); 159 by Roth (2000); 188 by Fazio (2009); 7,871 by
Kraft (2004); (=8,244 children).
1-3 years:
93 by Jahn and Mller (2000); 404 by Roth (2000); (=497 children).
1-5 years:
2,822 by Fazio (2009); 26,763 by Kraft (2004); (=29,585 children).

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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The tolerability was judged by physicians and patients as good and very good in ranges of
approximately 90-98%. See also chapter 5.5 Safety studies in children.
The following studies were conducted in children:
Controlled studies:
Authors, Year
Number of Subjects by Arms, Age
Stcklin, 1959
n=100 children (verum: 50, control: 50)
Rath, 1968
n=100 children (verum: 71, placebo: 29)

(47 as a monotherapy, 53 as an addition to antibiotics)
Gulyas, 1997
n=25 (10-16 years)
Mansfeld et al., 1998
n=28 (13 female, 15 male, 7.8 2.5 years)

PPA=23 or 24
Gulyas, 1999
n=20 (Ivy: 10 /acetylcysteine: 10) 9-15 years
Unkauf and Friderich, 2000
n=52 (25 female, 27 male (25: Valverde, 27: Prospan))

mean 7.9 years
Maidannik et al., 2003
n=72 children (7 month-15 years)
Bolbot et al., 2004
50 children (2-10 years)
Uncontrolled studies:
Authors, Year
Number of Subjects by Arms, Age
Lssig et al., 1996
n=113 (45% female, 55% male) 8.9 years (6-15 years)
Hecker, 1999
n=248 (138 female, 110 male)
Jahn and Mller 2000
n=372 (186 female, 178 male) 5.7 years

0-1 year: 26
1-3 years: 93
4-9 years: 189
10-16 years: 56
16 years: 4; no information: 4
Roth, 2000
n=1024 (4.4 years)

0-1 year: 159
1-3 years: 404
4-9 years: 383
10 years: 72
Hecker et al., 2002
n=1350 (667 female, 682 male)

up to 12 years: 165, 13-24 years: 128, up 25 years: 1043
Bechi and Khler, 2003
n=56 (7-93 years, mean: 49 years)
Kraft, 2004 (retrospective)
n=52,478 (0-12 years)

0-1 year: 15%=7,871
1-5 years: 51%=26,763
6-9 years: 25%=13,119
10-12 years: 9%=4,723
Fazio, 2009
5,181 (53.7%) children

<1 year: 188 (3.6%),
1-5 years: 2,822 (54.5%),
6-12 years: 1,843 (35.6%)
13-14 years: 328 (6.3%).
The used dosages of the relevant extracts are tabulated in table 7 and 8. The daily dosages used in
children are in high ranges. Ethanol-containing ivy preparations are used in daily dosages of
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 74/89
maximally 420 mg (over 12 years). Ethanol-free preparations are used in daily dosages of
maximally 1 g (over 12 years).
Ethanol-containing ivy preparations:
In accordance with the above listed study results and the literature, for all ethanol-containing ivy
preparations, the following maximum daily dosages for children are proposed:
2-5 years: 150 mg
6-12 years: 210 mg
Ethanol-free ivy preparations:
No study indicates that dosages higher than 656 mg herbal substance are necessary for efficacy in
adults.
It is proposed that the group of 6-12 years old children should be given maximum 2/3 of daily
dosage of the group of children over 12 years and adults. The group of 2-5 year old children should
take maximal 1/3 of the daily dosage of children over 12 years and adults. In summary, the best
benefit/risk ratio is a low dose administration. The recommended dosages for children are derived
from studies. For the safety of the use in children see also chapter 5.5. The following maximum
daily dosages are recommended:
2-5 years: 219 mg herbal substance
The use in children under 2 years is contraindicated due to possible aggravation of respiratory
symptoms. See also chapter 5.5.
Traditional use:
For the herbal preparation in the traditional use part usage in children has been documented. The
use in children under 4 years is not recommended because medical advice should be sought.
4.3. Overall conclusions on clinical pharmacology and efficacy

The comparative study of Meyer-Wegener et al. (1993) showed that ivy extracts could be
therapeutically equivalent to the secretolytic drug ambroxol in improvement of symtoms of cough
in adults with chronic bronchitis. Bolbot (2004) showed an improvement of symptoms in children
with acute bronchits comparable to the secretolytic drug ACC. The results indicated that patients
with viscous sputum benefit from the ivy preparation for secretolytic therapy for short term use of
maximum 4 weeks.
Ambroxol has a well established use licence for the indication For secretolytic therapy in acute and
chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, concomitant with disturbance in formation and transport of
viscous sputum. In the ATC classification system of the WHO, ambroxol is classified as R
(respiratory system), R05 (cough and cold preparations), R05C (expectorants, excl. combinations
with cough suppressants), R05CB (mucolytics).
The study of Meyer-Wegener et al. (1993) was performed in 1993 and COPD was newly defined
in 2006. Therefore, indications examined in these studies would today be evaluated according to
the guidance on COPD. There are no studies on ivy reflecting all features of COPD as currently
defined. Therefore, an indication chronic bronchitis can not be supported because according the
current definitions this would stand for COPD. Ivy products are often used in children, where COPD
does not exist. An additional argument for restriction of chronic diseases is the fact, that the results
are based on clinical studies with duration of maximum 4 weeks. This period is not in line with the
definitions of chronic forms of bronchitis. The observational studies in children are conducted in
acute diseases of the respiratory tract. Also acute bronchitis (the symptoms are dry cough, later
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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productive cough, often fever, sore throat, secretion of the nose and sometimes bronchial
obstruction) does not exactly reflect the therapeutic benefit proven for ivy.
Symptom scores were analysed in many of non-controlled studies and an impairement on
bronchitis symptoms could be shown. The influence on spirometric and bodyplethysmographic
parameters was examined in clinical controlled studies. The results indicate a statistically
significant improvement of lung function in comparison to placebo, but no significant better
bronchodilatory effect.
In summary, the data from numerous clinical trials and the existing medicinal products fulfil the
requirements of a well-established medicinal use with recognised efficacy and are eligible for a
marketing authorisation with the indication herbal medicinal product used as an expectorant in
case of productive cough. This indication considers as well the data on improvement of symptoms
by preparations of ivy as the limitations by current guidance on COPD. It was derived from the
discussions during the development of the monograph and the AR on ivy leaf.
Based on the clinical data the monograph has a WEU part and a traditional part:
a) The data of the following herbal preparations fulfil the requirements of a well-established
medicinal use with recognised efficacy and are eligible for a marketing authorisation in the
indication: herbal medicinal product used as an expectorant in case of productive cough.
dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)
dry extract (5-7.5:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)
The herbal preparations 1-3 have the same extraction solvent and similar DER. They are combined
in the monograph as follow:
Dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)
After the HMPC discussion, it was decided to add the liquid extract (1:1), extraction solvent:
ethanol 70% (V/V) in the WEU part of the monograph. It was considered, that the liquid extract
(1:1), extraction solvent ethanol 70% (V/V) is comparable to the dry extract (3-6:1), extraction
solvent ethanol 60% (m/m). The preparation of both extracts starts with the extraction of the
herbal drug with ethanol. The ethanol concentration for the extraction of the ivy leaves is 60%
(m/m) in the preparation of the dry extract while 62.4% (m/m) (= 70% (V/V)) in the preparation
of the liquid extract. It was considered, that the minimal difference of the ethanol concentrations is
unlikely to produce significant changes between the resulting herbal extracts.
The HMPC also decided to add the dry extract (DER 4-6:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V)
(ethanol 24, 6% m/m) in the WEU part of the monograph. The analytical documentation comparing
ivy leaf dry extract (4-6:1); extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V) and ivy leaf dry extract (5-7,
5:1); extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m) was the basic document for the market products in
France and Spain. Considering this fact, the HMPC members decided to accept the documentation
also for the monograph. These two preparations are combined as: dry extract (4-8:1), extraction
solvent: ethanol 24-30% (m/m).
The HMPC further decided that for the WEU liquid preparation with the extraction solvent ethanol
70% (V/V) the use in children under 6 years of age cannot be recommended due to the content of
ethanol per single dosage.
b) For the preparation soft extract (DER 2.2-2.9:1), extraction solvent ethanol 50% (V/V):
propylene glycol the data do not fulfil the requirements of a well-established medicinal use with
recognised efficacy and are not eligible for a marketing authorisation. The safety and plausibility of
efficacy of this preparation is based on long standing use and experience for the indication as
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 76/89
secretolytic in common cold. The following indication is displayed in the traditional use part of the
monograph: Traditional herbal medicinal product used as an expectorant in cough associated with
cold. The product is a traditional herbal medicinal product for use in the specified indication
exclusively based upon long-standing use.
Table 9: Posology recommended in the literature
Commission E
corresponding 300 mg herbal substance

daily
Dorsch et al., 2002 and Schapowal, 2007
ESCOP 2003
0-1 year:
0.02-0.05 g
1-4 years:
0.05-0.15 g
4-10 years:
0.10-0.20 g
11-16 years:
0.20-0.30 g
Ethanol-containing preparations
0-1 year:
20-50 mg
1-4 years:
50-150 mg
4-12 years:
150-210 mg
Adults:
250-420 mg
Ethanol-free preparation:
0-1 year:
50-200 mg
1-4 years:
150-300 mg
4-12 years:
200-630 mg
Adults:
300-945 mg
Posology of ethanol-free medicinal preparation and ethanol-containing medicinal

preparations:
The used dosages of clinical studies are tabulated in table 7 and 8. The daily dosages are in high
ranges:
Ethanol-containing ivy preparations are used in clinical studies in daily dosages of maximum
420 mg (over 12 years).
Ethanol-free preparations are used in clinical studies in daily dosages of maximum 1 g (over 12
years). (See also chapter 4.2.3 Children and Table 9)
Ethanol-containing preparations
In accordance with the above mentioned study results and the literature for all ethanol-containing
ivy preparations maximum daily dosages are proposed because they have been shown to be
effective:
2-5 years:
150 mg herbal substance
6-12 years:
210 mg herbal substance
>12 years:
420 mg herbal substance.
Ethanol-free preparations:
From the published data it can be concluded, that the discussion about high dosages started in
1997 with the study of Gulyas (1997). The statement of Gulyas (1997) the ethanol-free
preparation would be necessary to be given in two times higher dosage than the ethanol-containing
preparation to achieve the same therapeutic effect was not proven and controversially discussed
in the literature.
The study by Gulyas (1997) was conducted in 25 children (10-16 years) with Prospan cough juice
in a dosage of 3 times 5 ml corresponding to 656 mg of herbal substance. No other study exists
which indicates that dosages higher than 656 mg of herbal substance are necessary in adults or
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children for efficacy. There is no study that indicates that younger children (6-11 years old) should
take 630 mg of herbal substance daily.
According to Hecker (1997a, b), the dosage of an ethanolic dry extract which is solved in an
alcohol-free preparation is to elevate 2.5-fold compared with the dosage of an ethanolic dry extract
administered as ethanolic solution.
The Kooperation Phytopharmaka (2003) concluded, in a statement referring to the dosage of ivy
preparations in children, that Gulyas (1997) was wrong. The Kooperation Phytopharmaka was of
the opinion that based on the results of surveillance studies with different ivy preparations, it could
be concluded that they were well tolerated in a higher range. For example, the open multicenter
surveillance study by Jahn and Mller (2000) using both FEV1 and a measure of symptomatic
benefit, included 372 children under 12 years, treated with an ethanol-free preparation in a low
dosage of 140-350 mg herbal substance. Improvement of the quality of the cough and increase in
the peak flow from 228 l/min to 273 l/min was documented. The study indicated efficacy of low
dosages of ethanol-free preparations as well as high dosages.
Assessors comment:
Based on the above mentioned data, it is recommend that the maximum dosage of preparations of
ivy dry extract (4-8:1) or (5-7.5:1) extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m), without ethanol in the
finished product, should correspond to 656 mg herbal substance.
Maximum dose:
Adults and children over 12 years: 656 mg herbal substance.
The use in children under 2 years of age is contraindicated because of the risk of aggravation of
respiratory symptoms (See also chapter 5.5.).
Traditional use:
Soft extract (2.2-2.9:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 50% (V/V):propylene glycol (98:2)
One preparation has been marketed in Germany for more than 33 years, where it has been used
for the treatment of symptoms of the common cold.
There is a comprehensive bibliographic revision to show the evidence of traditional use.
The safety and plausibility of efficacy of this preparation is based on the long-standing use and
experience for the indication Traditional herbal medicinal product used as an expectorant in cough
associated with cold. The product is a traditional herbal medicinal product for use in the specified
indication exclusively based upon long-standing use.
The traditionally used dosages are in lower ranges, in comparison with the ethanol-containing
preparations.
Duration of use:
The duration of use in clinical studies varied from 3 days to 4 weeks. In order to assure safe use as
a traditional herbal medicinal product in the scope of the registration the duration of use is limited.
The following wording is introduced in the monograph: If the symptoms persist during the use of
the medicinal product longer than a week, a doctor or a qualified health care practitioner should be
consulted.

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5. Clinical Safety/Pharmacovigilance
5.1. Overview of toxicological/safety data from clinical trials in humans
Studies referring to allergic reactions
Hausen et al. (1987): The principal allergens were isolated by using sensitized guinea pigs, and
were identified as falcarinol and dehydrofalcarinol. In addition, 4 patients with ivy allergy,
described by case reports, have been patch tested. Even in low concentrations (0.03%), the main
allergen falcarinol elicited strong reactions in all of them. Dehydrofalcarinol elicited equal patch test
reactions only when concentrated as high as 1%. The authors demonstrate that falcarinol is the
main sensitizer, while dehydrofalcarinol is also an allergen but does not elicit reactions in all
patients.
Gafner et al. (1988): In a human maximization test of 5% falcarinol isolated from Hedera helix,
10 of 20 subjects were sensitised. No subjects gave irritant reactions to 5%, 10 became sensitive
to 1% and 7 to 0.05%, with 3 of these giving 3+ to 4+ bilious reactions. The authors concluded
that the ability of falcarinol to sensitize 10 of 20 subjects at a non-irritating concentration of 5%
indicates this substance to be a skin sensitizer of significant potency.
Mahillon et al. (2006): A group of 59 patients with allergic rhinitis were submitted to skin prick
tests (SPT) using both the leaves of their own indoor plants and commercial extracts of the most
frequent airborne allergens. A control group of 15 healthy subjects was tested with the same
allergens. While no subject from the control group developed a significant SPT to any of the tested
plants, 78% of allergic rhinitis had positive SPT to at least one plant, the most frequent
sensitization being Ficus benjamina, yucca, ivy and palm tree. The authors concluded, in allergic
rhinitis, that indoor plants should be considered as potential allergens. The allergen avoidance of
the concerned plant was considered useful.
So far, data on the allergenic potential of falcarinol focus on cutaneous use. Knowledge on
quantities of falcarinol and derivatives in herbal preparations of ivy leaf for oral use is limited.
5.2. Patient exposure

Ivy preparations have been marketed worldwide in many countries in large quantities. More than
10,000 patients have been included in open multicenter prospective surveillance studies with a
high dosage range. Approximately 7,000 children were included in prospective clinical studies. A
retrospective study was conducted with about 52,000 children.
5.3. Adverse events and serious adverse events and deaths

General data
Wichtl (2004) and Wagner and Reger (1986): The occurrence of the alkaloid emetin could not
be confirmed in recent studies. Toxic effects due to the presence of emetine and cephaeline were
unlikely, in view of the low concentration isolated (Mayer et al., 1987).
Mhlendahl (1995): In a period of 10 years (1972-1991), in a toxicological centre 301
toxicological events referring ivy were documented. Commonly children ate 1-5 ivy fruits, rarely up
to 10 fruits or leaves. Vomiting and diarrhoea occurred in 10% of cases. One 8-month old child
who had eaten one leaf showed changing colour of lips and marbled skin. A 2.5 year boy who had
eaten 6-8 ivy fruits showed marbled skin at the extremities and no further symptoms.

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Czygan (1990): Vomiting and diarrhoea occurred in 9 cases of 65 children who had eaten ivy
berries.
Frohne and Pfnder (2004): In a period of 7 years in a toxicological centre in Berlin, 516
toxicological events had been documented. Only a few adverse events with vomiting and diarrhoea
referred to ivy poisoning. The authors recommended fluid intake and symptomatic treatment.
Ivy poisoning in humans
Serious cases:
Gaillard et al. (2003) reported one fatal case of asphyxia caused by leaves of common ivy.
Macroscopic examination of the corpse during the autopsy disclosed an incredible quantity of
leaves of Hedera helix in the mouth and throat of the decedent. In order to rule out the possibility
of poisoning by the toxic saponins contained in the plant, they have developed an efficient LCEI/MS-MS assay of hederacoside C, -hederin, and hederagenin in biological fluids and plant
material. Sample cleanup involved solid-phase extraction of the toxins on cartridges followed by LC
analysis under reversed-phase conditions in the gradient elution mode. Solute identification was
performed using full scan MS-MS spectrum of the analyses. Oleandrine was used as internal
standard.
Under these conditions, saponins in powdered dried leaves of Hedera helix were measured at a
concentration of 21.83 mg/g for hederacoside C, 0.41 mg/g for -hederin and 0.02 mg/g for
hederagenin. No toxin was detected in cardiac blood, femoral blood or urine of the deceased, but
hederacoside C was quantised at 857 ng/ml in the gastric juice. These findings led the authors to
conclude that the man committed suicide and that the death was caused by suffocation by leaves
of common ivy.
BfArM-case 06002941: A 3 year old boy was found dead because of aspiration in connection with
vomiting. The patient took a codeine juice, ibuprofen juice and Prospan drops for one week. There
was unclear and inconsistent information about dosage and formulation of the ivy product. Analytic
data showed very high morphine and codeine concentrations. The twin brother of the dead patient
could be reanimated. He also had very high morphine and codeine concentrations in the blood. The
physician related the subconsciousness and respiratory depression to codeine.
Assessors comment:
The causal relationship to codeine, according the physicians comment, is probable. Adverse
neurotoxical effects of over dosage of narcotics are known. Ibuprofen is metabolised by the liver
and an influence on the codeine/morphine metabolism is therefore considerable. An interaction
with the ivy preparation is theoretically also possible. Despite of the unknown formulation and
dosages in the case reports an interaction with narcotics as codeine and morphine should be
considered as a signal (see chapter 4.4 special warnings and precautions for use in the
monograph).
Case reports
There are 63 case reports in the BfArM Database on suspected adverse drug reactions (October
2009). Most of them are related to allergic reactions (urticaria, skin rash, tuberose, dyspnoea) and
gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea). Beside these reactions, other adverse
events occur and are listed below together with the case reports of the literature.
Hyposensitive reactions
A review of older dermatitis cases (1909 up to 1979) is given by Mitchell (1979). The author
concluded, based on present evidence, that it is reasonable to conclude that Hedera helix is an
irritant plant, which may also on occasions induce sensitization. Contact dermatitis has also been
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reviewed by Hausen et al. (1987) and updated by Lovell (1993). In the majority of cases, a direct
contact dermatitis occurs after pruning ivy in the garden. According to Frohne and Pfnder (2004),
60 cases of hyposensitive reactions have been published since 1899.
Hausen et al. (1987) described 32 cases of irritant and allergic contact dermatitis caused by
Hedera helix subspecies (1899-1985). The most affected parts are the upper part of the bodyface, hands, forearms, head and neck. He noted the difficulties to ascertain which of the described
cases of ivy dermatitis have been allergic. When applying stricter criteria giving a more detailed
report on low test concentrations and sufficient controls, the author considered only 6 cases to be
relevant.
Murdoch et al. (2000) and Machado et al. (2002) recommend that patients allergic to
falcarinol (present in carrots) should also avoid a number of Araliaceae family plants, such as
common ivy, Schefflera actinophylla (umbrella tree) and Schefflera arboricola.
Published case reports
Roed-Petersen (1975): A 22 year old female with atopic dermatitis from infancy, until the age of
10, developed eczema on the front of the legs, the forearms and the hands after working in a plant
nursery. Patch tests gave positive reactions to ivy (fresh plant). Among 138 consecutive patients
with contact dermatitis tested, three women had positive reactions.
Mitchell (1981): A 33 year old female developed acute vesicular dermatitis of the hands, wrist,
forearms and face after pruning garden ivy. A patch test produced a (+) reaction to leaf of Hedera
helix.
Boyle (1985): A 31 year old female patient developed an acute weeping eczematous eruption
with bulla formation, periorbital oedema and pain. This affected her arms, dorsa of hands, face and
neck. The lesions healed under treatment with systemic steroids, antibiotics and wet compresses
slowly over 3 weeks. Patch tests to the crushed leaves were positive (++) at 48 and 96 h.
Garcia (1995): A 44 year old non atopic man developed contact dermatitis with erythrema and
papules (1-2) mm on his forearms after pruning in the garden. He healed with oral and topical
corticosteroid treatment in 5 days. An open patch test with a fresh leaf of Hedera helix elicited a
positive reaction (++) at D2 and D4.
Sanchez-Perez et al. (1998): A 60 year old man with no previous history of contact dermatitis
had several outbreaks of itchy erythrematous oedematous lesions on the hand, forearms, neck and
face 8-12 h after pruning common ivy. They healed in 5-7 days. An open patch test with fresh leaf
and stem of Hedera helix, falcarinol 0.03% elicited a ++ reaction at D2 and D4 at 2 and 4 days.
Johnke and Bjarnason (1994): A case of allergic contact dermatitis to common ivy is presented.
The patient a 16 year old female gardener, who developed severe blistering dermatitis of the
hands, forearms and face after frequent contact with Hedera helix. The authors wish to draw
attention to common ivy as a sensitizer.
Yesudian and Franks (2002): A 50 year old man was admitted in April 1999 with severe eczema
on the right upper limb and less florid involvement of the trunk (UK). His wife had simultaneously
developed eczema on her trunk. 10 days prior to onset, the patient had scratched his right arm
while cutting roses. He subsequently spent time pruning common ivy (H. helix) and his wife helped
him to clear the trimmings. Four days later, the patient's right arm became itchy and exsudative at
the site of the scratch. A diagnosis of cellulites was made and penicillin and flucloxacillin were
prescribed. The patient felt well and 3 days prior to admission he completed pruning the plant and
his wife assisted him again. Over the next 3 days, both husband and wife developed extensive
eczema. On examination, an acute eczema with confluent erythematous vesicular and bullous
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lesions was noted on the right forearm, with less severe patchy involvement of the trunk. A linear
streak of small vesicles was seen on the dorsum of the right hand. His wife showed less florid
vesicular erythematous plaques on the forearm and trunk. Allergic phytodermatitis from common
ivy was diagnosed.
zdemir et al. (2003): The authors reported a case of a male hobby gardener with appropriate
clinical history (2 days after working in the garden develops an erythrema on hand and neck, and 2
days later an oedema) and positive patch test on Hedera helix. The pathogenic mechanism was a
type IV reaction following a sensitization exposure. Contact with common ivy or falcarinol may lead
to sensitization and then a delayed hypersensitivity reaction. It was recommended to gardeners
and landscape architects with frequent exposure to common ivy and thus a high risk of
sensitization to wear appropriate protective clothing.
Hannu (2008): The authors presented the first case of ivy induced occupational asthma. A 40
year old female who had worked in her own flower shop for the past 11 years had symptoms of
cough 4 years prior to the current examinations, and one year later dyspnoea. The skin prick test
was negative. Peak flow varied between 340-510 l/min during working days, with the lowest values
occurring when handling green plant, especially ivy. In the specific test, the handling of ivy caused
an immediate asthmatic reaction, with 21% reduction in FEV1 and with 20-30 reduction in PEF,
with simultaneous subjective symptoms of dyspnoea.
Thormann et al. (2008) reported a case of contact urticaria to common ivy and rosemary with
cross-reactivity to the Labiatae family in an atopic gardener handling these plants on a daily basis.
The authors concluded heavy exposure in atopic persons carries a risk of sensitization.
Neurotoxicity and psychoactive effects
Turton (1925): A boy aged 3.5 years developed mild delirium after ingestion a considerable
quantity of ivy leaves. During the delirious stage clonic convulsions developed. He screamed and
cried and could not stay still/upright. He had visionary hallucinations lasting for many hours. An
intense scarlatiniform rash most marked on the legs, face and back was present. There was no
vomiting. The pupils were widely dilated and the temperature was raised. The pulse was rapid but
full and bounding. The symptoms abated after wash out the stomach and in about 3 h he was fairly
well. Cited also by De Smet et al., (1993).
Polizzi et al., (2001): A 3 year girl developed episodic stiffness and abnormal posturing with
rigidity after ingestion of a mixture of methyl codeine and an extract from Hedera (no information
about DER, extraction solvent and dosages). These paroxysmal events persisted for 24 h then
promptly disappeared. There was severe painful stimulus sensitive multifocal dystonia,
superimposed on voluntary actions and postures each time involving face, eyes, jaw, neck, hands
and legs. The patient could neither walk nor stand. The drug was discontinued and the patient was
treated with saline solution intravenously. The patient was well thereafter.
Assessors comment:
Adverse effects and over dosage of narcotics (codeine, dextromethorphane) associated with
administration of cough and cold preparations (not near explained) in children are reported
(Polizzi et al., 2001). Interaction with narcotics as codeine and morphine should be considered as a
signal (see chapter 4.4 special warnings and precautions for use in the monograph).
BfArM-case 06062429: A 12 year old patient developed hallucinations 2 h after ingestion of
Aerius (desloratadin) and Prospan (no information to dosage and formulation). The patient
recovered after desloratadin was discontinued. No information was given whether ivy was also
discontinued.

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Assessors comment:
Neurotoxical effects of antihistamine drugs are known and are stronger in children than in adults.
Therefore a causal relationship to desloratadin is probable while unlikely to the ivy preparation.
Information about the ivy preparation is limited.
Other reactions
BfArM-case 06052045: A 42 year old female patient developed tachycardia after ingestion of
Prospan cough juice. No information to time of reaction, concomitant medications, diseases and
outcome exist.
Assessors comment:
Because of limited information, a causal relationship to the ivy preparation cannot be concluded,
but also cannot be completely ruled out. Based on this data, at present no labelling is necessary.
Other adverse drug reactions described in the literature
Hoppe (1981): Ivy has cardiac effects. No near explanations or case reports are given.
According to the monograph Hedera helix of the Kommission D (1986) ivy is also used in
homeopathic preparations. The homeopathic is indicated among others in hyperthyroidism.
Homeopathic preparations up to D4 can increase a hyperthyroidism (Hedera helix, monograph of
the Kommission D (1986).
Ivy poisoning in animals
Brmel and Zettl (1986) reported ivy poisoning in a roe deer after eating ivy after a fall of snow.
It was showing signs of nervous disease; therefore the animal was killed and sent to the
laboratory. Ivy leaves were present in the rumen.
On the other side, Metcalfe (2005) describes in a bio-geographical study on ivy a lot of animal
feeders. Roe deer shows a distinct preference for ivy during autumn and winter, when it may form
a significant part of its diet, with mainly foliage but some fruits taken also. However, roe deer
shows a distinct avoidance or low consumption in the summer. Fallow deer and red deer also have
ivy foliage in winter. Sheep relish ivy, sick beasts accept ivy leaves when refusing other forage.
Sheep may severely restrict ivy colonization of grassland areas and woodland under storey.
Mills and Bone (2000): Saponins are toxic to fish and other cold-blooded animals and have been
used to kill snails which harbour the bilharzias parasite. Grazing animals which consume large
amounts of saponins can develop cholestatic liver damage. While it is unlikely that normal human
doses would cause cholestasis, this phenomenon should be considered in unexpected cases of this
disorder in patients consuming herbs.
5.4. Laboratory findings

Unkauf and Friderich (2000): In a randomized prospective multicenter, reference controlled
study, 52 children (mean 7.9 years) with a clinically proved bronchitis were treated either with
Valverde (200 ml juice contains 660-1000 mg ivy extract (3-6:1), ethanol 60% (V/V) or Prospan
Hustensaft (100 ml contains 0.7 g ivy extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m)). The daily dose of
Valverde was: children up to 4 years 2 x 5 ml daily; 4-10 years 2 x 7.5 ml daily; 10-12 years
2 x 10 ml daily. The duration of the study was 10 days. The comparison of the laboratory values
(haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocytes, thrombocytes, LDH, GOT, gamma-GT, bilirubin,
kreatinin, natrium, kalium) between the therapy beginning and therapy end did not show any
relevant variations.
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5.5. Safety in special populations and situations

Drug interactions
Van den Bout-van den Beukel CJ et al. (2006): Investigation on potential herb-antiretroviral
drug interactions was performed on 25 herbal medicines. The authors aimed to provide an
overview of the modulating effects of Western and African herbal medicines on antiretroviral drugmetabolizing and transporting enzymes, focusing on potential herb-antiretroviral drug interactions.
The conclusion was that Echinacea, garlic, Ginkgo, milk thistle, and St. John's worth have the
potential to cause significant interactions. Hedera helix was not on the list of plants, considered /
suspected to cause interactions.
Mills and Bone (2000): Saponins readily increase the permeability of the mammalian small
intestine in-vitro, leading to the increased uptake of otherwise poorly permeable substances and a
loss of normal function. The disruptive effect of saponins on the architecture of the cell membrane
could lead to impaired absorption of smaller nutrient molecules which are otherwise rapidly
absorbed. This appears to be the case for glucose and ethanol, based on in-vitro models.
There were two adverse events (Polizzi, 2001; BfArM case nr. 06002941) occurring by
administration of narcotics (as antitussives) and ivy preparations. The hepatic glucoronidation
pathway is incompletely developed in infants, which places them at particular risk of adverse doserelated effects (ex. from codeine or dextromethorphan). Furthermore, alteration of hepatic enzyme
pathways by illness or concurrent drug therapy may further alter metabolism of these drugs and
increase the risk of drug toxicity (American Academy of Paediatrics 1997). Adverse effects and over
dosage of narcotics (codeine, dextromethorphan) associated with administration of cough and cold
preparations in children are reported. Due to the unknown formulation and dosages of the ivy
products and less information in the case reports, an interaction of ivy products with narcotics
should be considered as signal (see chapter 4.4 special warnings and precautions for use in the
monograph).
Safety studies in children
Well established use:
The safety studies were conducted with a large number of children in low age groups as well, for
example:
0-1 year:
26 by Jahn and Mller (2000); 159 by Roth (2000); 188 by Fazio (2009); 7,871 by
Kraft (2004); (=8,244 children)
1-3 years:
93 by Jahn and Mller (2000); 404 by Roth (2000) (=497 children)
1-5 years:
2,822 by Fazio (2009); 26,763 by Kraft (2004); (=29,585 children)

(See chapter 4.2.3)
In prospective conducted clinical studies more than 7,000 children were involved. The tolerability
was assessed by physicians and patients as good and very good in ranges of approximately
90-98%.
Fazio (2009): In the study 5,181 (53.73%) children was treated with Prospan cough juice
(100 ml contains 0.7 g dry ivy extract (5-7.5:1), ethanol 30% (m/m)) for 7 days. The dosages
recommended were for 0-5 years: 2.5 ml 3 times/day, for 6-12 years: 5 ml 3 times/day, >12
years and adults: 5-7.5 ml 3 times/day. Adverse events were reported in a total of 2.1% of the
patients, while 1.2% of adverse events were reported in children. Forty six (0.5%) patients
discontinued therapy due to adverse events, mainly to gastrointestinal disorders. The main adverse
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events were: 1.5% gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhoea 0.8%, abdominal and epigastric pain
0.4%, nausea and vomiting 0.3%), 0.1 skin allergy. Other adverse events occurring less than
0.1% were: dry mouth and thirst, anorexia, eructation, stomatitis, anxiety, headache, drowsiness.
Kraft (2004): The retrospective study was conducted with approximately 52,478 patients. The
most frequent adverse effects were: diarrhoea (0.1%), enteritis (0.04%), allergic
exanthema/urticaria (0.04%) and vomiting (0.02%). In total, gastrointestinal disturbances
occurred in 0.17% of the children. The incidence of adverse effects was age dependent. In children
under 1 year, adverse effects occurred in 0.4% and in children up to 9 years in 0.13%.
In April 2010, The French Health Agency decided to contraindicate the use of mucolytic agents in
children below 2 years of age. This decision was based on a national Pharmacovigilance Survey on
mucolytics and agents that fludify bronchial secretions. The investigation revealed a risk of
respiratory congestion and rising bronchiolitis in infants due to functional features of their air
passages and thoracic cavity (small calibre bronchi, immature bronchial surfaces that limit the
lung's capacity to remove mucus flow). The Italian Medicines Agency took the same measure.
The HMPC decided to accept the use in children from 2-4 years of age for the well-established-use
preparations giving special warnings for use: persistent of recurrent cough in children between 24 years of age requires medical diagnosed before treatment. The use in children below 2 years of
age was contraindicated due to the concerns from several European countries as a general
precautionary measure.
Traditional use:
Soft extract (2.2.2.9:1), extraction solvent ethanol 50% (V/V): propylene glycol (98:2):
The HMPC considered the use in children under 4 years of age as generally not recommended in
traditional use, due to considerations concerning clinical safety for this age group where medical
advice should be sought.
Considering the traditional use of 30 years in children and the data on posology the following
posology is recommended:
Children between 5-12 years of age:
Single dose: 20-26 mg
Daily dose: 80 mg
Children of 4 years of age
Herbal preparation A:
Single dose: 20 mg
Daily dose: 60 mg
Use in pregnancy and lactation
Mahran et al. (1975) separated emetine alkaloid from an alcoholic extract (90% ethanol) of four
varieties of Hedera helix L. growing in Egypt. The author concludes, since ivy possibly contains
small amounts of emetine, that it should not be recommended during pregnancy, as emetine may
increase uterine contractions. According to Wichtl (2004), the occurrence of the alkaloid emetine
could not be confirmed in recent studies.
ESCOP (2003): No human data are available. In accordance with general medical practice, the
product should not be used during pregnancy and lactation without medical advice.

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Conclusion:
Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established. In view of the pre-clinical safety
data, the use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. See also chapter 3.4.
Overdose, drug abuse
Teat and Ellis (1981): Symptoms of poisoning vary among individuals and may include
salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headache, fever, excessive thirst, rash,
and mydriasis. Haemolysis has also been reported which is proportional to the amount ingested.
Ataxia, muscular weakness and incoordination may also occur. The author recommends that the
treatment English Ivy poisoning should be initiated by inducing emesis with syrup of ipecac. Gastric
lavage and the administration of activated charcoal should be considered for large ingestions (e.g.
four or more berries or two or more leaves). After the ingested plant has been removed from the
stomach, the patient should be given demulcents to provide comfort from the local irritation
produced by the ivy.
BfArM-case 04900053: a 4 year old girl developed aggressivity and diarrhoea after drinking
accidental a bottle of 90 ml of cough juice (15 ml juice (19.125 g) contain 50 mg ivy dry extract
(4-8:1), ethanol 30% (m/m) corresponding 0.3 g herbal substance). The accidental dosage
corresponds to 1.8 g herbal substance.
Assessors comment:
This is a 12-36-fold dosage compared to the recommended dosage by the Kooperation
Phytopharmaka (children 1-4 years: corresponding to 0.05-0.15 g herbal substance daily).
Compared to the high dosage recommended by ESCOP 2003 for preparations prepared without
ethanol (children 1-4 years: 150-300 mg herbal substance), it is the 6-12-fold dosage. The
information is given in the monograph.
ESCOP (2003): Overdosage can provoke nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and excitation.
Withdrawal and rebound
None reported.
Effects on ability to drive or operate machinery or impairment of mental ability
No data available.
5.6. Overall conclusions on clinical safety

Ivy fresh plant is known to cause contact dermatitis, which is documented in numerous reports
(Mitchell, 1979). Such reactions are attributed to falcarinol and derivatives in relation to skin
contact or cutaneous use. With respect to oral administration, neither data from clinical studies nor
case reports on adverse events give a clear hint on potential risks. However, the quantities of
falcarinol and its derivatives in herbal preparations of ivy leaf are not well documented. Until now,
it can not be completely excluded that even low levels could contribute to elicit an allergic response
in patients with a pre-existing ivy allergy. Allergic reactions (urticaria, skin rash, tuberoses and
dyspnoea) and gastrointestinal reactions (nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea) observed for herbal
preparations of ivy leaf after oral administration are considered in the chapter undesirable
effects.
There are suggestions of an association between ivy and rhinitis symptoms (Mahillon, 2006) and a
first case of occupational asthma, related to the fresh plant, is documented (Hannu, 2008). Mild
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delirium occurred in a 3 year boy after ingestion of a considerable quantity of ivy leaves. During
the delirious stage clonic convulsions developed, the boy screamed and cried, and he could not
stay still upright. He had visionary hallucinations.
According to Kommission D monograph, (homeopathic) ivy preparations up to D4 can increase a
hyperthyroidism. Because no published well documented cases of hyperthyroidism are reported,
the effect is not mentioned in the monograph.
The dosage of ivy preparations (preparations intended for well-established use) is discussed
contradict in the literature. In a controlled study, the efficacy was shown with low dosages (app.
300 mg herbal substance). There are preparations on the market with daily dosages up to
approximately 1000 mg herbal substance. One study with only 25 patients indicated that dosages
of approximately 650 mg herbal substance were necessary for efficacy of ethanol free preparations.
This statement was later proven to be wrong. Other studies indicated that no higher dosages are
necessary for the efficacy. This issue is analysed in chapter 4.3. Taking into account that some ivy
preparations prepared without alcohol have been on the market for 10 years, with higher dosages
and under consideration of the study result and safety reasons, dosage ranges corresponding to a
maximum of 650 mg herbal substance daily are recommended for adults and lower dosages for
children (1/3 or 2/3), depending on age. The preparation intended for traditional use is in the low
dosage range.
In the chapter overdosage the information that overdose of ivy preparations can provoke nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea and excitation should be included. One case of aggressivity occurs. Further
neurotoxical reactions observed after consumption of ivy fresh leaves are not reported neither for
the medicinal use of normal dosages nor for overdoses of ivy leaf preparations.
Interactions are not expected from the results of non clinical in-vivo studies. There were no clinical
well-known drug interactions with ivy leaf. The case Polizzi et al. (2001) and one BfArM case refer
to neurotoxical events of narcotics given concomitant with ivy preparations. Adverse effects and
over dosage of narcotics (codeine, dextromethorphan) associated with administration of cough and
cold preparations in children are reported (Polizzi et al., 2001). Due to the unknown formulation
and dosages of the ivy products and less information in the case reports, interactions of ivy
products with narcotics should be considered as signal (See section 4.4 Special warnings and
precautions for use).
From the long traditional use of ivy preparations in children no general safety concerns referring
the use in therapeutic dosages can be derived. The use in children under 4 years of age is
generally not recommended in traditional use, due to general considerations concerning clinical
safety for this age group. Furthermore, medical advice should be sought for this patients group.
Considering the traditional use of 30 years in children and the results of the two surveillance
studies, the use is recommended only for children over 4 years of age. From the prospective
clinical studies with approximately 7,000 children and a retrospective study conducted with about
52,000 children, it can be concluded that ivy preparations (well-established use) are well tolerated
in high dosage ranges.
Allergic reactions and gastrointestinal reactions may occur. From the study Fazio et al. (2009)
which included more than 5,000 children, the frequency of adverse events can be calculated:
gastrointestinal reactions in 1.5% (common 1/100 to <1/10) and allergic reactions in 0.1%
(uncommon 1/1000 to 1/100). They must be included in the monograph. The saponins can
induce nausea and vomiting that can lead to aspiration in infants. The use for children below 2
years of age is contraindicated because of the risk of aggravation of respiratory symptoms.
Because of gastrointestinal reactions caution is recommended in patients with gastritis or gastric
ulcer.

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 87/89
data, the use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended. No data on the use in lactation
are available. Because of general reasons it should not be used during lactation.
6. Overall conclusions
Based on the data documented in this Assessment Report, the well-established medicinal use and a
traditional use for several preparations from Herdera helix are suitable for a Community
monograph. The data fulfil the requirements of a well-established medicinal use with recognised
efficacy and are eligible for a marketing authorisation in the indication Herbal medicinal product
used as an expectorant in case of productive cough.
Ivy preparations have been marketed worldwide in many countries, in large quantities. Symptom
scores were analysed in a lot of studies, which were not blinded. There were more than 10,000
patients included in open multicenter prospective surveillance studies with a high dosage range.
Most of the studies were conducted in children. Thus, the safety of the herbal medicine is
appropriately analysed and known. The recommended dosages for the preparations correspond to
the dosages used in praxis and are up to the maximum dosage used in the Gulyas (1997) study.
The data on one preparation do not fulfil the requirements of a well-established medicinal use with
recognised efficacy and are not eligible for a marketing authorisation. No convincing clinical studies
were conducted with this preparation. The efficacy and safety is plausible on the basis of long
standing use and experience, for the indication Traditional herbal medicinal product used as an
expectorant in cough associated with cold. The product is a traditional herbal medicinal product for
use in the specified indication exclusively based upon long-standing use, as shown in the
summaries. The product has been for more than 30 years on the market. The dosage is in the low
dosage range of ivy preparations.
Benefit/Risk assessment
The herbal substance is subject of a European Pharmacopoeia monograph. An unambiguous
macroscopic, microscopic chemical identification of the herbal substance is possible.
Adulteration/contamination of the herbal substance is not reported. There are acceptable side
effects concerning gastrointestinal reactions and allergic reactions with a therapeutic posology of
the herbal preparations reported in literature or reference sources. No serious adverse events with
a therapeutic posology of the herbal preparations are reported in literature or reference sources
with a well documented history.
Genotoxicity investigations are available for some ivy saponines which are constituents of the
herbal preparations and the herbal medicinal products. No genotoxic tests are available for the
whole plant extracts. Well documented drug-drug interactions of the herbal medicinal ivy
preparations with other medicines are not reported in literature or reference sources in general.
The herbal substance or preparations thereof are studied in one or more placebo controlled clinical
trials. The number of patients involved in the published clinical trials (open controlled) with the
herbal substance or preparations thereof exceeds more than 10,000. Ivy preparations are subject
of reviews.
The use in children under 2 years is contraindicated because of the risk of aggravation of
respiratory symptoms. In the well-established use part of the monograph, the use in children older
than 2 years is accepted after medical diagnosis before treatment except for the liquid preparation
with the extraction solvent ethanol 70% (V/V). This is due to the high ethanol content. Although
there are also data for children of lower age (0-2 years) on ivy, this conclusion takes into account
the existing data and the particular requirements with respect to safety for very young children.
EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
Page 88/89
data, the use during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.
Therapeutic alternatives for the indication are available including chemical substances such as
ambroxol. Ambroxol is known to have side effects concerning gastrointestinal reactions and allergic
reactions. For no other herbal preparation a well-established-use exists in this indication. Herbal
preparations from ivy leaf have been shown as effective as ambroxol.
Intoxication, due to ivy herbal medicinal preparations, is not reported in literature or reference
sources. One case of overdose led to aggressivity and diarrhoea. -hederin, a metabolite present in
the herbal substance and/or preparations, has a well-known acute toxicity to humans. Hovewer,
according to the current knowledge it is not resorbed.
It can be concluded that the benefit/risk assessment for ivy preparations is positive for the use as
an expectorant in the context of infections of the upper respiratory tract under specific conditions
and in therapeutical dosages.
Annex
List of references

EMA/HMPC/289432/2009
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31 March 2011

Assessment report on Hedera helix L., folium

Hedera helix L., folium

a) Dry extract (DER 4-8:1), extraction solvent

Dry extract (DER 3-6:1), extraction solvent

d) Liquid extract (DER 1:1), extraction solvent

Soft extract (DER 2.2-2.9:1), extraction

Herbal preparations in solid or liquid dosage forms

7 Westferry Circus Canary Wharf London E14 4HB United Kingdom

An agency of the European Union

2. Historical data on medicinal use .............................................................. 9

3. Non-Clinical Data ................................................................................... 23

4. Clinical Data .......................................................................................... 42

5. Clinical Safety/Pharmacovigilance ........................................................ 79

Assessment report on Hedera helix L., folium

Assessment report on Hedera helix L., folium

Hederae folium (Ivy leaf) (European Pharmacopoeia)

Small amounts of monodesmosides such as -hederin and hederagenin-3-O--D-glucoside,

Phytosterols as stigmasterol, sitosterol, cholesterol, campesterol, -spinasterol

Free amino acids

Assessment report on Hedera helix L., folium

See chapter 1.2.

Combinations of herbal substance(s) and/or herbal preparation(s) including a description of

1.2. Information about products on the market in the Member States

1) 1 lozenge contains 26 mg dry extract (4-8:1), extraction solvent

ethanol 30% (m/m)

ethanol 30% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)

solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

ethanol 30% (m/m)

solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 40% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

extraction solvent ethanol 30% (m/m)

15) 1 ml contains 20.0 mg dry extract (no further details)

There are no preparations on the market.

The herbal substance is available in combination products. The

1) Hederae helicis folii extractum fluidum 1:10 (prepared from

Hederae folium 10.0g, Propylenglycolum 2.0 g, Ethanolum 96%

with the mixture of ethanol 50% (V/V) and propylenglycol 98:2

ethanol 40% (m/m) (2.04 g/100 ml of the finished product)

ethanol 40% (m/m) (0.9 g/100 ml of the finished product)

ethanol 30% (m/m) (0.700 mg/100 ml of the finished product)

The herbal substance is only available in combination products. One

authorised product contains extracts of 3 combination substances:

helic. Spiss.) (1:1), standardised

2.9:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 50% by volume, propylene

7.5:1), extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

extraction solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

1) dry extract from Hederae helicis folium (5-7:1), extraction

solvent: ethanol 30% (m/m)

solvent: ethanol 30% (V/V)

1) dry extract from Hederae helicis folium (6-7:1), extraction

solvent: ethanol 40% (m/m)