Nutritional Supplement

Ivy Leaf

Also indexed as: Hedera helix

Side Effects

The 0.3 gram daily tea preparation of the herb, suggested in the German Commission E monographs,15 is not recommended for pediatric use because the quantities of the saponins it contains are too variable and could induce nausea and vomiting. Since ivy contains small amounts of emetine, it is not recommended during pregnancy, as this specific alkaloid may increase uterine contractions.16 In addition, the leaf itself can be quite irritating when handled and may cause allergic skin reactions.17

References

1. Wren RC. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparation. Essex, England: CW Daniel Co. 1985, 155.

2. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris, France: Technique and Documentation-Lavoisier, 1995, 560.

3. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: AB Arcanum, 1985, 211.

4. Mansfeld HJ, Höhre H, Repges R, Dethlefsen U. Therapy of bronchial asthma with dried ivy leaf extract. Münch Med Wschr 1998;140:32-6.

5. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 153.

6. Meyer-Wegner J. Ivy versus ambroxol in chronic bronchitis. Zeits Allegemeinmed 1993;69:61–6 [in German].

7. Rigoni C, Scarabelli G, Spinelli G, et al. Results of clinical research about a topical compound with a basis of Alchemilla vulgaris, Hedera helix and Equisetum arvense in Striae cutis distensae. Giornale Italiano de Dermatologia Venereologia 1993;128;619-24.

8. Mansfeld HJ, Höhre H, Repges R, Dethlefsen U. Therapy of bronchial asthma with dried ivy leaf extract. Münch Med Wschr 1998;140:32-6.

9. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al, eds. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 153.

10. Meyer-Wegner J. Ivy versus ambroxol in chronic bronchitis. Zeits Allegemeinmed 1993;69:61–6 [in German].

11. Meyer-Wegner J. Ivy versus ambroxol in chronic bronchitis. Zeits Allegemeinmed 1993;69:61–6 [in German].

12. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal vol II. New York: Dover Publications, 1982, 441.

13. Wichtl M. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1994, 252.

14. Rigoni C, Scarabelli G, Spinelli G, et al. Results of clinical research about a topical compound with a basis of Alchemilla vulgaris, Hedera helix and Equisetum arvense in Striae cutis distensae. Giornale Italiano de Dermatologia Venereologia 1993;128;619-24.

15. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 153.

16. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998, 86.

17. Garcia M, Fernandez E, Navarro JA, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from Hedera helix L. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33:133-4.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.