Althea root for cough with ARVI and flu

Altea cough root (in the form of dried raw materials) and Althaea medicinal root extract (Althaea officinalis) have long been widely used in official medicine, and pharmacologists use it as part of mono- and combined mucoactive agents.

Indications Althea root

Extracts obtained from the roots and flowers of Althea, have antibacterial (as against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria), antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-mycobacterial and antitussive properties, as well as antiviral, anti-yeast, prevents oxidation of free radicals. [1]

Preparations based on this medicinal plant are used to treat cough for acute respiratory viral infections and flu; with inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract: laryngitis, trachebronchitis,  bronchitis, pneumonia, as well as with bronchial asthma and whooping cough.

What cough does it help? First of all, for cough, in which it is difficult to cough up the accumulated sputum, for symptomatic treatment of dry cough.[2]

Release form

Althea-based products are available in the following forms:

• Cough Syrup with Alteia root extract;
• Althea cough syrup under the names Altea root syrup, Althea syrup, Mukaltin and Altemix syrups, Alteyka syrup for children;
• dry cough mixture Althea. Complete information on its use -  Dry cough syrup
• Althea cough pills - Mukaltin, for details, see -  Mukaltin cough for children and adults, as well as Alteyka chewable tablets for children.

Alteynij root is included in the composition of plant collections for cough Bronhofit, Chest collection number 1, Chest collection number 3. How to prepare a decoction or infusion and how to apply (dosage), read in detail -  Chest collection of cough.

Pharmacodynamics

In whatever form the coughing cough is used, its action as an antitussive, as an expositor (which promotes expectoration of sputum, that is, expectorant), as well as an effective enveloping agent (soothing intense cough by reflex), which reduces the viscosity of the bronchial secretion and improves mucus clerical due to substances present in its composition.

The biologically and pharmacologically active substances of Althaea officinalis include:

• rich in acid polysaccharides of mucus (up to 35%);
• monocarboxylic and phenolcarboxylic acids;
• chlorogenic, coumaric, ferulic, p-hydroxybenzoic and salicylic acids;
• flavonoids (quercithin, isoquercitrin, campherol), glycosides, coumarins;
• tannins and steroid alcohols (β-sitosterol).

For example, the antitussive effect is provided by mucus, which, due to adhesion of the ciliary epithelium cells to the membranes of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, protects them from irritants. Aqueous extracts from Althea roots are effective stimulators of cell regeneration of epithelial cells in the treatment of diseases of the bronchi and lungs.[3]

Althea Root helps reduce inflammation caused by bronchitis and asthma and reduces dryness, soreness and irritation of the upper respiratory tract and throat caused by a cold and chronic cough. [4]  There were reports of antioxidant properties of Althea root, [5]bronchodilator and B-adrenergic effects of Althea root extracts [6].

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of herbal preparations are most often unknown, as is the case with alteyno root products.

Dosing and administration

Cough syrup with alteyno root extract is taken before meals - 15 ml (one tablespoon) five times a day.

Application for children: 6-12 years - 10 ml (one dessert spoon) up to six times a day, 2-6 years - 5 ml (one teaspoon) with so many doses per day.

Syrup for children 6-12 years old give one teaspoon four times a day, for children 2-6 years old - 0.5 teaspoon each (dissolving in a small amount of water).

Use Althea root during pregnancy

It is not recommended to take medicine, syrup or pills with althea in the first trimester of pregnancy. In later periods - taking into account the ratio of benefits for the mother and possible negative consequences for the fetus.

In the instructions of some manufacturers of funds in Althey, it is indicated that they should not be used in the treatment of pregnant women. There are also formulations that are summarized in the phrase about the lack of experience with the drug during pregnancy and lactation and data on the release of any components of Althea in breast milk or on the safety and efficacy of Althea in nursing mothers or babies. Althaea is usually well tolerated by adults, allergic reactions are rarely recorded.[7]

Contraindications

Individual hypersensitivity, for syrup - diabetes mellitus in history.

Side effects Althea root

Allergic reaction is not excluded. Starch contained in the root of Althea - in the case of application of Breast Feeks №1 and №3 - can have a fixing effect.

Overdose

Regarding overdose information is not available.

Interactions with other drugs

Althaea should not be used simultaneously with drugs that suppress the cough reflex. Combined intake of funds based on Althea root with other drugs may delay the process of their absorption.

Storage conditions

These funds are stored at room temperature, an open bottle of medicine or syrup is in the refrigerator (the maximum storage time of the opened bottle is two weeks).

Shelf life

Shelf life - 24 months.

Analogs

Some analogues of Althea drugs, that is, products that have a similar therapeutic effect, but have other active substances of plant origin, include: Cough syrup for children (with extracts of Althea root and licorice and anise oil), Pertussin medicine (with thyme extract), Thoracic elixir (with licorice root extract), Geldelix syrup (Prospan) with ivy extract, Herbionum plantain syrup (ivy or primrose), Bronkhostop syrup.

More information in the material -  Cough syrups

Reviews

Despite the positive reviews regarding the effectiveness of Althea root when coughing, you should take into account the fact that herbal remedies do not show their therapeutic effect as quickly as synthetic drugs.