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International Journal of Natural Products Research

Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved

Review Article
A REVIEW- COUGH & TREATMENTS

Meenakshi Parihar*1, Ankit Chouhan1, M.S. Harsoliya2, J.K.Pathan1, S. Banerjee3, N.Khan1, V.M.Patel4
1. SVCP, Indore
2. Research Scholar, JJT University, Rajasthan
3. Research Scientist, Ranbaxy
4. APMC, Himatnagar
Coorespondance author: Meenakshi Parihar*(ankchouhan@yahoo.co.in 9826517280)
Received 10 May 2011; accepted 23 May 2011
Abstract
When cold and flu season rolls around, it can leave you feeling pretty miserable. There is no cure for the common cold, but
there are plenty of herbs out there that will help relieve your symptoms in a natural, gentle way, without any of the side effects
of over the counter medication. Cough is a common problem that everyone often faces. Cough is a natural reflex expulsive
defense mechanism of the body, for clearing excess secretions or mucous or inhaled irritants or toxins or foreign substance in
the respiratory tract. Coughing protects the respiratory system by clearing or cleaning it voluntarily or involuntarily. As long as
cough is helpful in getting rid of infectious material with the help of mucous from the airway, it should not be stopped. The
treatment of coughs is one area where the use of certain herbal remedies remains common today. Herbal drugs play an
important role in the management of various types of cough. Currently available therapies for cough include cough
suppressants. Antitussives provide only symptomatic relief and produce many serious adverse effects like doses respiratory
depression, nausea, vomiting, sedation and drowsiness. These are contraindicated in asthmatics and in patients with diminished
respiratory reserve. Therefore, in recent years much effort has been made to search for natural active plant components with
diminished adverse effects. Many plant species known in folk medicine of different cultures used for treatment of respiratory
complaints such as cough, bronchial affections, pleurisy, pneumonia and expectoration. Due to increasing demand in herbal
therapy, many herbal research laboratories have come forward in successfully launching various herbal products, which are
helpful in the treatment of various types of cough. Different cases, and even the same case at different stages, require different
treatment.
2011 Universal Research Publications. All rights reserved
Key words: cough, herbal treatments of cough, treatments of cough
INTRODUCTION
Cough
Cough is a common problem that everyone often
faces. Cough is a natural reflex expulsive defense mechanism
of the body, for clearing excess secretions or mucous or
inhaled irritants or toxins or foreign substance in the
respiratory tract. Coughing protects the respiratory system by
clearing or cleaning it voluntarily or involuntarily. As long as
cough is helpful in getting rid of infectious material with the

help of mucous from the airway, it should not be stopped. It

is very important to remember that cough usually manifests
in common cold, but it may be the initial manifestation of
serious illness such as pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia,
tuberculosis or asthma. It can be in various situations
inappropriately stimulated; for example, by inflammation in
the respiratory tract or neoplasia. (Schroeder, K. et al., 2002)
In these cases, the cough has a pathological character and it is
necessary to use cough-suppressing agents. Anti-tussive
agents are used mainly to suppress dry and painful coughs

International Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

(Rang et al., 2003).

Mechanism of Cough
Cough serves to clear the airways when there are large
amounts of inhaled material, mucus due to excessive
secretions or impaired mucociliary clearance and abnormal
substances such as edema fluid or pus. Each cough involves a
complex reflex arc. The cough reflex has five components:
cough receptors, an afferent nerve (the vagus nerve), the
cough center (area in medulla), motor (efferent) nerves
(recurrent laryngeal nerve, phrenic nerve and spinal nerves)
and effector organs (the diaphragm, chest and abdominal wall
muscles)(Chung, K.F. (2003). Cough receptors are located
along the entire laryngo-tracheo-bronchial tree with the
greatest number in the larynx. They are also located in the
nose, paranasal sinuses, diaphragm, pleura, stomach and
pericardium. There are three types of nerve fibres, which
form the sensory (afferent) pathway leading to cough
(i) Myelinated irritant fibres
(ii) Unmyelinated C fibres
(iii) Slow adapting stretch receptors
Nerve endings in the larynx, trachea and bronchi are sensitive
to irritation that generates nerve impulses which are
conducted by the vagus nerves to the respiratory centre in the
brain stem. The reflex motor response is deep inspiration
followed by closure of the glottis (Sesuka S, et al 1985) The
internal laryngeal nerve, a branch of the superior laryngeal
nerve, carries the sensory information away from the area
above the glottis in the larynx to the CNS via cranial nerve X
(vagus). The receptors report about the excess mucous or
foreign substance to the cough center which is located in the
medulla of the brain for inducing cough. The abdominal and
respiratory muscles then contract and suddenly the air is
released under pressure expelling mucus and/or foreign
material from the mouth. Cough receptors are sensitive to:
(Nagendran, 2003).
Touch of inhaled foreign body like plant
Excessive secretions or mucous in nose, throat, sinuses
and lungs
Irritant gases like nitric acid, sulphuric acid, ammonia
and sulphur dioxide
Oedema or infection with pus in the airway
Exposure to extreme hot or cold air (Nagendran,
2003).

Air rushes into the lungs in order to equalize the

pressure.
The glottis closes (muscles innervated by recurrent
laryngeal nerve) to prevent air escaping whilst the
diaphragm relaxes and expiratory muscles contract.
This reduces the volume of the lungs, therefore
increasing pressure.
The pressure of air within the lungs is now greater than
atmospheric pressure and so air is trying to escape.
Thus, glottis opens and release air at over 100 mph
(Widdicombe JG. 1995)
Phases of Cough
Coughing involves four phases. These are as follows:
1) Inspiration
The initial phase of cough is characterized by the inhalation
of gas. During inspiration, the expiratory muscles are
lengthened and strengthened. Thus, inhaling to high lung
volumes will enable the expiratory muscles to generate
greater positive intra-thoracic pressures for a given degree of
neural activation. Although a modest degree of positive intrathoracic pressure is needed to generate expiratory flow, an
effective cough can be achieved at pressures much lower than
the maximal pressure that the expiratory muscles are capable
of producing. Thus, this initial phase of cough is not critical
because an effective cough can be accomplished by inhaling
small volumes (Mazzone, S.B et al 2002).
2) Compression of air against a closed glottis
The compressive phase of cough follows the initial
inspiratory phase. After inhaling a volume of air, the glottis is
closed and an expiratory effort ensues. At the onset of the
expiratory effort, the glottis closes for about 0.2 seconds.
Glottis closure maintains lung volume as intra-thoracic
pressures are building. Glottis closure minimizes expiratory
muscle shortening, thereby promoting contraction of the
expiratory muscles, and allowing the expiratory muscles to
maintain a more advantageous force-length relationship and
to generate greater positive intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic
pressures. The high intra-thoracic pressures developed during
glottis closure may be as great as 300 mm Hg. The closed
glottis also creates a pressure drop (high pressure inside, low
pressure outside) so that when the glottis opens, the air is
forcefully expelled to outside (Dicpinigaitis, P.V. 2003)

3) Expression
Once the glottis is opened, the expiratory phase of cough
ensues, and the high intra-thoracic pressures developed
The mechanism of a cough is as follows:
during the compressive phase of cough promote high
Coughing is started by stimulation of sensory nerves in
expiratory flow rates. The glottis is opened and the airways
the lining of the respiratory passages - the tubes used to collapse to expel the cough (and whatever it may carry).
breathe.
Initially, there is a very brief blast of turbulent flow. This
Diaphragm and external inter-costal muscles contracts, burst of air is due to the additive effects of the gas expired
increase the volume of the lungs and makes the pressure
from the distal parenchymal units and the gas displaced by
of air within the lungs lower than atmospheric pressure.
the central airways, which are compressed by the high intraInternational Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

10

thoracic pressures. Although glottis closure enhances this

phase of cough, it is not essential for an effective cough. For
example, individuals with a tracheostomy or endotracheal
tube can produce an effective cough by performing a huffing
maneuver, which is performed with an open glottis.
4) Relaxation
After the cough reflex the expiratory muscles relaxed and
there is a transient bronchodilation (McCool, 2006).
Causes of Cough
1) Infection: by bacteria, virus (common cold), and fungus
(Aspergillus infection).
2) External factors: -by dust, cold, pollens, smoking and
other environmental irritants. Also the drugs, which used
in treatment of hypertension and heart diseases (ACE
inhibitors and beta-blockers) may cause cough. Foreign
body when enters pharynx, nose, larynx, trachea,
bronchus, oesophagus. (Widdicombe, J.G. 2002)
3) Internal factors: as diseases get progressive in:
Sinuses - Postnasal drip
Heart - Congestive heart failure
Lung - Asthma, chronic bronchitis, cancer, pneumonia,
tuberculosis and pressure on lungs due to a
mass like mediastinal lymphadenopathy.
Ear - Otitis media, and foreign body
Stomach Gastro-oesophageal reflux
4) Psychogenic factors: habit of clearing mucous, for
drawing attention, etc (Lee, L.Y.et al. 2001).
Symptoms of Cough
Cough itself is a symptom, usually associated with sore
throat, hoarseness, nose block, breathlessness, heartburn or
chest pain, dizziness, disturbance in sleep, distress on
exercise or running, sometimes even for laughing,
restlessness, general bodyaches, urinary incontinence,
haemoptysis, lack of concentration, stomachache, nausea,
vomiting and swollen glands. It produces white/green/yellow/
discolored or blood-stained phlegm (Eccles R et al.1992).
The high intra-abdominal and intra-thoracic pressures
developed during compressive phase of cough can be
transmitted to the CNS and mediastinum, and underlie some
of the adverse cardiovascular, GI, genitourinary,
musculoskeletal, and neurologic complications associated
with cough. Some effects of cough on the body organs during
coughing are as follows:
Pressure in abdomen is increased - so hernia may occur
in diaphragm or the muscle of the abdomen (umbilical
hernia, incision hernia) or into the scrotal sac.
The anus will get tightly closed - so it may aggravate
piles or fissure in the anus.
Due to pressure in chest - air emphysema may develop.

11

Due to violent cough, bursting type of headache may

occur. (Feldman JI et al. 1993.)

Types of Cough
Cough mainly classified as:
1) Productive Cough
It is also termed as an effective cough and wet cough, since it
effectively expels secretions, mucous or foreign material
from the respiratory tract. This type of cough is mostly acute
in nature and often caused by bacterial or viral or fungal
infection. This type of cough should not be suppressed or
otherwise recurrent or constant infection will be there, since
the purpose of the cough (to remove mucus) is suppressed.
Productive cough should be allowed to serve its purpose and
suppressed only when it is exhausting the patient or is
dangerous, e.g. after eye surgery (Karlsson, J.A.1996).
2) Non-productive Cough
It is also named as an ineffective cough since it wont bring
any secretions or mucous from the lungs. It is a dry, irritating
cough without phlegm. Mostly, this type of cough is chronic
in nature and caused by dry irritation or dust or smoke or
fumes, or due to edema and mild secretion in the resolving
stage of illness. Dry cough is mainly useless and persistent in
nature, thus it should be stopped. Asthma, rhinosinusitis,
esophageal reflux or combination of the last two is the
commonest underlying reason for persistent cough. It may be
also due to weakness of the muscles of respiration, thick
viscid mucus and in diseases of the cilia which helps mucous
transportation in the airway. The overall approach to the
persistent cough must involve attention to underlying factors
(Bennett and Brown, 2003).
Cough can also be classified as:
Acute - not more than three weeks duration - for
example, infective coughs
Chronic - more than three weeks duration - for
example, smokers cough
Dry cough - no mucous or secretions
Wet cough - with mucous or secretions
Cough from chest and cough from throat - productive or
non-productive
Paroxysmal cough - spasmodic and recurrent
Bovine cough - soundless cough due to paralysis of
larynx
Psychogenic cough - self-conscious activity of the
patient to draw attention
RECENT DRUGS USED FOR TREATMENT OF
COUGH
Treatments of cough depend on the types of cough. Dry
coughs are treated with cough suppressants (antitussives) that
suppress the urge to cough, while productive coughs (those
that produce phlegm) are treated with expectorants that
loosen mucus from the respiratory tract. Apart from specific

International Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

Table 1: Some importance herbal drugs used in cough and other than cough also
NAME

BIOLOGICAL SOURCE

FAMILY

ACTIVE CHEMICAL
CONSTITUENT

1.

Flaxseed / Linseed

Linaceae

-linolenic acid

2.

Fenugreek/Methi

Seeds of Linum
usitatissimum
Dried ripe seeds and
aerial parts of Trigonella
foenum-graecum

Fabaceae

Steroidal saponins,
Alkaloids (Trigonelline)

Sl.No.

Asparagin, mucilage,
tannins

Mucilage,tannins,
starch

Demulcent, diuretic, expectorant, Cough ,

nutritive, emollient, pectoral, laxative,
dysentery, enteritis, cystitis.

Garlic/Lahsun

Bulb of Allium sativum

Alliaceae

Allicin

4.

Fennel

Seeds, leaves and roots

of Foeniculum vulgare

Umbellifereae

Anethol, Fenchone

5.

Clove

6.

Cardamom/ Cardamon

7.

Ginger

Flower buds of Eugenia

Caryophyllata
Dried ripe seeds of
Elettaria cardamomum

Myrtaceae

Eugenin, Caryophyllin

Zingiberaceae

Terpenes (terpineol,
cineol)

Rhizomes of Zingiber
officinale

Zingiberaceae

Sesqueterpenoids((-)Zingiberene)

8.

Cinnamon

Bark of Cinnamomum
zeylanicum

Lauraceae

Cinnamic aldehyde

9.

Poppy/Opium Poppy

Capsules of Papaver
somniferum

Papaveraceae

Morphine, thebaine,
codeine

10.

Saffron

Flower of Crocus sativus

Iridaceae

-crosin, carotinoids

11.

Sesame

Cold compression of
seeds of Sesamum
indicum

Pedaliaceae

Oleic acid, linileic acid

12.

Tulsi

Labiatae

Eugenol, Carvacrol

13.

Elderberry

Caprifoliaceae

Sanbucine,
sambunigrin

14.

Hyssop

Labiateae

-pinene, camphene

15.

Liquorice

Dried root and stolon of

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Leguminosae

Glycyrrhizinic acid,
carbenoxolone

16.

Mullein

Leaves of Verbascum
thapsus

scrophulariaceae

Gum, resin, fatty

acids, mucilage

Marsh Mallow
17.

Berries of Sambucus
nigra

Herbs of Hyssopus
officinalis

Leaves and Roots of

Althea officinalis

Malvaceae

Anorexia, fever,gastritis, gastric ulcer,

2
Common cold and Cough .
Antibiotic, digestive, anticoagulant,
antioxidant, blood thinner, stomachic,
3
carminative, Expoctorent and in Cough .
Carminative, chronic Coughs, aromatic,
antispasmodic, galactogogue, stomachic,
anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial.
Aromatic, nausea emesis, Carminative,
Stimulant, aphrodiasiac, Expectorent and
4
in Cough .
Carminative, stimulant, aromatic,
5
indigestion, flatuelence, Cough .
Adjuvant, appetizer, aromatic,
6
carminative, diaphoretic, cough ,
expectorant, sialagogue, rubefacient.
Antiseptic, aphrodiasiac, aromatic,
astringent, blood purifier, carminative,
1
digestive, common cold and Cough .
Hypnotic, sedative, astringent,
1
expectorant, Cough , diaphoretic,
antispasmodic.
Carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue,
2
depression, Cough , antihistaminic.
Antioxidant, rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoporosis, migraine, antidepressant,
7
dysmenorrhea, irritating Cough , cracking
joints, hard stools.
Antibacterial, insecticidal, stimulant,
aromatic, anticatarrhal, spasmolytic,
8
diaphoretic, antiperiodic, Cough .
Laxative, anti-inflammatory, arthritis,
5
Cold, Cough , influenza, asthma,
bronchitis, sore throat, alterative, diuretic,
.
Jaundice, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis,
6
Cough due to cold, sinusitis, antiinflammatory, vermifuge, sudorific.
3
Expectorant, demulcent, Cough , peptic
ulcer, antispasmodic, arthritis,
inflammations, addisions disease,
flavouring agent.
8
Demulcent, emollient, astringent, Cough ,
asthma, sore throat.
5
Demulcent, emollient, Cough ,
inflammation, irritation of alimentary
canal, urinary and respiratory organs.

3.

Dried leaves of Ocimum

sanctum Linn.

THERAPEUTIC USES
1
Cough , wall putty, paint binder, wood
finish, Nutritional Supplement and food.

18.

Slippery Elm

12

Inner bark of Ulmus fulva

Urticaceae

International Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

19.

Goldenseal

20.

Echinacea

21.

Thinleaf Milkwort

22.

Lungwort

23.

Turmeric

24.

Honey

Roots of
Hydrastiscanadensis
rootstock of Echinacea
angustifolia, E.purpure

Dried Roots of Polygala

tenuifolia or Polygala
sibirica
Whole herb of Sticta
pulmonaria
Dried and fresh rhizomes
of Curcuma longa Linn.
Sugar secretion deposited
in honey comb by bees
Apis mallifera, Apis
dorsata and other species
of Apis

Ranunculaceae

Berberine, canadine,
hydrastine

Compositae

Betain, caryophylene,
tannins, glycoside

Polygalaceae

Onjisaponine,
tenuifoliside

Lichens

Stictic acid, gyrophoric

acid

Zingiberaceae

Curcumin, turmerone

Apidae

Glucose, fructose,
sucrose

Tonic, stomachic, soothing agent,

muscle stimulant, laxative, emollient,
7
diuretic, Cough .
Cold, slow healing wounds, respiratory
and urinary tract in fection, alterative,
9
antibiotic, Wooping Cough (with
Goldenseal).
Insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep,
10
forgetfulness, palpitation, Cough with
sputum difficult to expectorate, breast
pain.
Bronchial catarrh, pulmonary
11
tuberculosis, Cough , rheumatism,
hysteria, healing.
Condiment, coloring agent, anti12
inflammatory, antiarthritic, Cough ,
cervical cancer.
Demulcent, sweetening agent,
13
antiseptic, ingredient of Cough
mixture, cough drops and vehicle for
ayurvedic formulation.

25.

Thyme

26.

Amalaki/Amla

Fruits of Emblica
officinalis

Lobelia

Dried flowering herb and

seeds of Lobelia inflate

Lobeliaceae

Peppermint

Flowering tops of Mentha

piperita

Labiatae

Menthol, pulegone,
menthone

Eucalyptus

Fresh leaves of
Eucalyptus globules

Myrtaceae

Cineole, camphene,
phellandrene

Roots, leaves and flower

of Plantago major

Plantaginaceae

Aucubin

Seeds of Pimpinella
anisum

Umbelliferae

Flower of Tussilago
farfara
Bulbs of Fritillaria
meleagris

Compositae

Faradial, phytosterol

Liliaceae

Songbeinone,
songbeinine

Antiseptic, tonic, antispasmodic,

14
carminative, barking Cough , anemia,
insomnia, wooping Cough, sore throat.
Antioxidant, immunomodulator,
hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic,
hypotensive, antacid, tonic, mild
15
laxative, common cold, Cough ,
gastritis.
Expectorant, diaphoretic, antiasthmatic,
12
Cough , counterirritant, epilepsy,
tetanus, diphtheria, tonsillitis.
Carminative, stimulant, flavouring
13
agent, mild antiseptic, Cough and
Cold, bronchitis, nasal catarrh, chest
complaint, lumbago.
Counter-irritant, antiseptic,
11
expectorant, Cough , chronic
bronchitis, flavouring agent.
Epilepsy, headache, dysentery,
12
jaundice, asthma, cold, Cough ,
arthritis, gout, leucorrhea.
Antiseptic, spasmodic, carminative,
14
Cough , expectorant, digestive,
pectoral, epilepsy, insomnia.
Astringent, demulcent, emollient,
1
unproductive Cough , expectorant,
tonic, persistent Cough, tuberculosis,
wheezing, pneumonia, pleurisy.
3
Chinese Cough remedy,
hyperthyroidism.

Eriobotrin,
isoeriobotrin,
xylopyranoside

Chinese Cough remedy, demulcent,

expectorant, sedative, making pies or
tarts.

Saponins, xanthotoxin,
ammoidin

Chinese Cough remedy, anorexia, dry

mouth, red tongue, antitussive,
expectorant.

27.
28.

29.

30.

Plantain

31.
Anise

32.

Coltsfoot

33.

Fritillary

34.

Loquat

35.

Ladybell

13

Whole herb of Thymus

vulgaris

Fruit and leaves of

Eriobotrya japonica
Roots of Adenophora
tetraphylla, Adenophora
stricta

Labiatae

Euphorbiaceae

Phenols(thymol,
carvacrol, etc)

Phyllemblin, tannins,
vitamin c

Lobeline, lobelic acid

Rosaceae

Anethol, choline

15

16

Campanulaceae

International Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

17

36.

Poria Cocos

Sclerotium of fungus
Wolfiporia extensa

Polyporaceae

Polysaccharides,
triterpenoids

37.

Pomelo

Peels of Citrus maxima

Rutaceae

Octanal, citral, decanal

Roots of Platycodon
grandiflorus

Campanulaceae

Triterpene saponins

Bellflower

Araceae

Cycloartenol, monpalmitin, sitosterol

38.

39.

Pinellia

Rhizomes of species
Pinellia (P. browniana,
P.cordata, etc)

Chinese Cough remedy, insomnia,

restlessness, fatigue, sleep disorder,
tension, nervousness.
18
Chinese Cough remedy, motion
sickness, vomiting, pain due to
indigestion in children.
Expectorant, antitussive that treat
19
Cough , tonsillitis, pertusis, asthma,
anti inflammatory, anti ulcer, anti
cholestraenemia.
20
Chinese Cough remedy, nausea,
vomiting, phlegm.
21

40.
Seeds of Schisandra
chinensis
Seeds of Trichosanthes
kirilowii

Schisandriaceae

Dibenzocyclooctadiene

Curcubitaceae

Triterpene saponin
alcohols

Banaphsa

Flowers and roots of Viola

odorata

Violaceae

43.

Kantkari

Roots and rhizomes of

Solanum xanthocaroum

Solanaceae

44.

Talispatra

45.

Shati

Roots and rhizomes of

Hedychium spicatium

Zingiberaceae

Limonene, cineol,
terpinolene

36.

Poria Cocos

Sclerotium of fungus
Wolfiporia extensa

Polyporaceae

Polysaccharides,
triterpenoids

37.

Pomelo

Peels of Citrus maxima

Rutaceae

Octanal, citral, decanal

Triterpene saponins

Bellflower

Roots of Platycodon
grandiflorus

Campanulaceae

38.

39.

Pinellia

Araceae

Cycloartenol, monpalmitin, sitosterol

Schisandra

41.

Trichosanthes

42.

Leaves of Abies webbiana

Pinaceae

Rhizomes of species
Pinellia (P. browniana,
P.cordata, etc)

Gaultherin, violutoside,
saponins
Carpesterol,
solanocarpine,
solanine
Monoterpenes,
phytosterol, flavonoids

Chinese Cough remedy, tonic,

restorative adaptogen,
hepatoprotective, immunomodulator.
20

Chinese Cough remedy, diabetes,

chest pain, expectorant.
Healing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic,
19
emetic, expectorant, Cough , laxative,
demulcent, astringent, eczema
diaphoretic, flu, emollient, fever.
Diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge,
17
anodyne, Coughs , dysuria, stone,
hypotensive.
Asthma, bronchitis, astringent,
carminative, blood purifier,
antispasmodic, aromatic, chronic
22
Cough , anorectic.
Antiseptic, poultice, inflammation,
nausea, vomiting, asthma, chronic
15
Cough , carminative, stimulant, brain
tonic, reduce excess weight,
hypotensive, hypoglycemic
17
Chinese Cough remedy, insomnia,
restlessness, fatigue, sleep disorder,
tension, nervousness.
18
Chinese Cough remedy, motion
sickness, vomiting, pain due to
indigestion in children.
Expectorant, antitussive that treat
19
Cough , tonsillitis, pertusis, asthma,
anti inflammatory, anti ulcer, anti
cholestraenemia.
20
Chinese Cough remedy, nausea,
vomiting, phlegm.
21

Dibenzocyclooctadiene
40.

Schisandra

41.

Trichosanthes

42.

43.

14

Seeds of Schisandra
chinensis
Seeds of Trichosanthes
kirilowii

Schisandriaceae

Banaphsa

Flowers and roots of Viola

odorata

Violaceae

Kantkari

Roots and rhizomes of

Solanum xanthocaroum

Solanaceae

Curcubitaceae

Triterpene saponin
alcohols

Gaultherin, violutoside,
saponins
Carpesterol,
solanocarpine,
solanine

Chinese Cough remedy, tonic,

restorative adaptogen,
hepatoprotective, immunomodulator.
20

Chinese Cough remedy, diabetes,

chest pain, expectorant.
Healing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic,
19
emetic, expectorant, Cough , laxative,
demulcent, astringent, eczema
diaphoretic, flu, emollient, fever.
Diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge,
17
anodyne, Coughs , dysuria, stone,
hypotensive.

International Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

44.

Talispatra

Leaves of Abies
webbiana

45.

Shati

Roots and rhizomes of

Hedychium spicatium

Monoterpenes,
phytosterol,
flavonoids

Pinaceae

Zingiberaceae

remedies cough may be treated as a symptom

with
following drugs:
1) Pharyngeal demulcents: these sooth the throat and reduce
afferent impulses from inflamed/irritated pharyngeal
mucosa. Examples are lozenges, cough drops and
linctuses congaing syrup, glycerin and liquorice.
2) Expectorants: these are drugs believe to increase
bronchial secretion or reduce its viscosity thus facilitating
its removal by coughing. These are of two types:
(i) Bronchial secretion enhancers: e.g. sodium potassium
citrate, potassium iodide, squill and guaiphenesin etc.
(ii) Mucolytics: these reduce viscosity of phlegm. e.g.
bromhexine and cysteine (Canning, B.J. et al. 2004)
3) Antitussives: these are drugs that act in the CNS to raise
the threshold of cough center or act peripherally in the
respiratory tract to reduce tussal impluses or both these
actions. Because they aim to control rather than eliminate
cough antitussives should be used only for dry
unproductive cough or if cough is unduly tiring, disturb
sleep or is hazardous (hernia, piles, cardiac, diseases and
ocular surgery). These drugs are broadly classified into
two groups based on their site of action:
(i) Peripheral antitussive: these drugs act outside the CNS to
inhibit cough by suppressing the responsiveness of one or
more vagal sensory receptors that produce cough. e.g.
noscapine and benzonatate.
(ii) Central antitussive: these drugs act within the CNS at the
level of the brain stem, where the basic neural circuitry
responsible for cough is located. Centrally acting
antitussives work by depolarization, or a dulling of the
vagus nerve, the nerve leading from the brain stem and
serving the chest area. e.g. codeine and dextromethorphan.
Codeine is more selective for cough centre and is used as
the standard antitussive (Mazzone, S.B. 2003).
4) Adjuvant antitussives: these include bronchodilators and
salbutamol (Tripathi, 2008).

Limonene, cineol,
terpinolene

Asthma, bronchitis, astringent,

carminative, blood purifier,
antispasmodic, aromatic, chronic
22
Cough , anorectic.
Antiseptic, poultice, inflammation,
nausea, vomiting, asthma, chronic
15
Cough , carminative, stimulant, brain
tonic, reduce excess weight,
hypotensive, hypoglycemic

and produce many serious adverse effects like doses

respiratory depression, nausea, vomiting, sedation and
patients with diminished respiratory reserve. Therefore, in
recent years much effort has been made to search for natural
active plant components with diminished adverse effects.
Many plant species known in folk medicine of different
cultures used for treatment of respiratory complaints such as
cough, bronchial affections, pleurisy, pneumonia and
expectoration. Due to increasing demand in herbal therapy,
many herbal research laboratories have come forward in
successfully launching various herbal products, which are
helpful in the treatment of various types of cough. Different
cases, and even the same case at different stages, require
different treatment. The addition of appropriate remedies to a
standard cough syrup base is an appropriate means of using
the syrup as a vehicle without becoming unduly reliant on a
particular preformulated remedy. Following herbal treatments
are used (Mohmed Sohel Harsoliya. et al.2011)
1) Cough Suppressants
Since productive coughs are a necessary means of removing
the infectious and obstructive material, cough suppressants
called antitussives should only be used for dry coughs..
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn.) extract is usually thought
of as simply a demulcent with a pleasant flavor, but its
derivatives have been shown to have a central antitussive
effect similar to codeine. Licorice is also considered to be a
sedative expectorant. An antitussive that works by reducing
irritation of the respiratory membrane at or below the voice
box is wild cherry bark (Prunus). Wild cherry bark is
effective for nervous coughs and is often used in short-term
infectious cases. The compound prunasin in wild cherry bark
can be toxic in large amounts but in smaller quantities
relieves the irritation of the mucosa and thereby alleviates
coughing.

2) Demulcents and Expectorants

Demulcents contain mucilaginous components that are used
HERBAL TRATMENT FOR COUGH
for their soothing effect on irritations of the membrane lining
The treatment of coughs is one area where the use of certain the throat. For this purpose cough syrups are commonly
herbal remedies remains common today. Herbal drugs play employed, in addition to acting as a vehicle for other
an important role in the management of various types of antitussives or expectorants. Besides sugar in syrups and
cough. Currently available therapies for cough include cough lozenges, other commonly used demulcents are honey,
suppressants. Antitussives provide only symptomatic relief glycerin, licorice, and gum arabic, since they also sweeten
drowsiness. These are contraindicated in asthmatics and in
medicinal preparations. Coughs due to acute inflammation or
International Journal of Natural Products Research 2011;1 (1): 9-18

15

from phases of increased irritability in chronic bronchitis can

be treated with mucilaginous herbs in the dose necessary to
gain relief. The soothing effects of these herbs are only
present when prepared as extracts by soaking in water at
room temperature. The juice of plantain (Plantago ovate
Linn.) has demulcent mucilage as well as antibacterial
components (McLeod RL.et al.2007)
Expectorants, cough remedies that increase the amount of
respiratory fluid secretions, can be used for both dry and
productive coughs. Those known as sedative expectorants are
used for dry coughs to increase respiratory fluid which
produces a demulcent effect on the respiratory membranes.
Stimulant expectorants help decrease the thickness of the
secretions in productive coughs, thus aiding their expulsion,
and inhibit bacterial growth by their antiseptic effects.
Expectorants provide no direct benefit for coughs arising
from irritation in the throat or to the pleural membrane
outside of the lungs. These remedies have an antitussive
action by increasing the amount of respiratory fluid, thereby
producing a soothing effect on the bronchial membranes, and
by decreasing the thickness of membrane secretions, thus
facilitating their removal.
Ipecac is used both to liquify thick, tenacious mucus from the
airways and to relieve spasms of the respiratory tubes,
particularly spasms from croup. It reduces bronchial swelling
and distress, and the coughing becomes easier. The main
application for ipecac is in bronchial congestion with a dry,
irritable cough. Ipecac is especially indicated when there is
irritation with a continued effort to clear the larynx. It may be
the best expectorant for acute conditions when taken in small,
frequent doses insufficient to cause nausea. Peppermint oil
and its component menthol act as a local anesthetic to relieve
irritation and are therefore useful in throat lozenges, as well
as being mildly antiseptic. Volatile aromatic antiseptics are
also taken internally as expectorants.
3) Stimulant Expectorants
Volatile antiseptics taken internally are generally as stimulant
expectorants. They do not act as nervous system stimulants,
but rather their tonic and antiseptic actions help to stimulate
repair and diminish fluid secretions due to inflammation.
They are eliminated by the lungs when taken orally. These
volatile compounds increase sputum expulsions by
stimulating normal respiratory fluid secretions through their
mild irritant effects directly on the bronchial glands. Besides
peppermint oil, commonly used stimulant expectorants
containing aromatic oils include eucalyptus, garlic, and
thyme. Eucalyptus oil and its component eucalyptol are
common antiseptic flavoring ingredients in throat lozenges
for coughs. Taken internally eucalyptus reduces
inflammatory respiratory secretions by its antiseptic action
and facilitates expulsion of the sputum.

16

4) Aromatic Relaxants
Several stimulant expectorant herbs contain a combination of
volatiles with resinous components. In addition to having
these antiseptic expectorant components, these herbs are also
antispasmodic to the bronchial airways. Elecampane root
(Inula) is used in short-term and persistent coughs where
there is abundant expectoration, for chronic bronchitis, or
after protracted colds or influenza.
5) Inhalation Therapy
In treating bacterial infections below the voice box inhaling
volatile antiseptics in steam is the most common method of
using many stimulant expectorants. To achieve the best
mucus-dissolving and antiseptic effects, volatile compounds
should be inhaled and not just taken orally. The steam also
helps liquify the sputum so that it can be more easily
expelled. Volatile antiseptics include both essential oils and
balsams. The aromatic vapors of the major volatile
constituents have shown antiseptic activity. Volatile
antiseptic expectorants derived from conifers are often used
as inhalants. These include dwarf pine needle or Scotch pine
needle oils and cedar leaf oil.( Karlsson, J.A. 1996)
6) Topical Treatments
Applied topically to the chest, neck and upper back and
covered with a flannel binder, the combination of eucalyptol,
menthol, thymol, and camphor act as counterirritants in a dry
chest pack to relieve pulmonary congestion (Mohmed Sohel
Harsoliya. et al.2011).
CONCLUSION
As long as cough is helpful in getting rid of infectious
material with the help of mucous from the airway, it should
not be stopped. But coughs causes severe irritation of the
throat and entire respiratory tract. The herbs are best to treat
this condition that will soothe the mucous membranes and
expel any phlegm that is causing congestion. Herbs can also
help coat the mucus membranes of the respiratory tract,
helping relieve any itchiness that may cause a coughing
spasm. Some herbs also have a high mucilage content that
helps soothe the throat and is gentle enough that it won't
trigger you to cough more, some are a nutritive herb and
some herbs are helping you restore your immune system to
fight your respiratory tract infection. Some herbs are
especially beneficial when there is also asthma present in the
disorder. It is safe enough to use with children. There are
plenty of herbs out there that will help relieve your symptoms
in a natural, gentle way, without any of the side effects of
over the counter medication.
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Source of support: Nil; Conflict of interest: None declared

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