Self-Reported Effect of Mikania laevigata Syrup in Treating Acute Cough in Adults and Children: Preliminary Evidence From an Uncontrolled, Observational Study

Introduction

Mikania laevigata Sch. Bip. ex Baker (Asteraceae), popularly known as ‘guaco,’ is a medicinal plant widely used to treat cough in Brazil and South America. Although it is marketed with this indication, no clinical evidence supports its effectiveness in treating cough. This study aimed to assess the self-reported effect of a M laevigata syrup in treating acute cough in adults and children.

Methods

An online/telephone-based survey was conducted in 1 309 adult and paediatric patients who received M laevigata syrup for acute cough in Jardinópolis (São Paulo, Brazil) in 2021 and 2022. Seventy-six responses were received (5.8% of those eligible). The frequency, intensity, and impact of coughing on sleep were assessed using a numeric scale (0–10 points) and compared before and after treatment using a paired non-parametric test.

Results

The participants used M laevigata syrup primarily for COVID-19 and discomfort caused by coughing. They reported intense frequency (median 8 [range 3, 10]), intensity (10 [2, 10]), and impact of coughing on sleep (10 [0, 10]) before treatment, and significant improvements in these three characteristics after treatment (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). They also reported a quick onset effect (11%), but a few patients complained about a taste that was too sweet or unpalatable (7%).

Conclusions

Adults and children using M laevigata syrup reported significant improvements in frequency, intensity, and impact of coughing on sleep. Besides, these patients highlighted the quick effect onset and the excellent tolerability.