Ivy is an evergreen climbing plant from the Araliaceae family, used as a botanical raw material in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and herbal industries. The species is botanically accepted as Hedera helix L. ,
The plant develops long, flexible stems that can reach up to 20–30 metres. Its leaves are leathery, dark green, and may be lobed or oval depending on the shoot type. Ivy grows on trees, rocks, walls, shaded sites, parks, and woodland habitats.
In Bulgaria, ivy is widely distributed. The leaves are the main plant part used and are valued as a raw material for respiratory support products, botanical extracts, and specialised cosmetic formulations.
Basic Information
- Latin name: Hedera helix L.
- Part used: leaves (Folia Hederae helicis)
- Origin: Bulgaria
- Raw material type: wild-harvested
- Harvest period: spring and summer, when the leaves are fully developed
Herb Characteristics
Ivy is a resilient evergreen climbing plant with abundant leafy growth. The leaves are firm, leathery, and aromatic, and are collected when fresh, fully developed, and rich in saponins.
The raw material is dried in well-ventilated rooms or drying facilities at low temperature to preserve the quality of its active plant constituents. Ivy leaf is a recognised pharmaceutical raw material and is covered by a European herbal monograph. ,
Chemical Composition
- triterpene saponins
- hederasaponins
- flavonoids
- organic acids
- phytosterols
- essential components
Triterpene saponins are among the most characteristic constituents of ivy leaf. Scientific sources identify compounds such as hederacoside C and α-hederin among the characteristic components of Hedera helix. ,
Suitable for the Production of
- syrups
- dry extracts
- liquid extracts
- botanical extracts
- herbal and pharmaceutical products
- respiratory support products
- formulations for productive cough
- cosmetic products for skin toning
- specialised cosmetic formulations
- herbal blends with supportive use
Medicinal Properties and Effects on the Body
Ivy is traditionally associated with the following properties:
- expectorant action
- anti-inflammatory activity
- spasmolytic activity
- use in respiratory support products
- use in syrups and botanical extracts
- use in formulations for productive cough
- use in cosmetic products for skin toning
In pharmaceutical practice, ivy leaf is mainly used in finished products for the respiratory system. The European Medicines Agency describes ivy leaf preparations as expectorants used for productive cough. ,
Important Notice
Ivy contains active saponins and should be used only in products developed in accordance with applicable safety requirements. The raw material is not intended for uncontrolled self-use. Dosage and application depend on the type and intended purpose of the final product.
Forms Available
Available as:
- leaves (Folia Hederae helicis) – whole dried, crushed, cut to custom size, or powdered
Quality and Documentation
Upon request, the following may be provided:
- Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- technical documentation
- additional documents upon request
Inquiry
Contact us for current availability, samples, and a quotation based on the required quantities, preferred processing form, and raw material specifications.
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