Vasaka (Adhatoda)
An Ayurvedic herb for cough and bronchitis whose alkaloid vasicine inspired the mucolytic drugs bromhexine and ambroxol. The drugs were studied; the herb itself was not.
Evidence last reviewed: August 2026
What the science says
- Cough and mucus clearance Limited evidence
Antitussive activity has been shown in animal models of mechanically and chemically induced coughing. There are no adequately designed randomised placebo-controlled trials of Adhatoda vasica extract in people with cough or bronchitis.
- Its derivatives are real medicines Moderate evidence
Vasicine from this plant was the starting point for bromhexine and ambroxol, semisynthetic mucoactive drugs with a clinical trial record reviewed in the respiratory literature. That record belongs to the purified drugs at defined doses, not to herbal vasaka preparations.
- Bronchodilator claims Limited evidence
A review of the botany, traditional uses and pharmacology of Adhatoda vasica describes bronchodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory and animal work. Human confirmation is missing.
Dosage & safety
Scientific references
- Adhatoda vasica (Nees.): A Review on its Botany, Traditional uses, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Toxicity
- Antitussive effect of Adhatoda vasica extract on mechanical or chemical stimulation-induced coughing in animals
- A reappraisal of the mucoactive activity and clinical efficacy of bromhexine
Where to buy
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