Comprehensive Review on Targeting Cough Reflex Pathways Using Plant-Based Therapeutics

Surekha Bharatsingh Barwal; Nagasubramanian Venkatasubramaniam; Margret Chandira Rajappa

Surekha Bharatsingh Barwal Research Scholar, Vinayaka Mission’s College of Pharmacy, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Deemed to be University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Nagasubramanian Venkatasubramaniam Research Scholar, Vinayaka Mission's College of Pharmacy, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (DU), Salem-636008
Margret Chandira Rajappa Professor and Head of Department, Department of Pharmaceutics, Vinayaka Mission’s College of Pharmacy, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Deemed to be University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords: Polyherbal Formulation, Antitussive, Traditional Medicine, Ethnopharmacology, Cough Reflex

Abstract

Cough hypersensitivity is a complex neurophysiological condition involving both peripheral sensory pathways and central neural processing and is often exacerbated in respiratory diseases. Despite the availability of synthetic antitussive agents, their limitations, including adverse effects and variable efficacy, necessitate the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Plant-based polyherbal formulations offer a promising multi-target approach due to their diverse phytochemical composition and synergistic pharmacological actions. This review explores the therapeutic potential of a formulation comprising Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), black pepper (Piper nigrum), ginger (Zingiber officinale), honey, Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), and Kantakari (Solanum xanthocarpum). These agents collectively modulate cough reflex pathways through anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, demulcent, antimicrobial, and bioavailability-enhancing mechanisms. The synergistic interplay of these constituents enables comprehensive management of cough by targeting airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, and neural hypersensitivity. This study underscores the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology to develop safe and effective antitussive therapies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/0019.5138.202669

How to cite this article:
Barwal S B, Venkatasubramaniam N, Rajappa M C. Comprehensive Review on Targeting Cough
Reflex Pathways Using Plant-Based Therapeutics. J Commun Dis. 2026;58(2):200-208.

Author Biography

Surekha Bharatsingh Barwal, Research Scholar, Vinayaka Mission’s College of Pharmacy, Vinayaka Mission’s Research Foundation, Deemed to be University, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India

Research Scholar

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