Indian Ipecac

Botanical

What is it

Indian ipecac (Tylophora indica, also known as Tylophora asthmatica) is a climbing plant native to India whose leaves and roots have a history of use in Ayurveda for asthma and respiratory complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Asthma symptoms (traditional and small clinical studies)

Mixed Evidence

Older small trials suggested possible benefit for asthma symptoms. Modern controlled evidence is limited and side effect concerns limit use.

How it works

The plant contains tylophorine and related alkaloids that have immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory, and bronchodilator effects in laboratory and animal studies. Small clinical trials from the 1970s-1990s suggested possible improvement in asthma symptoms. It has emetic and immunosuppressive properties at higher doses, hence the 'ipecac' name. Modern controlled human evidence is limited.

Dosage

Traditional doses range from 0.2-1 g of dried leaf daily. Some trials used standardized leaf extracts at low milligram doses.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations are taken in small doses for limited periods due to side effects. Not suitable for long-term self-use.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Leaf or root powder

Traditional Ayurvedic preparation.

Variable

Safety

Side effects include nausea, vomiting, and mouth soreness. High doses can be immunosuppressive. Long-term safety is not well established. It should not be confused with American ipecac (Cephaelis ipecacuanha), which is a different plant historically used as an emetic.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People on asthma medications should not replace prescribed treatment with Tylophora; discuss any use with a clinician.

Interactions

Potential additive effects with immunosuppressive medications and bronchodilators. Limited specific data.

Frequently asked questions

Is Indian ipecac the same as American ipecac?⌄

No. They are different plants. American ipecac (Cephaelis) was used as an emetic. Indian ipecac (Tylophora) is a different plant with different alkaloids.

Can I use it for asthma?⌄

Do not replace prescribed asthma treatment with Tylophora. Discuss with your clinician if you are considering it as an adjunct.

References

Indian Ipecac on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Indian Ipecac (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.