About Prospan® 

75 Years of Excellence

1950

Launch of Prospan® Ivy Leaf Cough Drops

Engelhard introduced Prospan® as the first ready-to-use ivy leaf extract cough remedy. This development was inspired by Karl Engelhard’s quest to find an effective treatment for his daughter Gloria’s severe whooping cough. His research led to the formulation of Prospan®, marking a significant advancement in herbal medicine.

1991

Market launch of Prospan® cough syrup

Building on the success of the original formulation, Engelhard developed an alcohol- and sugar-free version of Prospan® syrup. This innovation made the product more suitable for children and expanded its appeal in both domestic and international markets.

1993

Where Prospan’s MENA Legacy Began

Prospan® made its exciting debut in the MENA region in 1993, starting in Bahrain. From there,it expanded across the region—reaching Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Yemen, Oman, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Palestine , Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Algeria and Syria.This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that continues to grow stronger every year.

2003

Discovery of Alpha-Hederin’s Mechanism of Action

Engelhard’s scientific team identified the mechanism of action of alpha-hederin, the active compound in ivy extract. This discovery provided a scientific basis for Prospan®’s efficacy and reinforced its position in phytotherapy.

2019

Recommendation in the cough guidelines for adults

Thanks to successful clinical studies, Prospan® is recommended in the current guideline for the treatment of acute cough in adults¹.

2025

75th Anniversary of Prospan®

Thanks to successful clinical studies, Prospan® is recommended in the current guideline for the treatment of acute cough in adults¹.

What makes Prospan®  the right choice against coughs?

Prospan®  cough preparations stand out from others as they are produced using an individual and unique manufacturing process. This exclusive process results in the unique Prospan®  Special-Ivy-Extract EA 575®, whose individual characteristics can be compared to a fingerprint.
Thanks to its pneumoactive formula®, the special extract is able to effectively treat complex cough-related processes. Prospan® liquefies the sticky mucus trapped in the bronchi, allowing it to be coughed up more easily and thus removed from the body. As a result of the relaxant effect on the bronchi, constricted airways are widened, enabling you to breathe more freely again.
Prospan®  cough preparations are effective and especially well tolerated. Compared to various other cough preparations, Prospan®  is very versatile. It can be used not only for acute forms of cough, but also for chronic, inflammatory bronchial conditions. An additional advantage of Prospan®  is its broad product range. You’ll find a solution to match every age segment.

Ivy as a phytoactive ingredient

For centuries now, people have been relying on the healing power of ivy to treat inflammatory bronchial conditions. Today, in modern phytomedicine, ivy is used as a medication for the effective treatment of coughing. The full extent of its capabilities is the subject of continuous research, however, and new studies are providing more and more details.

The important active ingredients of ivy are the saponins. Where and how they act is the subject of current research. Scientists have discovered, for example, that the dilating effect that these saponins have on the bronchi also depends on their concentration.

The exact composition and production of an ivy extract can therefore have an influence on its actual effectiveness. Prospan®  cough preparations stand out from others as they are produced using an individual and unique manufacturing process. This exclusive process results in the unique Prospan®  Special-Ivy-Extract EA 575®, whose individual characteristics can be compared to a fingerprint.

Research

More than 75 years’ experience in basic research, continuous advancement and innovative perspectives – Engelhard Arzneimittel applies these strengths for the benefit of its patients. The focus is on producing particularly well-tolerated medicines and medical devices, whose effect, strength, and form of administration are all geared towards patients’ individual needs.

Know where it comes from – our quality assurance starts long before completion of the end product.

References

1.Kardos, P. et al., Guideline of the German Society of Pneumology and Respiratory Medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with cough. Pneumologie 2019, 73: 143–180.

2.Cough market worldwide (IQVIA Global OTC Insights, R5C Expectorants, excluding combinations with antitussives + O1A3 Dry cough products + O1A4 Expectorants + O1A5 Dry cough and expectorant products, sales, data as of MAT 12/2021).