Cowslip (Primula veris) as a tool for helping with Respiratory support

This systematic literature review with expert interviews assessed mechanistic evidence for herbal treatments of acute uncomplicated respiratory tract infections, including the fixed combination of ivy (Hedera helix), primrose (Primula veris/elatior) and thyme. The combination provides secretolytic and spasmolytic effects from ivy with antibacterial effects from thyme, supporting expectorant use in upper respiratory tract infections.

Three new triterpene saponins (primulasaponins III-V) were isolated from the roots of Bulgarian Primula veris together with the known primulasaponin I. The root saponin fraction showed anti-biofilm activity, consistent with the expectorant and antimicrobial use of cowslip root in respiratory preparations.

Primula veris and Primula elatior are medicinal plants used for herbal teas and preparations with antioxidant and expectorant activity. Flowers and roots of both species were analysed for phenolic content, with roots rich in saponins and the raw materials showing notable antioxidant activity, supporting their use in respiratory preparations.

The first liquid-chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of the bioactive saponins and phenolic glycosides in Primula elatior and Primula veris (primula root) was developed using evaporative light scattering detection and mass spectrometry, enabling quality control of the expectorant primula root drug.