Ambroxol, also known as Trans-4-(2-amino-3,5-dibromobenzylamino)-cyclohexanol (ABX), is a chemical compound with mucolytic properties used to treat pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and cystic fibrosis. It enhances mucus clearance in the respiratory tract. Recent studies have suggested its broad therapeutic potential, including analgesic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects in various clinical contexts. This study aimed to systematically identify research trends and critical points in the pharmacological activities of ambroxol hydrochloride in experimental models. A bibliometric review was conducted, retrieving 24 publications from the Web of Science and Scopus databases without temporal restrictions, using appropriate English keywords. The quality of the publications was assessed using impact metrics, productivity, term density mapping, and author network analysis. The average publication rate was 0.7 articles per year, with significant growth starting in the 2000s, a notable increase between 2016 and 2020, and a peak in 2021 with 5 articles published. China was the country with the highest number of publications. The primary field of publication was medicine (33.3%), and the journals with the best metrics were Intensive Care and Clinical and Experimental Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified a complex network of 77 terms, divided into 4 clusters. Co-authorship analysis revealed 139 authors, divided into 21 clusters, with the largest cluster connecting 24 authors. A scarcity of publications addressing the pleiotropic effects of ambroxol in experimental models was observed. This bibliometric review highlights the need for further research in this field to explore new therapeutic approaches and possibilities, leveraging the potential effects of this drug.

Background/Objectives: Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent widely used in the treatment of respiratory diseases; however, evidence in the literature indicates anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory properties, suggesting potential for therapeutic repositioning. This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ambroxol in an experimental model of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: Adult male Wistar rats underwent OA induction on day zero (D0) by sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA) injection and were allocated into the following groups: Healthy, negative control (CTRL−), and groups treated with meloxicam (2 mg/kg) or ambroxol (10, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally (gavage) once daily for 28 days. Behavioral tests were performed, including rotarod, walkway gait analysis, weight-bearing, Von Frey, and Rat Grimace Scale assessments, along with radiographic and histopathological analyses and quantification of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Results: Ambroxol treatment improved nociceptive parameters and motor function, reduced radiographic and histopathological scores, and showed performance comparable to meloxicam in several tests. There was a marked reduction in IL-1β and IL-6 levels, while IL-10 levels were lower in ambroxol-treated groups, suggesting early control of the inflammatory response. Conclusions: The results indicate that ambroxol exhibits antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions and suggest a potential chondroprotective effect, reinforcing its viability as a candidate for therapeutic repositioning in osteoarthritis. Further studies are required to more precisely elucidate its mechanisms of action, define optimal dosing and treatment duration, and support translation to clinical models.

Background/Objective: This study evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of ambroxol in an experimental model of endometriosis. Methods: Ambroxol was administered at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg (Abx 10, Abx 50, and Abx 100) by daily gavage for 21 days. A medroxyprogesterone-treated group (Progesterone) was included as a positive control. Pain was assessed using validated behavioral tests, including the Rat Grimace Scale (RGS), the von Frey test, and the rotarod test. Additionally, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels and total leukocyte counts were measured in peritoneal lavage fluid. The volumetric reduction in endometriotic implants was evaluated by ultrasonography, while histopathological analysis characterized inflammatory infiltrate and epithelial layer integrity using a standardized scoring system. Results: All ambroxol doses reduced spontaneous pain manifestations throughout the treatment. The mechanical withdrawal threshold significantly increased from the second week onward, and motor quality improved over the course of the study. A significant reduction in IL-1β levels compared with the negative control (Control(−)) was observed on day 21. Abx 50 and Abx 100 significantly reduced implant volumes (48.2% and 56.2%, respectively) and promoted marked disruption of the endometriotic epithelial layer. When compared with Progesterone, higher doses—particularly 100 mg/kg—demonstrated comparable efficacy. Conclusions: Taken together, these pleiotropic effects support the potential for drug repurposing in endometriosis.