Aerosol-generating element for use in an aerosol-generating article or system

There is provided an aerosol-generating element for use in an aerosol-generating article or system. The aerosol-generating element comprises: a solid continuous matrix structure; and an aerosol-generating formulation dispersed within the solid continuous matrix structure. The aerosol-generating formulation is trapped within the solid continuous matrix structure and releasable from the solid continuous matrix structure upon heating of the aerosol-generating element. The solid continuous matrix structure is a polymer matrix comprising one or more matrix- forming polymers, and the aerosol-generating formulation dispersed within the solid continuous matrix structure comprises at least one alkaloid or cannabinoid compound and at least 30 percent by weight of a polyhydric alcohol.