Herbal treatment in asthma and COPD – current evidence

Abstract

Asthma and COPD are chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases affecting millions of people worldwide and increasing in prevalence. Current treatment options for both conditions aim to alleviate symptoms, improve patient quality of life and prevent disease progression rather than cure the underlying condition itself. Treatments available to patients include anti-inflammatory therapies, bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids. While these treatments have been deemed effective at alleviating disease symptoms and exacerbations they are not without their limitations. Overuse of some therapies can induce adverse effects in some patients such as increased risk of developing pneumonia and cardiac co-morbidities. Along with the risks of side effects not all patients will respond to the current treatment options and therefore there is an unmet need for additional or alternative treatments for asthma and COPD. One such area showing good promise in providing an alternative or add-on therapy is that of phytomedicine. Phytomedicine is defined as a plant-based traditional medical practice that uses various plant materials in modalities considered both preventive and therapeutic. This review focuses on recent human clinical trials using plant-based medicines for the treatment of asthma and COPD.

Nigella sativaSupplementation Improves Asthma Control and Biomarkers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

“…Up to 79% of adult patients with asthma used different complementary and alternative treatments including herbal medicines, but the evidence for such treatments' effectiveness in asthma is very limited (Slader et al ., ). A review of plant‐based medicines used in asthma management found that the evidence is still unconvincing and there is a need for a proper scientific research to support the use of plant‐based medicines in asthma (Clarke et al ., ). Therefore, phytotherapy remains a commonly used but poorly investigated element of asthma treatment.…”

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“…It is possible that the bronchodilatory effects of compounds such as N. sativa could be enhanced if formulated as inhaled therapy with delivery of the active compounds directly to the airway. [8] Tianjiu therapy in Sanfu days Zhu et al studied the effect of Tianjiu therapy in Snafu days for treatment of asthmatic children. Tianjiu therapy in Sanfu days is a classic prevention treatment for asthma [37] Sanfu Days means the three hottest days in a year, which are calculated by ancient calendar.…”

“…[36] Atropine remains a treatment of cardiac bradyarrhythmias, and has been used successfully in the treatment of conditions such as amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. [8] Various phytomedicines for treating asthma are available. These are Oregano, GinkoBiloba, Ginger, Garlic, Slippery Elm, Liquorice, Turmeric, Lemongrass, Stinging Nettle, and Bishop's Weed.…”

“…It exerts a strong antispasmodic effect on the inflamed bronchioles, which in turn relieves asthma symptoms. [8] The various remedies for COPD are Omega 3 having beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, Essential amino acids, which are basically building block of protein improves cognitive function, quality of life, and muscle strength, especially in underweight people, antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and E, Essential oils such as Myrtol, Eucalyptus oil, and Orange oil that can reduce airway inflammation, zatariamultiflora.…”

“…[8] The word "Phyto" derives from the Greek means plant; hence, it means plant-based medicine. Phytomedicine is rooted in scientific research.…”