HEALTH NEWS

Study Title:

Boswellia and Asthma

Study Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a combination of Boswellia serrata, licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Turmeric root (Curcuma longa) as natural leukotriene inhibitor, antiinflammatory and antioxidant products respectively in controlling bronchial asthma.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study comprised 63 patients with bronchial asthma that are further subdivided into two groups .Group 1 receiving oral capsule (combined herb) in a soft-gelatin capsule 3 times daily for 4weeks and group 2 receiving placebo. Plasma leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4))(,) nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured and pulmonary function was also assessed in all patients enrolled in the study.

RESULTS: There was a statistically significant decrease in the plasma levels of LTC(4), (MDA), and NO in target therapy group when compared with placebo group.

CONCLUSION: The used extract contained Boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa and Glycyrrhiza has a pronounced effect in the management of bronchial asthma.

Study Information

Houssen ME, Ragab A, Mesbah A, El-Samanoudy AZ, Othman G, Moustafa AF, Badria FA.
Natural anti-inflammatory products and leukotriene inhibitors as complementary therapy for bronchial asthma.
Clin Biochem
2010 July
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Beni Sueif, Beni Sueif 62514, Egypt.