Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the lungs and airways. When a person with asthma is exposed to a trigger such as dust, pollen or stress, the airways narrow making breathing difficult. Coughing and wheezing may occur. If you suffer from asthma, you can help prevent an asthma attack by avoiding known triggers. Your doctor will also give you medicines that help dilate the airways and reduce inflammation. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory effects, although they should never be used in place of conventional asthma treatments. Ask your doctor how to incorporate them into your asthma treatment program.
Examples and Administration
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that several herbs, including pycnogenol and forskolin, may help reduce inflammation and alleviate asthma symptoms. Pycnogenol comes from the bark of the French maritime pine tree and contains chemicals that may have anti-inflammatory effects. Forskolin is derived from the roots of a plant known as Plectranthus barbatus and is also used to treat heart conditions. UMMC suggests taking 1mg of a standardized extract of pycnogenol per pound of body weight up to a maximum of 200mg. Forskolin needs to be inhaled. Ask your doctor how much you should use and how to administer it.
Efficacy
Clinical studies to evaluate the role of pycnogenol in the treatment of asthma are limited. However, research by S. Hosseini et al published in the Winter 2001 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food" found that 22 of 26 patients with asthma responded favorably to pycnogenol compared to placebo. The authors also note that pycnogenol significantly reduced the presence of inflammatory chemicals. More up-to-date studies are lacking. Research by R. Gonzalez-Sanchez et al, published in the March 2006 issue of the "Journal of International Medical Research," found that forskolin is more effective than the anti-inflammatory drug, sodium cromoglycate, for preventing asthma attacks in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma.
Side Effects
RxList notes that forskolin is probably safe for most adults but adds that inhaling forskolin powder may cause cough, throat irritation and restlessness. It may also increase your risk of bleeding. MedlinePlus notes that taking up to 450mg of pycnogenol daily for up to six months is possibly safe, although it may cause headaches, dizziness and mouth ulcers.
Contraindications
Forskolin and pycnogenol are not suitable herbal remedies for all asthma sufferers. RxList notes that forskolin is unsuitable for people with blood pressure problems or bleeding disorders. It may also interact with several drugs including nitrates, anticoagulants and anti-hypertensive drugs. Do not use either herb if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid pycnogenol if you have an autoimmune disorder or if you are taking immunosuppressants.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Pine Bark Extract
- RxList: Forskolin
- PubMed.gov; Pycnogenol in the Management of Asthma; S. Hosseini et al; Winter 2001
- PubMed.gov; Forskolin Versus Sodium Cromoglycate for Prevention of Asthma Attacks: A Single-Blinded Clinical Trial; R. Gonzalez-Sanchez et al; March 2006
- MedlinePlus: Pycnogenol
