Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes breathing problems, coughing and wheezing. It occurs when the airways become inflamed and constricted in response to an internal or external trigger, for example, stress, dust and environmental pollutants. Asthma is usually managed with medicines that reduce inflammation and relax the lungs and airways. An antioxidant known as resveratrol might also play a role in the treatment of asthma, although evidence to support its use is limited. Do not take resveratrol in place of your asthma medicines and get medical advice before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Resveratrol is a compound most commonly found in the skins of red grapes, although peanuts and mulberries also contain resveratrol. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, it might play a role in the treatment of many conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer and atherosclerosis. It also has inhibits the production of inflammatory chemicals implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and asthma.
Administration
Resveratrol is usually administered in capsules or tablets, although you may obtain minimal quantities from eating red grapes or drinking red wine. Mississippi Baptist Health Systems states that the optimal therapeutic dose of resveratrol has not been established, but adds that on the basis of findings from animal studies, a reasonable therapeutic dosage might be about 500 mg daily.
Effectiveness
Clinical evidence showing that resveratrol is useful in the treatment of asthma is limited. However, an article by L. G. Wood and colleagues, published in the November 2010 issue of "Antioxidants and Redox Signaling" states that it might have a protective role in the treatment of respiratory disease and adds that its potential as a therapeutic agent in respiratory disease should be investigated further. The results of an animal-based study published in the April 2009 issue of "International Immunopharmacology" show that it reduces airway inflammation and mucus secretion. The authors conclude that it might play a role in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
Safety Considerations
Resveratrol might have effects similar to the hormone estrogen and is, therefore, contraindicated in people with hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer. Also avoid resveratrol if you are taking anti-platelet drugs as it may heighten their effects and increase the risk of bleeding. Get medical advice before using resveratrol alongside your current medications.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asthma
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Resveratrol
- Mississppi Baptist Health Systems: Resveratrol
- "Antioxidants and Redox Signaling"; Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Resveratrol in Airway Disease; L.G. Wood, et al.; November 2010
- "International Immunopharmacology"; Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Asthmatic Effects of Resveratrol, a Polyphenolic Stilbene, in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma; M. Lee.; April 2009
