Natural anti-inflammatory products and leukotriene inhibitors as complementary therapy for bronchial asthma.

OBJECTIVE

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

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.

CONCLUSIONS

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