Herbs Treat Asthma 1

Herbal Supplements Treating Asthma

Heather Michel

McDaniel College

Dr. Weiner

Nutrition EPE 535

July 18, 2014

Herbs Treat Asthma 2

Herbal Supplements Treating Asthma

The word asthma comes from the Greek word for "panting." About 20 million Americans

have asthma, including 9 million children. In fact, asthma is the most common chronic childhood

illness. About half of all cases develop before the age of 10, and many children with asthma also

have allergies. Asthma can either be allergic or non-allergic. In allergic asthma, an allergic

reaction to an inhaled irritant -- pet dander, pollen, dust mites -- triggers an attack. The immune

system springs into action, but instead of helping, it causes inflammation. This is the most

common form of asthma. Non-allergic asthma does not involve the immune system. Attacks can

be triggered by stress, anxiety, cold air, smoke, or a virus. Some people have symptoms only

when they exercise, a condition known as exercise-induced asthma. Descriptions of asthma differ

significantly, depending on the medical perspective. According to NIH, the National Institute of

Health, (2012), “Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma

causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing, often at

night or early in the morning. Asthma has no cure. Even when you feel fine, you still have the

disease and it can flare up at any time. The exact cause of asthma isn't known. Researchers think

some genetic and environmental factors interact to cause asthma, most often early in life.” Most

of the descriptions by Western-thought organizations are similar to that of NIH. However,

according to RCHM, the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine, (1987), “Asthma is a respiratory

disorder characterized by constriction and inflammation of the air passages. Symptoms of asthma

include wheezing, coughing, breathing difficulty, and/or tightness in the chest.” In this case,

asthma is reduced from a chronic disease with no cure to a disorder with symptoms. In light of

insufficient Western knowledge and treatment options of asthma, many people are looking to

Herbs Treat Asthma 3

herbal supplements to help clear up their ailment. Chinese Herbs for Healing (2012) states,

“Chinese medicine believes that the root cause lies in deficiency combined with underlying

chronic phlegm in lung… and adverse rising of lung Qi, which in turn induce these symptoms

and signs. Clinically it divides into the attack stage and chronic remission stage (symptom-free

for very long periods), in which different herbs for asthma should be used respectively.”

The status of herbs changed in the United States with the passage of Dietary Supplement

Health and Education Act of 1994(DSHEA). This law created a new category called "Dietary

Supplements" which includes herbs. These substances are not food additives, nor are they drugs.

It allows manufacturers to publish more complete directions for use than previously allowed

including warnings, contraindications, and side effects. The act also allows manufacturers to

publish limited information regarding the benefits in the form of "Statements of Nutritional

Support" as well as "Structure and Function Claims" (Bass & Young, 1996). Asthma sufferers

may lessen their need for chemical treatments, prescription medications (steroids), and inhalers

through lifestyle and dietary changes and nutritional supplements. According to the RCHM

(1987), “There is a growing body of research which indicates that traditional uses of plant

remedies and the known pharmacological activity of plant constituents often coincide. However,

herbal medicine is distinct from medicine based on pharmaceutical drugs. Firstly, because of the

complexity of plant materials, it is far more balanced than medicine based on isolated active

ingredients and is far less likely to cause side-effects. Secondly, because herbs are typically

prescribed in combination, the different components of a formulae balance each other, and they

undergo a mutual synergy which increases efficacy and enhances safety. Thirdly, herbal

medicine seeks primarily to correct internal imbalances rather than to treat symptoms alone, and

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therapeutic intervention is designed to encourage this self-healing process. The RCHM believes

that Chinese herbal medicine has a role to play in the treatment of respiratory conditions,

including asthma, bronchitis, and chronic coughs, allergic and perennial rhinitis and sinusitis. In

their chronic forms, they create great difficulty for conventional medicine, whilst Chinese Herbal

Medicine has a great deal to offer.” TCM, Traditional Chinese Medicine, is not the only herbal

option for asthma patients. There are nutrients and plant parts used by many cultures around the

world throughout the ages, though some of them are included in TCM as well.

Black Seed was said to be “a remedy for everything except death” by the Islamic prophet

Muhammed (SAWS). In Arab cultures, it is known as Habbatul barakah, meaning the "seed of

blessing." According to GreenMedInfo.com (2013), "The seeds of the annual flowering plant,

Nigella Sativa, have been prized for their healing properties since time immemorial. While

frequently referred to among English-speaking cultures as Roman coriander, black sesame, black

cumin, black caraway and onion seed, it is known today primarily as Black Seed, which is at the

very least an accurate description of its physical appearance. The earliest record of its cultivation

and use come from ancient Egypt. Black Seed oil, in fact, was found in Egyptian pharaoh

Tutankhamun's tomb, dating back to approximately 3,300 years ago.” Black Seed's medicinal use

has a very rich traditional history that goes beyond ancient Eygptian and Biblical times. Some

sources suggest that a biblical reference to it is noted in the Old Testament (Isaiah 28: 25, 27).

Research suggests that it was used as early as the 5th century B.C. by Hippocrates and by Pliny

the Elder and Dioscorides. For centuries, the Black Seed herb and oil have been used by millions

of people in Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa to complement their health. Highly

aromatic and spicy, this tiny seed and its fixed oil is used for a variety of supportive health

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benefits to help restore the natural balance of the body's vital organs and strengthen its natural

defenses. Black Seed is grown in various countries and therefore known by many names such as

Black Cumin (Egypt), Black Caraway (Turkey), Kalonji (India/Pakistan), Habbatul Baraka or the

Blessed Seed (Middle East), among others. Ever since its introduction to the United States in the

late 1980's, it has been commonly referred to as 'Black Seed' or 'Black Cumin' and often used as

a spice in traditional Indian, Pakistani, Middle Eastern and Persian cuisines.

Historically, Black Seed has been used for headache, toothache, nasal congestion,

intestinal worms, “pink eye”, abscesses, and parasites. Today, Black Seed is used for treating

digestive tract conditions including gas, colic, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and

hemorrhoids. It is also used for respiratory conditions including asthma, allergies, cough,

bronchitis, emphysema, flu, swine flu, and congestion. Other uses include lowering blood

pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, treating cancer, and boosting the immune system. Women

use Black Seed for birth control, to start menstruation, and to increase milk flow. Traditionally, it

has been used to bolster vitality, aid digestion, respiratory, kidney, liver, inflammatory and

circulatory support. While it is remarkable that this seed has the ability to positively modulate so

many different biological pathways, this is actually a rather common occurrence among

traditional plant medicines (Ji, 2013). According to WebMD, there is some scientific evidence to

suggest that Black Seed might help boost the immune system and lessen allergic reactions by

acting as an antihistamine, but there isn't enough information in humans yet. Others assert that

many of Black Seed's traditionally ascribed health benefits have been thoroughly confirmed in

the biomedical literature. The first modern study on Black Seed was published in 1959, and since

then, hundreds of studies at international universities and articles published in various journals

Herbs Treat Asthma 6

have shown remarkable results supporting the benefits and uses of Black Seed alone or combined

with other complimentary herbs. In fact, since 1964, there have been 458 published, peer-

reviewed studies referencing it. The benefits of Black Seed have been known for centuries by

millions throughout the world, but recent studies suggest that two of the primary active

ingredients in Black Seed, Nigellone and Thymoquinone, may relax breathing passageways and

provide support for the respiratory tract. Amazingly Black Seed's chemical composition is very

rich and diverse. It contains the phytochemicals thymoquinone and crystalline nigellone as well

as anti-oxidants, amino acids, proteins, carbohydrates, fixed oils (EFA's 3/6/9), volatile oils,

alkaloids, saponin, and fiber, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, sodium and potassium.

There are still many components in Black Seed that haven't been identified and research is going

on around the world to help shed more light into this remarkable little seed, according to Goreja

(2013).

There was a study led by Asim (2010) to evaluate the effects of Black Seed oil (BSO) on

ovalbumin (OVA) induced acute lung remodelling in E3 inbred rats. “Administration of BSO

significantly reduced the level of allergen-induced lung remodelling. The effect of BSO on lung

remodelling is probably mediated by the inhibition of arginase pathways and the expression of

Edn1, MMP3 and growth factors. Our findings suggest that BSO might have useful implications

in the treatment and future research into allergen-induced lung remodelling.” According to a

study led by Shahzad (2009) to examine the effect of Black Seed oil as an immunomodulator in a

rat model of allergic airway inflammation, “rats sensitized to ovalbumin and challenged

intranasally with ovalbumin to induce an allergic inflammatory response were compared to

ovalbumin-sensitized, intranasally ovalbumin-exposed rats pretreated with intraperitoneally

Herbs Treat Asthma 7

administered black seed oil and to control rats… In conclusion, black seed oil exhibited a

significant reduction in all the markers of allergic inflammation mainly by inhibiting the delayed

type hypersensitivity and T-cell proliferation. The data suggests that inhibition of T-cell response

may be responsible for immunomodulatory effect of black seed oil in the rat model of allergic

airway inflammation.” GreenMedInfo carries a study led by Boskabady (2010) showing that

Nigella sativa has potent antiasthmatic properties. The antiasthmatic (bronchodilatory) effect of

the boiled extract of Nigella sativa in the airways of asthmatic patients was examined, and the

results of the study showed that Nigella sativa has a relatively potent antiasthmatic effect on

asthmatic airways. “Thymoquinone, one of the main active constituents within Nigella sativa

(black cumin), is superior to the drug fluticasone in an animal model of asthma. Another study,

this time in human subjects, found that boiled water extracts of black seed have relatively potent

antiasthmatic effect on asthmatic airways." (Ji, 2013)

In Chinese medicine, Reishi is reported to help strengthen the lungs. Reishi mushroom is

a strong anti-inflammatory and immune regulating herb. Whole Reishi mushrooms can be used

in foods; otherwise you can use Reishi in the form of a concentrated herbal tincture. (Rouse,

2013) Red Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum), commonly known as Ling Zhi in Chinese, is an herbal

mushroom known to have miraculous health benefits. It is non-toxic and can be taken daily

without producing any side effects. When it is taken regularly, it can restore the body to its

natural state, enabling all organs to function normally. Red Reishi is primarily composed of

water-soluble polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates), triterpeniods (ganoderic acids), and

amino acids (proteins). Preliminary studies indicated that ganoderic acids help alleviate common

allergies by inhibiting histamine release, improve oxygen utilization and improve liver functions.

Herbs Treat Asthma 8

Triterpenes are bitter in taste, and the level of the triterpene content contained in a product can be

determined by the bitterness. Regular consumption of red Reishi can enhance a body's immune

system and improve blood circulation, thus improving health conditions. A considerable number

of studies in Japan, China, USA, and the UK in the past 30 years have shown that the

consumption of red Reishi has been linked to the treatment of a vast range of diseases, common

ailments, and conditions. (Rouse, 2013) From asthma to zoster, the applications of red Reishi

seem to be related to a multitude of body organs and systems. Generally, Reishi is recommended

as an adaptogen, immune modulator, and a general tonic. Red Reishi is also used to help treat

anxiety, high blood pressure, hepatitis, bronchitis, insomnia, and asthma. The role of Red Reishi

in maintaining a healthy lifestyle can best be explained through the Traditional Chinese

Medicine (TCM) point of view because none of the known active components taken alone is as

effective as the consumption of Reishi itself. Reishi is an important adaptogenic herb in TCM in

helping the body maintain this balance and also restore the balance when one is sick.

Another possible treatment for asthma is tangerine peels. The major scientific study

published in the 2004 issue of "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" shows that

tangerine peels have more powerful health benefits than the juice and could have significant

potential for lowering cholesterol in people. Reporting on the study, Science Daily explains that

the peels were found to contain 20 times the antioxidants in juice. Antioxidants are chemical

substances that neutralize the oxygen damage that can occur in human tissue. The high

concentration of antioxidants in tangerine peel leads many natural health proponents and others

to view the peel as a weapon in the fight against cancer (Crawford, 2014). Current thinking

among scientific researchers is that antioxidants may protect human cells from damage caused

Herbs Treat Asthma 9

by molecules called free radicals. That damage may lead to cancer. Thus, antioxidants may stop

cancer from developing. Mao Shing Ni, a doctor of Chinese medicine, of Ask Dr. Mao,

recommends the use of tangerine peel in tea and cooking. The list of health benefits includes

aiding digestion, easing morning sickness in pregnant women and curing motion sickness. Other

benefits include balancing blood sugar, activating liver detoxification, treating colds and flu and

relieving stress.

Radish and turnip seeds make up Lai Fu Zi in Chinese Herbal Medicine. It descends lung

qi and reduces phlegm, thereby eliminating chronic cough or wheezing due to excess syndromes.

Its healing ability is so powerful and instant that ancient herbalists often compare its efficacy to

the force that can collapse the walls. Zhang Xi Chun, the famous physician in 19th century, was

full of praise for this herb and believed that it should be good at transforming qi, instead of

breaking qi as it had widely been thought to be. “In experiments radish seed extract has

mitigatory but sustained antihypertensive effect, which is stable, reproducible and with no

obvious toxicity and side effects. It destroys bacteria, eliminates phlegm, relieves cough,

prevents asthma, improves urinary function, lowers cholesterol, prevents arteriosclerosis, and so

on. Ancient herbalists believe that it shouldn’t be used along with ginseng as it would undermine

the power of reinforcing deficiency. For the same reason, it can neutralize the abdominal

distention caused by ginseng. However, experimental studies have shown that the combination of

them had no influence on increasing mice’s anti-fatigue, anti-anoxia and anti-stress effects.”

(Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1996, 5:300)

Wikipedia says White mustard (Sinapis alba) is an annual plant of the family

Brassicaceae. Grown for its seeds, for mustard, as fodder crop, or as a green manure, it is now

Herbs Treat Asthma 10

widespread worldwide, although it probably originated in the Mediterranean region. Like other

Brassicas, mustard seeds contain plentiful amounts of phytonutrients called glucosinolates. The

seeds also contain myrosinase enzymes that can break apart the glucosinolates into other

phytonutrients called isothiocyanates. The isothiocyanates in mustard seed (and other Brassicas)

have been repeatedly studied for their anti-cancer effects. (Wikipedia, n.d.) Mustard Seeds

(2014) says, “Mustard seeds emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of

selenium, a nutrient which has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some

of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. They also qualified as a good

source of magnesium. Like selenium, magnesium has been shown to help reduce the severity of

asthma, to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty

with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent

heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease. Mustard seeds

also qualified as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids and manganese as well as a good

source of phosphorus, copper, and vitamin B1.” The physicians of both ancient Greek and

ancient Roman civilizations, including the father of medicine Hippocrates, used mustard seed

medicinally. Mustard seed is not a commonly allergenic food and is not known to contain

measurable amounts of oxalates or purines. According to WebMD (2014), people take white

mustard for “clearing the voice,” preventing infection, causing vomiting, increasing urine flow

(as a diuretic) to relieve water retention, and increasing the appetite. Some people apply white

mustard directly to the affected area for cough and colds, chest congestion, bronchitis, swollen

joints, arthritis-like pain (rheumatism), osteoarthritis, back pain (lumbago), and sore mouth and

throat. It is sometimes used in a bath to treat paralysis.

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Chinese Honey Locust Fruit (Gleditsiae Fructus), or Zao Jia(o) in Chinese, warms and

resolves cold-phlegm and stops cough. Though it is warm, it tastes acrid and slightly toxic. The

fruit is used to treat phlegm obstruction in the lungs causing cough, chest congestion, dyspnea,

and sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate. It also clears phlegm to open the orifices, clears

heat toxin, and shrinks swelling according to Leung (n.d.). It breaks up phlegm nodules and

helps alleviate coughing with copious but difficult to expectorate sputum by strongly dispelling

phlegm, dissipating clumps, and reducing swellings according to YinYangHouse.com.

Ephedrae Herba disseminates and facilitates the Lung qi, calms wheezing, and stops

coughing due to wind-cold obstructing the Lungs. The acrid, dispersing action of Ephedrae

Herba (má huáng) opens up the Lungs to disseminate and facilitate the Lung qi, and thus

alleviate coughs and calm wheezing. The herb both encourages the Lung qi to flow more easily

and directs it downward. It is important for treating either externally-contracted or internally

generated wheezing. It is also used for deep-rooted toxic sores without a head caused by

localized accumulation of dampness (or phlegm) and cold, which prevents nourishment from

reaching the area, and thereby causing a breakdown in the tissues. Combined with herbs that

restore nourishment, the warm, dispersing nature of Ephedrae Herba (má huáng) can be

instrumental in breaking up the congealing of the gathered yin pathogens, thus allowing

nourishment to reach the area and repair the tissues. Finally, it can be added to external

medications for the specific purpose of opening the pores to allow the medication to be absorbed

more quickly (Bensky, 2004).

Astragalus could also have benefits against allergic asthma. Based on the SloanKettering

Cancer Center, studies on mice indicate that astragalus may inhibit airway hyper-reactivity that

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happens in cases of allergic asthma. An animal study utilizing the traditional Chinese Uighur

asthma medicine Ravan Napas demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and immune-

modulatory effects (compared to the control group) in the asthmatic rats. This formula used A.

mongholicus in combination with hyssop, fennel, safflower, turnip mustard, mallow, red date,

and tienshan violet. (Abdureyim, 2011) In Lin’s clinical study (2011) of astragalus's preventing

the recurrence of asthma in children, the clinical efficacy of astragalus's preventing the

recurrence and regulatory effects on Th1/Th2 cytokines in asthmatic children during the

remission stage was measured. “Ninety asthmatic children during the remission stage were

assigned to the astragalus treatment group (Group A), the hormone treatment group (Group B),

and the combined group of astragalus and hormone treatment (Group C), 30 in each. Thirty

healthy children were set up as the control group. The changes of peak expiratory flow rate

(PEFR) before and after treatment and the recurrence times during the one-year follow-up were

observed. Peripheral serum contents of immunoreactive fibronectin-gamma (IFN-gamma) and

interleukin-4 (IL-4) were detected before and after treatment using ELISA. Astragalus played a

role in preventing the recurrence of asthma. The combination of astragalus and hormones

showed better effects.”

The Fritillaria bulb clears heat, transforms phlegm, and stops many types of cough

(chronic, yin-deficient, difficult to expectorate phlegm, blood streaked sputum). It is best for

cough with stifling sensation in the chest and upper abdomen (constrained qi). “Fritillaria refers

to the bulb (corm) of Fritillaria cirrhosa or Fritillaria thunbergii of the Lily Family (Lilaceae).

The Chinese name, Bei Mu, refers to the appearance of the bulb being similar to that of the

cowry shell (bei) of which the plant is the source (mu = mother). Chuan Bei Mu is the smaller

Herbs Treat Asthma 13

fritillaria bulb from the Chuan province. Also in this category is Zhe Bei Mu which is the larger

bulb from Zhe province. Fritillaria cirrhosa, known as Chuan Bei Mu (chuan = from Sichuan

Province) has a very small corm which is considered superior, in terms of medicinal benefits, to

that from Fritillaria thunbergii (Zhe Bei Mu; mainly from Zhejiang Province) which has a larger

corm. Due to the difficulty and high cost of collecting a large number of plants to get an

adequate quantity of small bulbs for Fritillaria cirrhosa, Fritillaria thunbergii has become

extensively utilized as a substitute, though it is said to have slightly different applications.

Today, virtually all supplies of fritillaria are cultivated; limited collection of wild Chuan Bei Mu

still takes place in Tibet and Yunnan.” (Dharmananda, 2001) An early proponent of using

fritillaria in phlegm-resolving formulas was Gong Tingxian who wrote Wanbing Huichun (1587

A.D.), which presented many of his prescriptions. Among his fritillaria-containing formulas that

are still used today, particularly in Japan and Taiwan (Hong-Yen, 1980), are Qingfei Tang

(Platycodon and Fritillaria Combination) and Gualou Zhishi Tang (Trichosanthes and Chih-shih

Combination).

“Boswellia (also known as Salai guggal) is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic

medicine, a traditional Indian system of health care. In one double-blind, placebo-controlled

study, people who took boswellia had fewer attacks and improved lung function. Boswellia may

help leukotreine modifiers work better. However, more research is needed. People who take

medication to lower their cholesterol, or people who take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

(NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) should talk to their doctor before taking boswellia.

Coleus forskohlii, or forskolin, is another herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat asthma. A

few preliminary studies suggest that inhaled forskolin powder seemed to relieve symptoms, but

Herbs Treat Asthma 14

more research is needed to know for sure. People who have diabetes or thyroid conditions should

not take forskolin. If you take blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin), taking forskolin may

increase your risk of bleeding. Pregnant women should not take forskolin. Forskolin interacts

with calcium channel blockers such as verapamil (Calan, Verelan), nifedipine (Procardia), and

diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor) and with nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid, Nitro-Dur, and Nitrostat) and

isosorbide (Imdur, Isordil, and Sorbitrate).” (Erlich, 2013)

Nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, omega-3, vitamin C, and zinc have also been

used in the treatments of asthma. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been considered as an adjunct

therapy for severe and life-threatening asthma exacerbation because it has a bronchodilating

effect. Magnesium stores have been shown to be low in individuals with asthma. As pre-existing

magnesium deficit could be associated with risk of asthma exacerbation, serum magnesium level

could be measured for adequate supplementation or prediction of treatment response. “However,

it is predominantly an intracellular ion, and its serum level does not reflect intracellular

concentrations or total body stores. Its intracellular concentration was found to be lower in acute

exacerbation and returned to normal when controlled, while plasma level remained unchanged.

Therefore, serum level does not represent the degree of cellular deficit, and it would not be

useful to monitor serum magnesium level for enhancing the efficacy of MgSO4 therapy.”

(Zervzs, 2003) Theoretically, magnesium can induce bronchial smooth muscle relaxation in a

dose-dependent manner (Spivey, 1990) by inhibiting calcium influx into the cytosol

(Gourgoulianis, 2001), histamine release from mast cells (Bois, 1963), or acetylcholine release

from cholinergic nerve endings (Del Castillo, 1954). It also may increase the bronchodilator

effect of β2-agonist by increasing the receptor affinity (Classen, 1987). Historically, in the

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literature, the first description on the clinical use of magnesium for asthma was reported in 1936

(Kowal, 2007). In 1987, Okayama reported rapid bronchodilating effects of intravenous (IV)

MgSO4 infusion in 10 asthma patients. In 1989, its effect was also reported for prevention of

endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation in an elderly asthma patient with severe

exacerbation. Selenium and magnesium have been shown to be anti-inflammatory. As with other

antioxidants, cross-sectional studies have identified low selenium levels in asthma patients

compared to non-asthmatics. You might then think that in parts of the world where people

commonly have selenium deficiencies, asthma would be more common, but this is not the case.

Patients taking selenium supplements report improved asthma control, but these results are not

substantiated with improvements in objective asthma measurements like pulmonary function

testing or airway hyperresponsiveness, according to Bass (2014). Mouse models of asthma have

provided more definitive results suggesting that the benefits of Selenium supplementation may

depend on an individual's initial Selenium status. This likely involves T helper cell

differentiation and the mechanistic studies that have provided important insight into the effects

of Selenium levels on immune cell function are summarized. Importantly, the benefits and

adverse effects of Selenium supplementation must both be considered in using this nutritional

supplement for treating asthma. With this in mind new approaches may provide more safe and

effective means for using Selenium supplementation for asthma or other disorders involving

inflammation or immunity, according to Norton (2011). There have been numerous reviews

focusing on the importance of magnesium and selenium for respiratory diseases such as asthma,

but limited studies are available on the role of dietary zinc (Zn). As Zn is the most widely used

biometal in biology, it can be found in all organs, secretions, fluids and tissues of the body and is

transported via albumin in the circulation. (Vallee, 1993) “Labile Zn plays a major role in the

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control of inflammation via a number of mechanisms. [M]any inflammatory diseases, such as

arthritis and asthma, are associated with an increase in the inducible form of nitric oxide (NO)

synthase resulting in enhanced NO formation. Studies by Abou-Mohamed et al. demonstrated

that Zn is able to inhibit lipopolysaccharide and interleukin-1beta-induced NO formation.”

(Truong-Tran, 2001) One preliminary study suggested that children with asthma had

significantly less wheezing when they ate a diet rich in fruits with vitamin C. Vitamin C does

have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help you maintain good health

overall. Some studies have indicated that taking a vitamin C supplement (1 g per day) may help

keep airways open, but other studies have found no benefit. (Erlich, 2013) The evidence for

using omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish oil) to treat asthma is mixed. At least a few studies have

found that fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation and symptoms in children and adults

with asthma. But the studies have only included a small number of people, and one study found

that fish oil might make aspirin-induced asthma worse. (Erlich, 2013)

In conclusion, this issue affects me personally as my 4-year-old daughter had an

unexpected asthma exacerbation a few months ago. We didn’t even know she was prone to

asthma, except that she had trouble breathing in two unrelated incidents the year before. It was

assumed that she was simply allergic to mold and dog hair during those incidents. I have since

done much research and found that most accounts of Western medicine include something

similar to the statement, “The cause for asthma is unknown, and therefore it is difficult to cure.”

It is in the realm of alternative medicine, specifically Traditional Chinese Medicine, that I found

theories on the cause and cure for asthma. The herbal supplements recommended in TCM are

available in the United States and are widely prescribed by licensed Chinese Herbalists. Whereas

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Western medicine focuses on the cure after the disease has already occurred, TCM, established

over 2,000 years of human observation, focuses on disease prevention by sustaining the right

balance within the body through proper nutrition, exercise, and meditation. Embedded in an

abstract of a scientific study led by Büyüköztürk (2005) is found this statement: “Nigella sativa

Linn. (Ranunculaceae) is known to have beneficial effects on a wide range of diseases including

asthma. However, the mechanism of action in asthma and other allergic diseases is not entirely

clear.” This statement about Black Seed sums up the current Western thought-process

concerning herbal supplements: they work really well, but we don’t know why. For millions of

patients, why doesn't matter, as long as it works.

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References

Abdureyim, Sajida, et al. (2011). “Anti-Inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, and Heme

Oxygenase-1 Inhibitory Activities of Ravan Napas, a Formulation of Uighur Traditional

Medicine, in a Rat Model of Allergic Asthma.” Evidence-Based Complementary and

Alternative Medicine Vol. 2011: Hindawi Publishing Corporation. Retrieved from

http://74.125.155.132/scholar?q=cache:eTcoYafptZ4J:scholar.google.com/

+astragalus+membranaceus+allergy+clinical &hl=en&as_sdt=1,14&as_ylo=2011

Bass, I.&Young, A. (1996). The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act: A Legislative

History and Analysis. Washington D.C. Food and Drug Law Institute

Bass, P., MD. (May 15, 2014). “Diet and Asthma:Are My Diet And Asthma Symptoms

Related?” About.com. Retrieved from http://asthma.about.com/od/asthmacam/a

/asthma_diet.htm

Bensky, D., et al. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. 3rd ed. Seattle: Eastland Press,

2004.

“Black Seed”. (2009). WebMD. Retrieved from

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-901-BLACK

%20SEED.aspx?activeIngredientId=901& activeIngredientName=BLACK%20SEED

Bois P. Effect of magnesium deficiency on mast cells and urinary histamine in rats. Br J Exp

Pathol. 1963;44:151–155. [PMC free article] [PubMed]

Boskabady, M. H., N. Mohsenpoor, L. Takaloo. (2010 Feb 8). “Antiasthmatic effect of Nigella

sativa in airways of asthmatic patients.” Phytomedicine. PMID: 20149611. Department

of Physiology, Medical School and Pharmacology Research Centre, Mashhad University

of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran. Retrieved from http://www.greenmedinfo.com/

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