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.

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.