The roles of phytochemicals in bronchial asthma

Molecules. 2010 Oct 4;15(10):6810-34. doi: 10.3390/molecules15106810.

Abstract

Despite gaps in our knowledge of how phytochemicals interfere with cellular functions, several natural plant products are utilized to prevent or treat a wide range of diseases. Identification of an agent with therapeutic potential requires multiple steps involving in vitro studies, efficacy and toxicity studies in animal models, and then human clinical trials. This review provides a brief introduction on natural products that may help to treat and/or prevent bronchial asthma and describes our current understanding of their molecular mechanisms based on various in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. We focus on the anti-inflammatory and anti-vascular actions of the plant products and other roles beyond the anti-oxidative effects.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / therapeutic use
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plants / chemistry*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Reactive Oxygen Species