To test this theory, the study looked at human mast cell and eosinophilic cell lines. Researchers from Mie University, Shizuoka University, and Iwade Research Institute of Mycology in Japan used an asthma animal model by inducing ovalbumin in mice. The team then fed the mice with either a standard diet or one containing gargal extract.
The team discovered that gargal extract greatly reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, lung eosinophilic infiltration, lung interleukin (IL)-13 expression, and plasma IgE level. At the same time, it substantially increased IL-10 plasma levels and spleen regulatory T cells. The gargal extract treatment also significantly suppressed the expression of cytokines in mast cells and eosinophils compared with control cells.
These results indicated that gargal extract increases the lung population of regulatory T cells and reduces allergic inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness in mice with allergic bronchial asthma.
Based on the findings, the research team concluded that gargal extract can be an effective natural remedy for allergic bronchial asthma.
More on bronchial asthma and other natural ways to treat it
Asthma affects approximately 150 million people around the world, and this number is continuously increasing. It also accounts for more than 180,000 deaths in a year. The condition, which often develops during childhood, causes recurring attacks of breathlessness and wheezing. It results in the airways becoming inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are the common symptoms of asthma. While there no drugs available to cure asthma, there are natural ways to treat and control it. (Related: Clinical trials show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for asthma.)
One of these ways is to avoid triggers, which inflame the airways and cause swelling, as well as increased mucus production. Exposure to pollen, chemicals, extreme weather changes, smoke, dust mites, stress, and exercise are common asthma triggers. There are also many food items that you can eat to control asthma attacks. Here are some of them:
- Apple: Research has shown that pregnant women who eat apples increase their newborn's resistance to asthma and wheezing.
- Avocado: Avocado is rich in L-glutathione, known as the "master antioxidant." This means that it can greatly protect the cells from free radical damage.
- Banana: Eating one banana every day can help reduce asthmatic symptoms. This is because of the potassium and fiber content of bananas.
- Coffee: The caffeine in coffee is believed to expand airwaves, which makes breathing easier.
- Garlic: Garlic has the ability to reduce lung congestion and airway inflammation, mainly because of its vitamin C content that neutralizes the molecules causing airway constriction.
- Ginger: Ginger, in addition to its immune-boosting properties, supports the respiratory system by causing airway-muscle relaxation.
- Honey: Honey can help remove phlegm from the throat and treat asthma symptoms. Just mix 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of warm water, then drink it. Do this thrice a day.
- Kale: Believe it or not, kale actually contains more vitamin C per cup than a whole orange. Vitamin C reduces muscle contraction in airway passages. Kale is also rich in beta-carotene, which can also help alleviate asthma symptoms. This vegetable is also a great source of vitamins A, K, and B6, and manganese.
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