Research Matters
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Equi-Breeze Research Overview
Several herbs have been traditionally used to support respiratory health, and recent scientific research has begun to explore their potential benefits.
Here's an overview of relevant studies on mullein, elecampane, yarrow, peppermint, and malabar nut:
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Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein has a long history of use for respiratory conditions. Recent studies have investigated its potential benefits:
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A review of mullein's medicinal properties found that it contains compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects that may benefit respiratory health
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The leaves and flowers of mullein contain mucilage, which can coat and soothe mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. This soothing effect may help reduce irritation and inflammation in the airways, potentially providing relief from coughs and other respiratory symptoms.
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Mullein is classified as an expectorant, which means it can help thin mucus and make it easier to cough up. This property is particularly beneficial for respiratory conditions characterized by excessive mucus production, such as bronchitis. The saponins in mullein may be responsible for its expectorant actions
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Some studies have demonstrated the antimicrobial properties of mullein extracts. Research has shown that mullein extracts can inhibit the growth of bacteria involved in respiratory infections, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. This antibacterial activity could potentially help in fighting respiratory infections.
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Mullein contains antioxidants, including vitamin C and flavonoids, which can protect cells from damage caused by free radicals5. This antioxidant activity may contribute to overall respiratory health by reducing oxidative stress in the lungs.
Elecampane (Inula helenium)
Elecampane root has traditionally been used for respiratory ailments. Recent research has found:
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A study on antimicrobial sesquiterpene lactones from elecampane roots showed potential against Staphylococcus bacteria
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Elecampane extracts demonstrated activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro, supporting its traditional use for tuberculosis
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Some studies indicate elecampane may have anti-inflammatory effects that could benefit respiratory conditions
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
While less commonly associated with respiratory health, yarrow has shown some promising effects:
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A study on yarrow tea found it may have potential antiviral activity against coronaviruses, suggesting possible benefits for respiratory infections
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Research has demonstrated yarrow's anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for respiratory conditions
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint is often used for its cooling and soothing effects on the respiratory system:
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The menthol in peppermint acts as a decongestant, helping to shrink swollen nasal membranes and make breathing easier
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A study found that peppermint oil ingestion significantly improved lung function measures like forced vital capacity and peak inspiratory flow rate in healthy participants
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Malabar Nut (Adhatoda vasica)
Also known as vasaka, Malabar nut has been extensively studied for its respiratory benefits:
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Malabar nut contains alkaloids like vasicine and vasicinone, which have demonstrated bronchodilator and expectorant properties
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Research has shown potential benefits of Malabar nut extracts for conditions like asthma and bronchitis
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A review of its medicinal applications highlighted its effectiveness in managing respiratory disorders
- The plant extract has been found to inhibit hypoxia-induced responses both in vivo and in vitro, potentially reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and improving oxidative phosphorylation in lung epithelial cells
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Research has shown that the herb attenuates airway inflammation and reduces levels of inflammatory markers such as transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), IL-6, and HIF-1α in preclinical models of pulmonary fibrosis and sepsis
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In clinical trials, treatment with Vasaka was found to decrease asthmatic symptoms and improve lung function parameters in patients
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A study found that Vasaka tea pre- and co-treatment dose-dependently inhibited mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) expression in airway epithelial cells exposed to wood smoke particles. This effect could be beneficial in preventing excessive mucus production, which can obstruct airflow and cause respiratory distress
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References:
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African Journal of Respiratory Medicine. (2022). Herbs used in boosting respiratory health.
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Amaliyah, E., et al. (2024). The Effectiveness of Peppermint Aromatherapy Inhalation in Nursing Care for Ineffective Airway Clearance in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients at Drajat Prawiranegara Hospital, Banten, Indonesia: Case Study. International Journal of Social Science and Economics Research, 2(6), 1562-1577.
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Dey, A., et al. (2021). Adhatoda vasica rescues the hypoxia-dependent severe asthma symptoms and mitochondrial dysfunction. American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology.
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Healthline. (2021). What Is Elecampane Root, and Does It Have Benefits?
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Hemmati, A. A., et al. (2011). Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) extract impairs the fibrogenic effect of bleomycin in rat lung. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 5(10), 1843-1849.
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Kahraman, Ç., EkizoÄŸlu, M., Kart, D., Akdemir, Z. Åž., & Tatlı, Ä°. Ä°. (2011). Antimicrobial activity of some Verbascum species growing in Turkey. FABAD Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 36(1), 11-15.
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Kumar, K. P. S., et al. (2010). Indian traditional herbs Adhatoda vasica and its Medicinal application. Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research, 2(1), 240-245.
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Longdom Publishing. Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica Nees): Traditional Uses and Medicinal Applications in Ayurveda.
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Mahdavi, S., Amiradalat, M., Babashpour, M., Sheikhlooei, H., & Miraj, S. (2015). The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the essential oil and extracts of Verbascum thapsus L. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 9(8), 276-283.
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MedicalNewsToday. (2023). Mullein for asthma: What are the benefits?
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Memon, T. A., et al. (2023). Inhibition of TRPA1, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, Human Airway Epithelial Cell Damage, and Ectopic MUC5AC Expression by Vasaka (Adhatoda vasica; Malabar Nut) Tea. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(12), 10303.
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Riaz, M., Zia-Ul-Haq, M., & Jaafar, H. Z. (2013). Common mullein, pharmacological and chemical aspects. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 23(6), 948-959.
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Sánchez-Vioque, R., et al. (2022). Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antibacterial Properties of an Achillea millefolium Extract and Its Supercritical Fractions against Helicobacter pylori. Antioxidants, 11(10), 1960.
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Sharma, M., et al. (2022). Evaluating the Potential of Adathoda vasica against Respiratory Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Current Drug Metabolism.
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Speranza, L., Franceschelli, S., Pesce, M., Reale, M., Menghini, L., Vinciguerra, I., ... & Grilli, A. (2010). Antiinflammatory effects in THP-1 cells treated with verbascoside. Phytotherapy Research, 24(9), 1398-1404.
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Tatli, I. I., & Akdemir, Z. S. (2006). Traditional uses and biological activities of Verbascum species. FABAD Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 31(2), 85-96.
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Turker, A. U., & Gurel, E. (2005). Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): recent advances in research. Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), 733-739.