Protect lungs from pollution

Our airways are exposed to a barrage of toxins that can cause chronic lung diseases.^1-3

The lungs suffer an estimated 1%-2% decline in function every year beginning at around age 25-35.

This functional falloff can be attributed to changes to lung tissue and structure, to changes in muscle strength, as well as to exposure to various pollutants.^4-6

Scientists have discovered plant-derived extracts and compounds that help shield the lungs from damage and boost respiratory function.

In a clinical study, a blend of two plant-derived compounds increased a measure of lung capacity by an astonishing 30%.⁷

Lung Health Matters

People with the best lung function have a longer lifespan and health span (the duration of healthy living free from disease).⁵

Pulmonary function, however, tends to decline with age.⁸

An estimated 1%-2% of lung function is lost per year beginning around age 25-35.^8,9 That decline contributes to frailty and deteriorating physical fitness.^6,10,11

Another reason that lung function deteriorates with age is air pollution that injures the delicate tissues of our respiratory tract.

More than 40% of Americans live in areas with poor air quality. In recent years, some areas have experienced a worsening in air quality at certain times of year with increased exposure to wildfire smoke.¹²

Poor air quality is associated with deteriorating lung function and higher risk for lung problems, including:^5,13,14

• Asthma,
• Emphysema,
• Bronchitis,
• Lung infections, and
• Lung cancer.

To address the threats that aging, and pollution pose to respiratory health, scientists investigated several plant-derived extracts and compounds that have been shown to protect the lungs and improve lung function.

Boswellia-Bael Fruit Blend

Boswellia serrata is a tree native to parts of Asia that has long been used in traditional Indian medicine,¹⁵ and has been shown to have benefits for respiratory disorders such as asthma.^15,16

Bael fruit grows on a shrub native to India and other parts of Asia. This fruit and its seeds have been used in traditional medicine for a range of disorders.¹⁷

Scientists combined extracts of Boswellia resin and bael fruit and tested them in clinical trials.

In one study, healthy adults who reported a sensitivity to air pollution received either 200 mg daily of Boswellia-bael fruit blend or a placebo.⁷

After three weeks, the group receiving the extracts had improved lung function. After six weeks:⁷

• Total air exhaled (measured by spirometry test, which measures lung capacity, how much air you can breathe into or out of your lungs) increased by 30%,
• Forced air exhalation in one second (a measure of how well air flows through the airways) improved by 16.4%, and
• Aerobic exercise capacity increased by 7.4%.

In another study, subjects with mild to moderate asthma received either 200 mg of Boswellia-bael fruit blend or a placebo.¹⁸ Those receiving the extracts had a:

• 50% improvement in peak expiratory air flow rate, which is usually reduced in asthma sufferers, and
• 44% decrease in the use of an asthma rescue inhaler.

Researchers attributed these improvements to the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts.

Saffron

Saffron is a spice that has long been used in traditional medicine for respiratory ailments.¹⁹

Preclinical studies show that saffron improves lung function through anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs²⁰ and by relaxing smooth muscles in the airways, improving airflow.^20-26

In a human trial, patients with mild to moderate asthma received either 100 mg of saffron extract daily or a placebo.^19,27

After eight weeks, those in the saffron group had:

• 50% less waking at night due to asthma symptoms,
• Fewer instances of shortness of breath during the night,
• Less limitation of physical activity,
• A 40% reduction in use of an asthma rescue inhaler,
• Improvement in airflow in respiratory testing, and
• Reduction in markers of inflammation.

Andrographolide

Andrographolide is a compound extracted from the herb Andrographis paniculata, which has been used in traditional eastern medicine for a wide array of health concerns.²⁸

Cell and animal studies show that andrographolide can shield the lungs against damage caused by smoke and other pollution.^29-34

It does so in multiple ways, including by:

• Protecting against inflammation,
• Defending against oxidative stress, and
• Preventing DNA damage.

By protecting the lungs and improving lung function, a combination of Boswellia-bael fruit, saffron, and andrographolide may help counter the damage that aging and poor air quality do to the respiratory system.

Summary

Lung function tends to decline with age.

Exposure to wildfire, smoke and other forms of pollution further accelerates lung damage and correlates with higher rates of lung disease, including asthma and lung cancer.

Clinical studies have found that extracts of Boswellia serrata and bael fruit, and saffron, improve lung function in a variety of ways and reduce symptoms of lung disease.

In preclinical studies, andrographolide has been shown to help defend lung tissue against the effects of pollution.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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