Protect Your Lungs and Breathe Easy

As we age, our lung function tends to decline by 1% to 2% every year.^1,2

This decrease in lung health is made even worse by exposure to air pollution and toxins.^3,4

Scientists have discovered compounds that help maintain lung health, protect against damage, and boost respiratory function.

In a clinical study, one plant extract blend improved a measure of lung capacity by 30% in healthy adults.⁵

In adults with asthma, a different botanical extract led to 50% less waking at night from asthma-related symptoms and a 40% decrease in the need to use a rescue inhaler.⁶

Lung Health Matters

People with healthy lungs tend to lead longer, healthier lives.⁷

But keeping the lungs functioning optimally isn’t easy. After around age 35, our respiratory muscles weaken, lung tissues lose their elasticity, and lung function begins to decline.^2,3

Making matters worse, approximately 40% of Americans live in areas with poor air quality.⁸ Exposure to air pollution further damages lung health and can increase risk for lung diseases, including:^7,9,10

• Asthma,
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
• Bronchitis,
• Lung infections,
• Lung cancer, and
• Emphysema.

Here’s the good news: Researchers have discovered specific plant-derived extracts and compounds that can help protect the lungs, improve breathing, and prevent further decline in lung function.

Boswellia-Bael Fruit Blend

Boswellia serrata is a tree native to India and parts of Asia. It has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine to treat a number of conditions, including asthma.^11,12

The bael fruit is also native to India and southeast Asia and has also been used in Ayurvedic medicine for many different ailments. It is known for supporting respiratory and immune function.^5,12,13

Researchers have combined extracts of Boswellia and bael fruit and tested their ability to improve lung function in human trials.⁵

In one clinical trial, healthy adults who reported a sensitivity to air pollution took either 200 mg of Boswellia-bael fruit extract blend or a placebo daily. After six weeks, those who received the extracts showed improvements in pulmonary health, including a:⁵

• 30.2% increase in total air exhaled during a spirometry test, which measures lung capacity (how much air you can breathe in or out of your lungs),
• 7.4% improvement in exercise capacity, measured by average speed walked during a six-minute period, and a
• 16.4% improvement in forced air exhalation in one second, a measure of how well air flows through the airways.

In another clinical trial, subjects with mild to moderate asthma took either 100 mg of the Boswellia-bael extract blend twice daily or a placebo. The group that received the extracts showed a:¹⁴

• 50.2% improvement in peak expiratory air flow rate (the maximum amount of air pushed out of the lungs when exhaling forcefully) after eight weeks, and a
• 44% decrease in the use of asthma inhalers after just four weeks.

The scientists who conducted the study believe these improvements were due to the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts.

Saffron Extract

Saffron is a spice that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and respiratory conditions.⁶

Preclinical studies show that saffron relaxes the smooth muscles of the trachea (windpipe), which improves airflow and the ability to breathe.^15-17

Clinical studies have shown that saffron can alleviate symptoms of asthma and improve pulmonary function tests in individuals with COPD.^6,18,19

In a clinical trial in adult subjects with mild to moderate asthma, participants received either 50 mg of saffron extract or a placebo twice daily for eight weeks.^6,18

Compared to baseline, by the end of the trial, those who took saffron had:

• 50% less waking at night due to asthma-related symptoms,
• Fewer episodes of shortness of breath during sleep,
• A 40% decrease in the use of their asthma rescue inhaler, and
• Less physical activity limitation.

Saffron also reduced C-reactive protein (biomarker of inflammation).⁶

What You Need To Know

Improve Lung Function

• Lung function tends to decline by 1%-2% every year after age 35. Exposure to pollution makes the problem even worse, increasing the risk for asthma and other lung diseases.
• In clinical studies, a blend of Boswellia resin and bael fruit extracts improved a measure of lung capacity by 30% in healthy adults and led to a 44% decrease in the use of asthma inhalers by adults with asthma.
• In another study of people with asthma, saffron extract decreased the need for a rescue inhaler, reduced limits on physical activity, and eliminated nighttime waking due to asthma symptoms.
• In preclinical studies, the compound andrographolide protected the lungs from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by pollution.
• A combination of the Boswellia-bael fruit blend, saffron, and andrographolide may provide strong support for healthy lungs and protection against damage caused by aging and poor air quality.

Andrographolide

Andrographolide is a compound extracted from the leaves of the plant Andrographis paniculata, which is used in traditional Indian medicine to support immune function.²⁰

Studies in cell and animal models show that andrographolide can protect the lungs against toxins found in pollution and smoke by:^21-24

• Protecting against oxidative stress,
• Reducing DNA damage, and
• Decreasing inflammation.

A combination of the Boswellia-bael fruit blend, saffron extract, and andrographolide may help maximize support for healthy lung function, promote easier breathing, and protect the airways against pollution and age-related decline.

Summary

As we age, our lung function declines. Inhaling pollutants and toxins further damages the lungs and increases the risk of asthma, COPD, and other conditions.

Clinical studies show that a Boswellia-bael fruit extract blend and saffron extract can help improve lung function and breathing capacity while decreasing symptoms related to lung disease.

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

Taken together, these extracts and compounds may help preserve lung function well into older age, improving breathing capacity and promoting healthy aging.

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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