Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used for Asthma: Systematic review on current knowledge

This systematic review explores the ethnobotanical knowledge surrounding medicinal plants utilized in the treatment of asthma. The study highlights the significance of various phytochemicals, including polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, in managing asthma symptoms. Research indicates that polyphenols, such as curcumin, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties by modulating cytokine levels and reducing eosinophil recruitment, alleviating airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Alkaloids, particularly total alkaloids from Alstonia scholaris, have shown promise in diminishing pulmonary inflammation and restoring the balance of Th۱, Th۲, and Th۱۷ cytokines, which are crucial in asthma pathophysiology. Furthermore, terpenoids like astragaloside IV and paeoniflorin have demonstrated efficacy in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia while promoting a shift towards a Th۱ phenotype, thus enhancing the immune response against asthma. The findings underscore the potential of these natural compounds as therapeutic agents in asthma management, emphasizing the need for further research to validate their efficacy and mechanisms of action. This review serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the current knowledge of medicinal plants in asthma treatment, paving the way for future studies to integrate traditional knowledge with modern pharmacological approaches.

Keywords:

Asthma , Herbal medicine , Ingredients , Bioactive pharmaceutical