Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Volume 2020 (2020), Article ID 1021258, 35 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1021258

Review Article

Use of Natural Products in Asthma Treatment

Lucas Amaral-Machado,1,2 Wógenes N. Oliveira,¹ Susiane S. Moreira-Oliveira,¹ Daniel T. Pereira,¹ Éverton N. Alencar,³ Nicolas Tsapis,² and Eryvaldo Sócrates T. Egito1,3

¹Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Dispersed System Laboratory (LaSid), Pharmacy Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Av. General Gustavo de Cordeiro-SN-Petrópolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil
²Institut Galien Paris-Sud, CNRS, Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 92296 Châtenay-Malabry, France
³Graduate Program in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, LaSid, UFRN, Av. General Gustavo de Cordeiro-SN-Petropolis, Natal 59012-570, Brazil

Correspondence should be addressed to Eryvaldo Sócrates T. Egito; socratesegito@gmail.com

Received 10 November 2019; Revised 31 December 2019; Accepted 6 January 2020; Published 13 February 2020

Academic Editor: Yoshiyuki Kimura

Copyright © 2020 Lucas Amaral-Machado et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Abstract.

Asthma, a disease classified as a chronic inflammatory disorder induced by airway inflammation, is triggered by a genetic predisposition or antigen sensitization. Drugs currently used as therapies present disadvantages such as high cost and side effects, which compromise the treatment compliance. Alternatively, traditional medicine has reported the use of natural products as alternative or complementary treatment. The aim of this review was to summarize the knowledge reported in the literature about the use of natural products for asthma treatment. The search strategy included scientific studies published between January 2006 and December 2017, using the keywords “asthma,” “treatment,” and “natural products.” The inclusion criteria were as follows: (i) studies that aimed at elucidating the antiasthmatic activity of natural-based compounds or extracts using laboratory experiments (in vitro and/or in vivo); and (ii) studies that suggested the use of natural products in asthma treatment by elucidation of its chemical composition. Studies that (i) did not report experimental data and (ii) manuscripts in languages other than English were excluded. Based on the findings from the literature search, aspects related to asthma physiopathology, epidemiology, and conventional treatment were discussed. Then, several studies reporting the effectiveness of natural products in the asthma treatment were presented, highlighting plants as the main source. Moreover, natural products from animals and microorganisms were also discussed and their high potential in the antiasthmatic therapy was emphasized. This review highlighted the importance of natural products as an alternative and/or complementary treatment source for asthma treatment, since they present reduced side effects and comparable effectiveness as the drugs currently used on treatment protocols.

1. Introduction

1.1. Physiopathology of Asthma

Asthma can be defined as a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the lower airways, promoting an increase of bronchial reactivity, hypersensitivity, and a decrease in the airflow [1]. Furthermore, due to a complex interaction between the genetic predisposition and environmental factors, besides multiple related phenotypes, this disease may be considered as a heterogeneous disorder [2].

Sensitization by dust, pollen, and food represents the main environmental factors involved in the asthma physiopathology [1]. These antigens are recognized by the mast cells coated by IgE antibodies (Figure 1) and induce the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukins IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, GM-CSF, prostaglandins, histamine, and leukotrienes [3, 4], by T lymphocytes and eosinophils. This degranulation process promotes an increase in the vascular permeability, leading to exudate and edema formation. This process is followed by leukocyte migration to the tissue affected by the inflammatory process through chemotaxis mediated by selectins and integrins [3, 6]. Subsequently, the neutrophil migration to the inflammatory site and the release of leukotrienes LTB₄ induce the activation of type 2 cyclooxygenase (COX-2) and type 5 lipoxygenase (LOX-5), enhancing the expression of the C3b opsonin that produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thus promoting cell oxidative stress and pulmonary tissue injury [3, 7].

Figure 1: Scheme of the immune response induced by allergen or antigen stimulation or the early stages of asthma. GM-CSF: granulocyte-macrophages colony-stimulating factor; IL: interleukin; C3b: opsonin; LOX-5: lipoxygenase type 5; ROS: reactive oxygen species; COX-2: cyclooxygenase type 2; LTB₄: leukotriene type B; PGD₂: prostaglandin type D (adapted from Bradding et al. [6].

Other mechanisms involved in asthma physiopathology are the inhalation of drugs, as well as respiratory viruses [8], which promote an immune response mediated by IgG antibodies. This process promotes an increase of the inflammatory cells influx, releasing inflammatory mediators responsible for the damage process [9].

Based on the factors and mechanisms presented above, asthma symptoms can be observed at different levels according to etiology and severity of clinical aspects, which define their classification [10]. The asthma severity is subdivided into (i) mild/low, also defined as intermittent/persistent, when the symptoms appear more than twice a week and their exacerbations can affect the daily activities of the patient; (ii) moderate, in which the daily symptom occurrence and their exacerbations affect the patient activities, requiring the use of short-acting β2-adrenergic drugs; or (iii) severe asthma, in which the patient presents persistent symptoms, physical activity limitations, and frequent exacerbations [10]. Based on this classification, it is estimated that 60% of the asthma cases are intermittent or persistent, 25% to 30% are moderate, and the severe cases account for only 10% of the total. However, it is important to highlight that although the proportion of severe asthmatics represents the minority of the cases, they are responsible for high mortality and high hospitalization costs [11], evidencing the high need of efficient treatments for this disease.

1.2. Asthma Epidemiology

According to the World Health Organization, asthma affects about 300 million of individuals across the world, regardless of the country development degrees [12]. In the United Kingdom, asthma affects approximately 5.2 million of individuals and is responsible for 60.000 hospital admissions per year [13], while in Brazil the annual incidence of hospital admissions due to asthma is around 173.442 patients, representing 12% of the total admissions for respiratory diseases in 2012 [14].

Furthermore, studies have demonstrated that asthma incidence and prevalence rates in different countries are not age related. In the United States of America, Albania, and Indonesia, the asthma prevalence is lower for children (around 8.4%, 2.1%, and 4.1%, respectively) when compared to adults [15]. On the other hand, in countries such as the United Kingdom and Costa Rica, children aged between 6 and 7 years represent approximately 32% of the asthma prevalence [16]. Additionally, the incidence or prevalence can be directly influenced by the socioeconomic characteristics of specific areas, as demonstrated by the analyses of the annual variation in the prevalence of asthma in which it was possible to observe, in Spain, that the asthma prevalence had an annual increase of 0.44% regardless of the age range studied. However, when these same data analyses were observed individually in Spain regions, the annual variation presented a different scenario, showing an increase or decrease according to the developmental degree of each region [17, 18]. Similar data were observed by Pearce et al. [19] and Schaneberg et al. [20], who demonstrated the influence of socioeconomic aspects on asthma. The studies showed a prevalent increase of asthma cases in metropolitan areas, fact attributed to the population growth with consequent exposure to the environmental factors and shortened access to asthma therapy, due to the high cost of the available medicines [19, 20]. Such phenomena directly interfere on the treatment compliance [21–23], evidencing the importance and the need of strategies that facilitate the access to the medicines for asthma therapy.

Studies that evaluate the importance of inclusion of antiasthmatic therapy on public health policy programs have demonstrated that asthma control can be achieved through a variety of approaches, promoting a decrease in hospital admissions of 90%. Indeed, this was demonstrated by two studies performed in Brazilian cities, in which public health programs offered free medicines and psychological and pharmaceutical care to treat chronic diseases [24, 25]. Furthermore, Ponte et al. [24] and Holanda [25] also showed that the hospital admissions of children decreased from 44.7% to 6.4% one year after the inclusion of these patients in the same project. Thus, these data corroborate the importance of public health policies that contribute to the reduction of hospital outlay, increasing the population’s life quality.

1.3. Asthma Treatment

The asthma treatment recommended by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) consists, especially, on the reduction of symptoms in order to decrease the inflammatory process [26, 27]. However, since asthma presents a complex physiopathology associated with variable manifestations, the treatment can lead to different response levels. Thus, the evaluation of the clinical aspects associated with the treatment response is defined as the most adequate approach to achieve treatment success [28]. Asthma therapy strategies are based on pulmonary (the main administration route on asthma therapy), oral or intravenous administration of class β2 agonist drugs (salbutamol, levalbuterol, terbutaline, and epinephrine), anticholinergics (ipratropium), corticosteroids (beclomethasone di- or monopropionate, ciclesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone propionate, mometasone furoate, triamcinolone acetonide, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, budesonide, prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone), and xanthine drugs. Among these, the β2 agonists are often the drugs of first choice [13, 27].

To optimize the treatment for each patient, the drug dosage is determined by the patient’s respiratory characteristics, mainly his/her respiratory rate. Patients with increased respiratory rate, due to the airways narrowing, present a low dispersion of the inhaled drug through the respiratory tract [29]. In these cases or when there is an absence of response on the first two hours after treatment, hospitalization should be performed, and adrenaline could be used, subcutaneously or intravenously, since this is an indicative of mucosal edema formation, which can be decreased by the adrenaline bronchodilator effect [30].

Overall, patients that present asthma exacerbation should be initially treated with the association of different dosage of corticosteroids and short-acting β2 agonists by intranasal oxygen administration, allowing the stimulation of β2 receptors that result in bronchodilation due to the inhibition of cholinergic neurotransmission and, thus, inhibition of mast cells degranulation [10]. Additionally, corticosteroids by oral or inhaled route are used on uncontrolled persistent asthma patients due to their direct effect on the inflammation site [31]. Accordingly, they improve the pulmonary function and decrease the asthma episodes [32], reducing hospitalizations and mortality of asthmatic patients [31]. Furthermore, because their systemic use can induce side effects, corticosteroids, mainly prednisone and prednisolone, are more commonly used in patients with severe persistent asthma who are not stabilized by other drugs [31].

In addition, xanthine drugs such as theophylline can be also used on asthma treatment, since they are able to promote the suppression of monocyte activation with consequent inhibition on the TNF-α release. Further, they promote the inhibition of neutrophil activation and its degranulation, inhibiting the catalytic activity of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), allowing a reduction in the inflammatory process [33].

Regardless of the wide variety and associations of antiasthmatic medicines and their ability to promote the asthma symptoms control and to reduce the asthma episodes and hospital admissions, the antiasthmatic drugs present several side effects, including nausea, headaches, and convulsions (xanthine class) [3, 30], cardiovascular effects (β-adrenergic receptors antagonists) [20], vomiting (PDE4 inhibitors drugs) [34–36], osteoporosis, myopathies, adrenal suppression, and metabolic disturbs, compromising the patients’ growth (corticosteroids) [30, 35, 37, 38]. These side effects compromise the life quality of the patients and reduce significantly the treatment compliance.

Another important drawback from the conventional asthma treatment is its cost. In fact, the required amount of money for asthma treatments represents a significant expenditure for health public organizations. Such situation has become a financial issue even for developed countries. In Sweden, for example, the cost of medicines for asthma treatment has increased since the 1990s and, in 2006, and it was responsible for 11.6% of the total healthcare expenditure. Furthermore, according to projections, an annual increase of 4% on the costs of asthma management is expected [22].

Additionally, studies revealed that in Europe and in the United States of America, the sum of the direct and indirect estimated annual costs with asthma management is approximately 18 billion and US$13 billion, respectively. This high expenditure was associated with the high incidence of uncontrolled asthma patients, since they represent an expense up to 5-fold higher than the controlled asthma ones [39] or than patients with other chronic diseases, as demonstrated in the study performed by O’Neil and colleagues [40]. These authors revealed that asthma costs up to £4,217 per person, while type II diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic kidney disease represented, together, a cost of £3,630 [40].

Therefore, considering the therapies currently available, their side effects, and their high cost, the development of new therapeutic approaches or complementary treatments to the current asthma therapy become an important and essential strategy. In this context, the use of natural products allows easy access to treatment to all socioeconomic classes [41, 42] and shows advantages such as low cost, biocompatibility, and reduced side effects, besides their wide biodiversity and renewability [43, 44]. In addition, natural products, supported by the literature findings on their complex matrix as a source of bioactive compounds, represent one of the main access forms to the basic healthcare in the traditional medicine [45]. Thus, the present review aimed at summarizing the main natural products reported in the literature that show antiasthma activity.

2. Natural Products as Alternative for Asthma Treatment

The use of natural products for the treatment of physiologic disorders, especially in association with other drugs, has been widely reported through ethnopharmacological studies as an important scientific tool for bioprospection exploration and discovery of new bioactive compounds from natural sources [46]. Despite the wide scientific progress regarding chemical and pharmaceutical technology on synthesizing new molecules, drugs from natural sources still contribute tremendously to the discovery and development of new medicines [47]. These studies are based, initially, on the traditional use of the natural products, which draws the attention of pharmaceutical companies due to their easy and economical use, allowing the companies to perform many studies that evaluate their therapeutic activities, their toxicity, and their safety [48].

Moreover, the use of natural products as complementary therapy represents an important alternative for the treatment of several diseases [49]. In the United States of America, the use of natural products, vitamins, and other dietary supplements as auxiliary treatments represent about 40% of the conventional therapies [50]. Among the diseases that natural products are used for, those of allergic and inflammatory character can be highlighted. In fact, according to the literature, the alternative medicine associates the use of these products with biochemical mechanisms involved in immunomodulation, which could contribute to the management of these diseases [51].

The use of plant-based products for asthma treatment has been reported by the traditional medicine for over 5000 years, since the use by the Chinese culture of the infusion of Ephedra sinica, which is as an immune system stimulator able to decrease asthma crises [20]. More recently, a study performed by Costa and colleagues [49] described the main natural sources for the treatment of asthma used by the Brazilian families from the Northeast Region of the country [49]. The study included beet, honey, onion, lemon, garlic, yarrow, and mint, demonstrating the wide variety of natural products used on asthma treatment in children [49]. Additionally, other natural-derived products have been widely cited in asthma treatment, such as natural oils from plants and animals, which can be obtained by different extraction process [52, 53].

Plant-derived natural oils represent the main natural products used on the complementary asthma therapy due to the presence of compounds such as phenylpropanoids and mono- and sesquiterpenes as the major bioactive compounds, which provide their anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, and anesthetic properties [54–56]. Similarly, oils obtained from animal sources have been used. They are rich in a mixture of different saturated, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as compounds from animal organs and secretions, which are responsible for the immune-modulatory action and regulation of the tissue oxidative capacity [57, 58]. The activity credited to the oils derived from plants and animals is related to the presence of those bioactive compounds, which can inhibit COX-2 and COX-5. Additionally, these compounds are able to modulate the immune cells function by reducing levels of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 cytokines, decreasing the activity and proliferation of NK cells and leading to an increase in the level of endogenous corticosteroids, contributing to the regulation of NF-κB pathway, and reducing the mucus production and the inflammation in the lung tissues [59–61].

In this regard, Table 1 shows all products found in the studies included in this review after the inclusion criteria evaluation. Due to the wide variety of plant-derived products, only those with 3 or more citations were described in detail in this review. On the other hand, due to limited scientific investigations about the antiasthmatic activity of the natural products from animal and microorganism sources, all studies that fit the inclusion criteria were described in the next sections.

Table 1: List of natural compounds described in the literature reviewed.

Product
Product form
Product source
Active compound
Compound class/type
Mechanism of action
Reference

1,8-Cineol
Isolated compound
Essential oil of Eucalyptus globulus leaves
1,8-Cineol
Monoterpene
Reduces the expression of NF-κB target gene MUC2
Greiner et al. [62]

3-Methoxy-catalposide
Isolated compound
P. rotundum var. subintegrum extract
3-Methoxy-catalposide
Iridoid glycoside
Inhibits the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and proinflammatory genes (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α)
Ryu et al. [63]

Achyranthes aspera L
Ethanolic extract
Roots
Not reported
Not reported
Bronchoprotective activity
Dey [64]

Ailanthus excelsa Roxb
Aqueous extract
Barks
Not reported
Not reported
Bronchodilator and mast cell stabilizing activities
Kumar [65]

Allium Cepa L. and quercetin
Extract and isolated compound
Methanolic extract and vegetable
Quercetin [2-(3, 4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3, 5, 7-trihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one, 3, 3′, 4′, 5, 6-entahydroxyflavone]
Flavonoid
Reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) and promote the relaxation of tracheal rings
Oliveira et al. [66]

Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br.
Extract
Leaves of Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br.
Scholaricine, 19-epi-scholaricine, vallesamine, picrinine
Alkaloid
Reduce the eosinophilia, the production of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-4) and the expression of serum IgE and eotaxin
Zhao et al. [67]

Amorphophallus konjac (konjac)
Gel extract
Not reported
Not reported
Plant
Not elucidated
Chua et al. [68]

Andropogon muricatus
Crude extract
Aerial parts
Vetivenes. vetivenol, vetivenic acid, and vetivenyl acetate
Sesquiterpenic compounds
Inhibit the Ca²⁺ channels and phosphodiesterase activity
Shah and Gilani [69]

Anoectochilus formosanus Hayata
Aqueous extract
Whole plant
Kinsenoside
Plant
Reduce the IL-4 production by Tregs and enhance the production of IL-12 and IFN-γ by Th1 differentiation
Hsieh et al. [70]

Artemisia maritima
Essential oil
Leaves
1,8-Cineol, camphor, camphene, and β-caryophyllene
Terpenoid
Inhibit the Ca²⁺ channels and phosphodiesterase activity
Shah et al. [71]

Aster tataricus L. f.
Extract
Rhizomes
Kaempferol, aurantiamide, and astin C
Flavonoid
Inhibit the expression of NF-κB and promote the activation of beta-2 adrenergic receptor
Chen and Zheng [72]

Aster yomena (Kitam.) Honda
Ethanolic extract
Leaves
Phenolic compounds not specified
Phenolic compounds
Attenuate the production of NO and IL-1β, and suppress the expression of NF-κB. In addition, suppress the activation of TLR4 and promote a reduction of intracellular ROS production
Kang et al. [73]

Baicalin
Isolated compound
Leaves and branch
7-Glucuronic acid-5,6-dihydroxyflavone
Flavonoid
Suppress the lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α expression and inhibit the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-specific phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4)
Park et al. [74]

Baliospermum montanum Müll. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)
Chloroformic and ethanolic extracts
Leaves
Alkaloids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, and glycosides
Alkaloids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids, and glycosides
Stabilize the mast cell degranulation and decrease the histamine release
Venkatesh et al. [75]

Berry fruit
Polyphenolic extract
Not reported
Phenolic compounds not specified
Phenolic compounds not specified
Not reported
Power et al. [76]

Boswellia serrata, Boswellia carterii, and frankincense
Essential oil
Resinous part
Fl-boswellic acid, acetyl-fl-boswellic acid, 11-keto-fl-boswellic acid, and acetyl-11-keto-fl-boswellic acid
Boswellic acids
Inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis
Hamidpour et al. [77] and Al-Yasiry and Kiczorowska [78]

Boswellia serrata, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Curcuma longa
Essential oil extract and extract
Resinous part, licorice root and turmeric root, respectively
Curcumin and fl-boswellic acid
Polyphenol
Reduce the plasma level of the leukotriene C4, nitric oxide and malondialdehyde
Houssen et al. [79]

Buffalo spleen lipid and a bacterial polypeptide
Extract
Animal-derived and microorganism-derived, respectively
Not reported
Not reported
Reduce the tracheal responsiveness and the amount of white blood cells
Neamati et al. [80]

Bullfrog oil (Rana catesbiana shaw)
Oil
Bullfrog adipose tissue
Oleic, linolenic, stearic, palmitic, and myristic acids. Eicosapentaenoic acids and decosahexaenoic acid
Fatty acids
Not elucidated
Amaral-Machado et al. [81]

Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang
Aqueous extract
Root of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, Panax ginseng C.A.Mey, Angelica dah-rica Fisch. Ex Hoffm and Bupleurum chinense DC. Rhizome of Zingiber officinale Rosc, Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, and Cimicifuga foetida L. Fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. inermis Rehd. Pericarp of Citrus reticulata Blanco. Root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch
Not reported
Not reported
Reduce the level of eotaxin, Th2-related cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13), IgE, and eosinophilia
Yang et al. [82]

Caenorhabditis elegans
Crude extract
Microorganism
Not reported
Not reported
Modulate the immunologic Th1/Th2 response
Huang et al. [83]

Camellia sinensis L.
Aqueous extract
Not reported
Polyphenois and flavonoids
Polyphenois and flavonoids
Not elucidated
Sharangi [84]

Carica papaya
Extract
Leaves
Tanins, alkaloids, steroids, and quinones
Tanins, alkaloids, steroids, and quinones
Reduce the expression of IL-4, IL-5, eotaxin, TNF-α, NF-κB, and iNOS
Elgadir et al. [85]

Carum roxburghianum
Crude extract
Seeds
Hydrocarbons, wax esters, sterol esters, triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, diacylglycerols, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylinositols
Hydrocarbons, wax esters, sterol esters, triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, diacylglycerols, lysophosphatidylethanolamines, and phosphatidylinositols
Bronchodilator activity
Khan et al. [86]

Chitin
Isolated compound
Shrimp
Chitin
Polysaccharide
Not elucidated
Ozdemir et al. [87]

Chrysin
Isolated compound
Marketable synthetic compound
5,7-Dihydroxy-2-phenyl-1-4H-chromen-4-one
Flavonoid
Reduces the histamine release and decreases the gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB)
Yao et al. [88]; Yao et al. [89]; Bae et al. [90]

Cissampelos sympodialis Eichl
Extract
Leaves
Warifteine
Alkaloid
Reduce the expression of IL-3 and IL-5, increase the IL-10 level, and decrease the density of inflammatory cells
Cerqueira-lima et al. [91]

Citrus tachibana
Ethanolic extract
Leaves
Coumarins, carotenoids, and flavonoids
Coumarins, carotenoids, and flavonoids
Modulate the Th1/Th2 imbalance by inhibition of NF-κB signaling and histamine secretion
Bui et al. [92]

Conjugated linoleic acid
Conjugated compound
Fatty tissue from ruminants
Cis, cis-9,12-octadecadienoic acid
Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Modulate the PPARγ-dependent and PPARγ-independent inflammation signaling, the eicosanoid production, and humoral immune response
Macredmond and Dorscheid [93]

Coumarins
Isolated compound
Synthetic compounds
6,7-Dihydroxycoumarin, 7-hydroxycoumarin and 4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin
Coumarin
Not elucidated
Sanchez-Recillas et al. [94]

Crocetin
Isolated compound
Marketable synthetic compound
Crocetin
Carotenoid
Activates the FOXP3 signaling through TIPE2
Ding et al. [95]

Curcumin
Isolated compound
Curcuma longa
(1E, 6E)-1,7-Bis (4-hydroxy- 3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6- heptadiene-3,5-dione
Polyphenol
Inhibits the Notch1-GATA3 signaling pathway
Zheng et al. [96]; Chong et al. [97]

Cyclotheonamides
Isolated compound
Marine
Not reported
Cyclic pentapeptides
Inhibit the human ß-tryptase
Schaschke and Sommerhoff [98]

Diallyl-disulfide
Isolated compound
Garlic oil
Diallyl-disulfide
Organosulfur
Activates the NrF-2/HO-1 pathway and suppresses the NF-κB
Shin et al. [99]

Dietary plant stanol esters
Not reported
Fatty acid
Not reported
Stanol ester
Reduce the total plasma IgE, IL-1β, IL-13, and TNF-α
Brull et al. [100]

Dioscorea nipponica
Isolated compound
Not reported
Diosgenin
Steroidal saponin
Suppress the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6
Junchao et al. [101]

D-α-tocopheryl acetate
Isolated compound
Natural source
D-α-tocopheryl acetate
Vitamin
Inhibits the oxidative stress. Modulates the allergic inflammation and the airway hyperresponsiveness
Hoskins et al. [102]

Echinodorus scaber
Hydroethanolic extract
Leaves
Vitexin, rutin, and gallic acid
Phenolic compounds
Decrease the migration of inflammatory cells and reduce the Th2 cytokines and IgE levels
Rosa et al. [103]

Eclipta prostrata (L.)L.
Methanolic extract
Whole plant
Wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone
Coumestan
Reduce the bronchial hyperresponsiveness and the production of Th2 cytokines
De Freitas Morel et al. [104]

Ecklonia cava
Marine alga
Brown macroalgae
Fucodiphloroethol and phlorofucofuroeckol A
Phlorotannins
Downregulate the FcεRI expression and block the IgE-FcεRI binding
Vo et al. [105]

Ephedra intermedia
Crude extract
Aerial parts
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
Alkaloids
Not elucidated
Gul et al. [106]

Ellagic acid
Isolated compound
Marketable synthetic compound
Ellagic acid
Polyphenol
Inhibits the activation of the NF-κB
Zhou et al. [107]

Emodin
Isolated compound
Roots and barks of Rheum palmatum and Polygonum multiflorum
1,3,8-Trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone
Anthraquinone
Suppresses the characteristics of airway inflammation, mucin components, and chitinase protein expression. Inhibits the NF-κB signaling pathway
Shrimali et al. [108]

Euphorbia hirta
Aqueous extract
Not reported
Galloylquinic acid, phorbol acid, leucocyanidol, quercitol, camphol, quercetin, chlorophenolic acid, shikimic acid
Tanins, leucoanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds
Not elucidated
Kunwar et al. [109]

Sesame
Fixed oil
Seeds
5,5′-(1S, 3aR, 4S, 6aR)-Tetrahydro-1H, 3H-furo [3,4-c]furan-1,4-diylbis-1,3-benzodioxole
Polyphenol
Decreases the levels of IL-4, Il-5, IL-13, and serum IgE. Reduces the amount of inflammatory cells and the eosinophil infiltration
Lin et al. [41]

Farnesol
Isolated compound
Fruits, leaves, flowers
3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol
Sesquiterpene
Increases the level of IgG2a/IgE and reduces the total IgE, IgA, IgM, IgG
Ku and Lin [110]

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.)
Extract
Leaves and parts above the ground
Parthenolide
Sesquiterpene
Inhibit the IκB kinase complex and the histamine release
Pareek et al. [111]

Flavonoids
Isolated compound
Vegetables (capers, tomatoes, fennel, sweet potato leaves, etc.), fruits (apple, apricots, grapes, plums, and berries), cereals (green/yellow beans and buckwheat)
Not reported
Polyphenol
Prevent the IgE synthesis and the mast cell degranulation. Reduce the airway hyperresponsiveness and inhibit the human phospholipase A2
Castell et al. [112]; Lattig et al. [113]

Fumaria parviflora Linn
Aqueous methanolic extract
Aerial parts
Fumarophycine, cryptopine, sanactine, stylopine, bicuculline, adlumine, perfumidine, and dihydrosanguirine
Alkaloids
Block the muscarinic receptors and the Ca²⁺ channels
Najeeb ur et al. [114]

Galangin
Synthetic compound
Alpinia officinarum
3,5,7-Trihydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one
Flavonol
Inhibits the TGF-β1 signaling by ROS generation and MAPK/Akt phosphorylation
Liu et al. [115]

Geastrum saccatum
Solid extract
Fruiting bodies of Geastrum saccatum
β-Glucose
Polysaccharide
Inhibit the NOS and COX
Guerra dore et al. [116]

Ginsenosides
Synthetic compound
Root of ginseng
Ginsenosides
Glycoside
Suppress the IL-4 level, increase the production of IFN-γ, and inhibit the mucus overproduction and recruitment of eosinophils
Chen et al. [117]

Grape seed
Extract
Seeds
Not reported
Not reported
Not elucidated.
Mahmoud [118]

Gymnema sylvestre R. Br.
Extract
Leaves
Not reported
Tanins and saponins
Not elucidated.
Tiwari et al. [119]; Di Fabio et al. [120]

Herba epimedii
Extract
Leaves
Icariin
Flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and alkaloids
Inhibit the mRNA expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2. Modulate the TGF-β signaling
Tang et al. [121]

Higenamine
Isolated compound
Tinospora crispa, Nandina domestica THUNBERG, Gnetum parvifolium C.Y. Cheng, Asarum heterotropoides
1-[(4-Hydroxyphenyl)methyl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-diol
Alkaloid
Not elucidated
Zhang et al. [122]

Homoegonol
Isolated compound
Styrax japonica
3-[2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-7-methoxy-1-benzofuran-5-yl]propan-1-ol
Lignan
Reduces the inflammatory cells count and Th2 cytokines
Shin et al. [123]

Hypericum sampsonii
Isolated compound
Aerial parts
Not reported
Polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols
Not elucidated
Zhang et al. [124]

Justicia pectoralis
Extract
Aerial parts
7-Hydroxycoumarin
Coumarin
Decrease the tracheal hyperresponsiveness and the IL-1β and TNF-α levels
Moura et al. [125]

Juniperus excelsa
Crude extract
Aerial parts
(+)-Cedrol, (+)-Sabinene, (+)-limonene, terpinolene, endo-fenchol, cis-pinene hydrate, α-campholena, camphor, borneol, triene cycloheptane 1,3,5-trimethylene, β-myrcene, o-allyl toluene
Anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, sterol, terpenoids, and tanins
Inhibit the Ca²⁺ influx and the phosphodiesterase activity
Khan et al. [126]

Kaempferol
Isolated compound
Biotransformation of synthetic kaempferol by genetically engineered E. coli
Kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside
Flavonoid
Reduces the inflammatory cells number, suppresses the production of Th2 cytokines and TNF-α
Chung et al. [127]

Kefir
Isolated compound
Kefir grains
Kefiran
Microorganism derived
Reduces the inflammatory cell number and decreases the level of IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, and IgE
Kwon et al. [128]; Lee et al. [129]

Laurus nobilis L.
Isolated compound
Leaves of Laurus nobilis L
Magnolialide
Sesquiterpene
Inhibit the mast cell degranulation and reduce the IL-4 and IL-5 production
Lee et al. [130]

Lepidium sativum
Crude extract
Seeds
Ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid
Vitamin and fatty acids
Promote a anticholinergic effect, inhibit the Ca²⁺ influx, and inhibit the phosphodiesterase activity
Rehman et al. [131]

L-Theanine
Isolated compound
Green tea of Camellia sinensis
L-Theanine (N-ethyl-L-glutamine)
Amino acid
Reduces the ROS production and decreases the levels of NF-κB and MMP-9
Hwang et al. [132]

Luteolin
Isolated compound
Perilla frutescens
(2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromenone)
Flavonoid
Inhibits the mucus overproduction and the GABAergic system
Shen et al. [133]

Lysate bacterial (OM-85 Broncho-Vaxom)
Extract
H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, smelly nose Klebsiella, S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus viridans, Neisseria catarrhalis
Not reported
Not reported
Increase the level of IL-4, IL-10, and IFN-γ
Lu et al. [134]

Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang®)
Extract
Stem bark
Mangiferin (1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone-c2-b-D-glucoside)
Xanthone
Inhibit the IgE production, the histamine release, and mast cell degranulation. Decrease the MMP-9 activity
Rivera et al. [135]

Aqueous extract
Barks
Mangiferin (1,3,6,7-tetrahydroxyxanthone-c2-b-D-glucoside)
Xanthone
Reduce the inflammatory cells recruitment and the airway hyperresponsiveness. Increase the Th2 cytokines and attenuated the increase of the PIK3 activity
Alvarez et al. [136]

Mangosteen
Isolated compound
Garcinia mangostana Linn.
α- and γ-mangostin
Xanthone
Inhibits the histamine release and modulates the cytokine production
Jang et al. [137]

Marine bioactives
Isolated compound
Marine sponges Petrosia contignata and Xestospongia bergquisita
Contignasterol and xestobergsterol
Steroids
Upregulation of TNF-β and IL-10 expression
D’Orazio et al. [138]

Marshallagia marshalli
Isolated compound
Marshallagia marshalli
Secretory/excretory antigen
Microorganism derived
Prevent the release of TNF-α and IL-1β. Suppress the neutrophil migration
Jabbari et al. [139]

Mikania laevigata and M. glomerata
Extract
Leaves
Dihydrocoumarin, coumarin, spathulenol, hexadecanoic acid, 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid, 9,12,15-octadecatrineoic acid, cupressenic acid, kaurenol, kaurenoic acid, isopropyloxigrandifloric acid, isobutyloxy-grandifloric acid
Coumarins, terpenoids, steroids, and flavonoids
Not elucidated
Napimoga and Yatsuda [140]

Milk and colostrum
Conjugated compound
Bovine milk
Conjugated linoleic acid
Fatty acid
Modulate the cytokine and antibodies (IgE, IgM) production, interferon NO synthesis and iNOS activity. Modulate the mast cell degranulation
Kanwar et al. [141]

Monoterpenes
Isolated compound
Essential oil of several medicinal plants (Matricaria recutita, Boswellia carterii, Pelargonium graveolens, Lavandula angustifolia, Citrus limon, Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca viridiflora, Santalum spicatum, Cedrus atlantica, and Thymus vulgaris)
Hydroxydihydrocarvone, fenchone, α-pinene, (S)-cis-verbenol, piperitenone oxide, α-terpinene, α-terpineol, terpinen-4-ol, α-carveol, menthone, pulegone, geraniol, citral, citronellol, perillyl alcohol, perillic acid, β-myrcene, carvone, limonene, thymol, carvacrol, linalool, linalyl acetate, borneol, l-borneol, bornyl acetate, terpineol, thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone, 1,8-cineol, l-menthol, menthone, and neomenthol
Terpenoids
Reduce the expression of NF-κB target gene MUC2
Cassia et al. [142]

Mandevilla longiflora
Hydroethanolic extract
Plant xylopodium
Ellagic acid, hesperidin, luteolin, naringin, naringenin, and rutin
Polyphenol and flavonoids
Decrease the eosinophils, neutrophils, and mononuclear cell migration in BALF and by histopathological analysis. Decrease the IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IgE, and LTB₄ levels
Almeida et al. [143]

Morus alba L.
Isolated compound
Root bark
Moracin M. (5-(6-hydroxy-1-benzofuran-2-yl)benzene-1,3-diol)
Not reported
Inhibit the PDE4
Chen et al. [144]

Haemanthus coccineus
Extract
Dried bulbs
Narciclasine
Alkaloid
Inhibit the edema formation, the leucocyte infiltration, and cytokine synthesis in vivo. Block the interaction between the leucocyte and endothelial cells, the activation of isolated leucocytes (cytokine synthesis and proliferation) and of primary endothelial cells (adhesion molecule expression) in vitro. Suppress the NF-κB-dependent gene transcription
Fuchs et al. [145]

Naringin
Isolated compound
Common grapefruit
Naringin
Flavone
Attenuates the bronchoconstriction by reduction of calcium influx
Wang et al. [146]

Nielumbo nucifera
Extract
Leaves
Nuiciferine and aporphine
Alkaloids
Attenuate the bronchoconstriction by reduction of calcium influx
Yang et al. [147]

Nigella sativa
Oil
Seeds
Thymoquinone (2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone)
Quinone
Decrease the NO and IgE levels. Increase the IFN-γ
Salem et al. [148]; Koshak et al. [149]

NujiangexanthoneA
Isolated compound
Leaves of Garcinia nujiangensis
1,2,5,6-Tetrahydroxy-3-methoxy-4,7,8-tri(3-meth-ylbut-2-enyl)-xanthone
Xanthone
Suppresses the IgE/Ag activation and degranulation of mast cell. Suppresses the production of cytokines and eicosanoids, through inhibiting Src kinase activity and Syk-dependent pathways. Inhibits the release of histamine, PGD2 and leukotriene C4 generation. Inhibits the increase of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE levels. Inhibits the cell infiltration and increases mucus production
Lu et al. [150]

Oleanolic acid
Synthetic compound
Forsythia viridissima
Oleanolic acid
Triterpenoid
Modulates the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORγt, and Foxp3
Kim et al. [151]

Omega 3
Isolated compound
Fish oil
n – 3 Polyunsaturated fatty acid
Fatty acid
Decreases the IL-17 and TNF-α levels
Hansen et al. [152]; Farjadian et al. [153]

Organic acids
Isolated compound
Berberis integerrima and B. vulgaris fruits
Malic, citric, tartaric, oxalic, and fumaric acids
Organic acids
Inhibits the Th2 cytokines
Ardestani et al. [154]; Shaik et al. [155]

Oroxylin A
Isolated compound
Scutellariae radix
5′7-Dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one
Flavonoid
Reduces the airway hyperactivity. Decreases the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IgE in BALF
Lu et al. [156]; Zhou et al. [157]

Oxymatrine
Isolated compound
Root of the Sophora flavescens Aiton (Fabaceae)
Oxymatrine
Alkaloid
Inhibits the eosinophil migration, IL-4, IL-5, IgE, and IL-13 levels. Inhibits the expression of CD40 protein
Zhang et al. [158]

P. integerrima Gall and Pistacia integerrima stew. Ex brand
Methanolic and crude extract
Galls and whole plant
Not reported
Carotenoids, terpenoids, catechins, and flavonoids
Attenuate the TNF-α, IL-4, and IL-5 expression levels, and pulmonary edema by elevation of AQP1 and AQP5 expression levels
Rana et al. [159]; Bibi et al. [160]

Paeonia emodi royle
Extract
Rhizomes
1β, 3β, 5α, 23, 24-Pentahydroxy-30-nor-olean-12, 20(29)-dien-28-oic acid; 6α, 7α-epoxy-1α, 3β, 4β, 13β-tetrahydroxy-24, 30-dinor-olean-20-ene-28, 13β-olide; paeonin B; paeonin C; methyl grevillate; 4-hydroxy benzoic acid, and gallic acid
Terpenoids and phenolic compounds
Inhibits the lipoxygenase activity
Zargar et al. [161]

Petasites japonicus
Extract
Leaves
Petatewalide B
Not reported
Inhibit the degranulation of β-hexosaminidase in mast cells, the iNOS induction, and the NO production. Inhibits the accumulation of eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes in BALF
Choi et al. [162]

Peucedanum praeruptorum dunn
Extract
Roots
Dihydropyranocoumarin, linear furocoumaris, and simple coumarin
Coumarins
Attenuate the airway hyperreactivity and Th2 responses
Xiong et al. [163]

Peucedani Radix
Extract
Roots
Nodakenin, nodakenetin, pteryxin, praeruptorin A, and praeruptorin B
Not reported
Inhibit the Th2 cell activation
Lee et al. [164]

Eryngium
Extract
Leaves, fruits, and roots
A1-barrigenol, R1-barrigenol, tiliroside, kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucosyde-7-O-α-L-rhamnoside, rutin, agasyllin, grandivittin, aegelinol benzoate, aegelinol, R-(+)-rosmarinic (61), and R-(+)-3′-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl rosmarinic acid
Phenol, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins
Not elucidated
Erdem et al. [165]

Pericampylus glaucus
Extract
Stems, leaves, roots, and fruits
Periglaucine A-D and mangiferonic acid
Alkaloids, terpenoids, isoflavones, and sterols
Inhibit the COX enzymes activity
Shipton et al. [166]

Aquilaria malaccensis
Ethanolic extract
Seeds
Aquimavitalin
Phorbol ester
Inhibit the mast cell degranulation
Korinek et al. [167]

Phytochemicals
Isolated compound
Several medicinal plants
Luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, eudesmin, magnolin, woorenoside, zerumbone, aucubin, triptolide, nitocine, berberine, and piperine
Flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, and alkaloids
Suppress the TNF-α expression
Iqbal et al. [168]

Picrasma quassioides (D.Don) Benn
Alcoholic extract
Not reported
4-Methoxy-5- hydroxycanthin-6-one
Alkaloid
Decreases the inflammatory cell count in BALF. Reduces the IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE levels. Reduces the airway hyperresponsiveness. Attenuates the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the mucus production in the airways. Reduces the overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
Shin et al. [169]

Pinus maritime (Pycnogenol®)
Extract
Barks
Procyanidin
Flavonoid
Decrease the NO production, the inflammatory cell count, and the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE in BALF or serum. Reduces the IL-1β and IL-6 levels, the expression of iNOS and MMP-9. Enhances the expression of heme oxygenase (HO)-1. Attenuates the airway inflammation and mucus hypersecretion
Shin et al. [170]

Ping chuan ke li

Not elucidated
Wang et al. [171]

Piperine
Isolated compound
Piper nigrum (black pepper) and Piper longum (long pepper)
Piperine
Alkaloid
Inhibits eosinophil infiltration and airway hyperresponsiveness by suppressing T cell activity and Th2 cytokine production
Chinta et al. [172]

Piperlongumine
Isolated compound
Piper longum
Piperlongumine (5,6-dihydro-1-[(2E)-1-oxo-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-propenyl]-2(1H)-pyridinone)
Alkaloid
Inhibits the activity of inflammatory transcription factors, NF-κB, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 as well as the expression of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-23, matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9, and intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1. Suppresses the permeability and leukocyte migration, the production of TNF-α, IL-6, and extracellular regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 along with the activation of NF-κB
Prasad and Tyagi [173]

Piper nigrum
Ethanolic extract
Not reported
Piperine
Alkaloid
Inhibit the Th2/Th17 responses and mast cell activation
Bui et al. [174]; Khawas et al. [175]

Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) spreng.
Ethanol, methanol, and hexane extracts
Aerial parts
Rosmarinic acid, shimobashiric acid, salvianolic acid L, rutin, thymoquinone, and quercetin
Flavonoids
Not elucidated
Arumugam et al. [176]

Podocarpus sensu latissimo
Extract
Barks
3-Methoxyflavones and 3-O-glycosides
Flavonoids
Provinol and flavin-7
Abdillahi et al. [177]

Polyphenols and their compounds
Isolated compound
Provinol and flavin-7
Quercetin and resveratrol
Polyphenol
Decrease IL-4 and IL-5 levels, the airway hyperresponsiveness, and mucus overproduction
Joskova et al. [178]

Propolis
Isolated compound
Honey bees from several plants
Pinocembrin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester
Polyphenol and terpenoids
Inhibits TGF-β1
Kao et al. [179]

Psoralea corylifolia
Extract
Fruits
7-O-Methylcorylifol A, 7-O-isoprenylcorylifol A, and 7-O-isoprenylneobavaisoflavone
Flavonoids
Inhibit the N-formyl-L-methionyl-L-leucyl-L-phenylalanine (fMLP)-induced generation and/or elastase release
Chen et al. [180]

Quercetin
Isolated compound
Tea, fruits and vegetables
2-(3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one
Flavonoid
Inhibits LOX and PDE4. Reduce leukotrienes and histamine release with a decrease in the IL-4 level. Inhibit prostaglandins release and the human mast cell activation by Ca₂⁺ influx
Townsend et al. [181]; Mlcek et al. [182]

Radix Rehmanniae Preparata
Extract
Not reported
Catalpol
Glycoside
Inhibit IgE secretion. Decrease IL-4 and IL-5. Inhibit eosinophil infiltration and suppress eotaxin and its receptor CCR3. Reduce IL-5Rα levels
Chen et al. [183]

Resveratrol
Isolated compound
Skin and barks of red fruits
Resveratrol (3,4,5-trihydroxystilbene)
Polyphenol
Decreases eosinophilia. Reduce neutrophil migration and inhibit PGD-2 release. Decrease IL-4 and IL-5 and also the hyperresponsiveness and mucus production
Lee et al. [184]; Hu et al. [185]; Chen et al. [186]

Schisandra chinensis
Extract
Dried fuits
α-Cubebenoate
Not reported
Suppress bronchiolar structural changes. Inhibit the accumulation of lymphocytes, eosinophils, and macrophages in BALF. Suppress IL-4, IL-13, and TGF-β1. Increase the intracellular Ca₂⁺
Lee et al. [187]

Sea cucumber (Holothurians)
Tonic
Marine animal (Sea cucumber)
Holothurin A3, pervicoside A, and fuscocinerosides A
Toxins
Reduce COX enzymatic activity
Guo et al. [188]

Selaginella uncinata (Desv.)
Extract
Dried herbs
Amentoflavone, hinokiflavone, and isocryptomerin
Flavonoids
Attenuate hyperresponsiveness and goblet cell hyperplasia. Decrease IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IgE levels in serum. Upregulation of T2R10 gene expression and downregulation of IP3R1 and Orai1 gene expression. Suppression of eotaxin, NFAT1, and c-Myc protein expression
Yu et al. [189]

Selaginella pulvinata
Isolated compound
Air-dried powder of the whole plant of S. pulvinata
Selaginpulvilin A, selaginpulvilin B, and selaginpulvilin C
Phenol
Inhibit the PDE4
Liu et al. [190]

Sideritis scardica
Extract
Leaves
Echinacoside, verbascoside, luteolin, apigenin, caffeic acid, vanillic acid
Glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids
Not elucidated
Todorova and Trendafilova [191]

Siegesbeckia glabrescens
Extract
Aerial roots
3,40-O-Dimethylquercetin, 3,7-O-dimethylquercetin, 3-O-methylquercetin, and 3,7,40-O-trimethylquercetin
Flavonoids
Reduce inflammatory cell infiltration in BALF. Decrease IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin, and IgE. Reduce airway inflammation and mucus overproduction. Decrease iNOS and COX-2 expression and reduce NO levels
Jeon et al. [192]

Sitostanol
Isolated compound
Marketable synthetic compound
Sitostanol
Steroid
Suppresses IL-4 and IL-13 release
Brüll et al. [193]

Soft coral
Isolated compound
Sarcophyton ehrenbergi
Not reported
Prostaglandins
Inhibits PDE4
Cheng et al. [194]

Solanum paniculatum L
Extract
Fruits
Stigmasterol and β-sitosterol
Steroid
Reduce IL-4 and NO levels. Decrease IFN-γ without changes in IL-10 levels. Reduce NF-κB, TBET, and GATA3 gene expression
Rios et al. [195]

Squill (Drimia maritima (L.) stearn) oxymel
Crude extract
Not reported
Scillaren A, scillirubroside, scilliroside, scillarenin, and proscillaridin A
Glycosides
Not elucidated
Nejatbakhsh et al. [196]

Sorbus commixta Hedl. (Rosaceae)
Methanolic extract
Fruits
Neosakuranin
Glycosides
Not elucidated
Bhatt et al. [197]

Thuja orientalis
Extract
Fruits
Cupressuflavone, amentoflavone, robustaflavone, afzelin, (+)-catechin, quercetin, hypolaetin 7-O-β-xylopyranoside, isoquercitrin, and myricitrin
Flavonoids
Reduce nitric oxide production and reduce the relative mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL6, cyclooxygenase-2, MMP-9, TNF-α in vitro. Decrease the inflammatory cell counts in BALF. Reduce IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, eotaxin, and IgE levels and reduce the airway hyperresponsiveness, in vivo. Attenuate mucus hypersecretion
Shin et al. [198]

Tonggyu-tang
Extract
Ledebouriella divaricata Hiroe, Angelica koreanum Kitagawa, Angelica tenuissima Nakai, Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom., Pueraria thunbergiana Benth., Ligusticum wallichii var. officinale Yook., Atractylodes lancea DC., Thuja orientalisl., Ephedra sinica Stapf., Zanthoxylum schinifolium S.Z., Asarum sieboldii var. seoulense Nakai, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus Bung, Xanthium strumarium L., Magnolia denudate Desr., Mentha arvensis var. piperascens Makinv
Not reported
Plant
Inhibit inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α). Suppress mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB in mast cells and keratinocytes
Kim et al. [199]

Trigonella foenum-graecum
Extract
Seeds
Not reported
Flavonoids
Reduce IL-5, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. Reduce collagen deposition in goblet cells. Suppress inflammatory cells
Piao et al. [200]

Tropidurus hispidus
Oil
Fat of tropidurus hispidus
Croton oil, arachidonic acid, phenol, and capsaicin
Fatty acids and its derivated
Affect the arachidonic acid and their metabolites and reduce proinflammatory mediators
Santos et al. [201]

Urtica dioica L.
Extract
Leaves
Caffeic acid, gallic acid, quercetin, scopoletin, carotenoids, secoisolariciresinol, and anthocyanidins
Polyphenols, flavonoids, cumarin, and lignan
Reduce leucocytes and lymphocytes levels in serum. Inhibit the eosinophilia increase in BALF. Suppress inflammatory cells recruitment and attenuation of lipid peroxidation of lung tissues
Zemmouri et al. [202]

Verproside
Isolated compound
Pseudolysimachion
Verproside
Glycoside
Suppress the NF-κB and TNF-α expression
Lee et al. [203]

Vitamin D
Isolated compound
Not reported
Calcitriol
Vitamin
Inhibit lymphocytes (Th1 and Th2) and reduces cytokines production
Szekely and Pataki [204]

Vitamin E
Isolated compound
Plant lipids
α-, β-, γ-, and δ-Tocopherols and the α-, β-, γ-, and δ-tocotrienols
Vitamin
Reduce airway hyperresponsiveness, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, OVA-specific IgE, eotaxin, TGF-β, 12/15-LOX, lipid peroxidation, and lung nitric oxide metabolites
Cook-Mills and McCary [205]; Abdala-Valencia et al. [206]

Vitex rotundifolia linn til (Verbenaceae)
Methanolic extract
Fruits
1H, 8H-Pyrano [3, 4-c]pyran-1,8-dione
Not reported
Inhibit eotaxin, IL-8, IL-16, and VCAM-1 mRNA
Lee et al. [207]

Viticis fructus
Extract
Dried fruit
Pyranopyran-1,8-dione
Not reported
Inhibit eosinophils and lymphocytes cell infiltration into the BAL fluid. Reduce to normal levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and eotaxin. Suppress IgE levels
Park et al. [208]

Yu ping feng san
Extract
Radix Saposhnikoviae (Fangfeng), Radix Astragali (Huangqi), and Rhizoma Atractylodis macrocephalae (Baizhu)
Calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, calycosin, formonetin, atractylenolide III, II, and I; 5-O-methylvisammioside, 8-methoxypsoralen and bergapten
Flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and furocoumarins
Inhibit TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β
Stefanie et al. [209]

Zygophyllum simplex L
Extract
Aerial parts
Isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-rutinoside, myricitrin, luteolin-7- O-β-D-glucoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and isorhamnetin
Phenol
Inhibit NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6
Abdallah and Esmat [210]

Ziziphus amole
Extract
Leaves, stems, barks, and roots
Alphitolic acid, sitosterol, ziziphus-lanostan-18-oico acid
Terpenoid and steroid
Inhibit myeloperoxidase activity
Romero-Castillo et al. [211]

2.1. Natural Products from Plants

The use of natural products obtained from plants by the traditional medicine has been reported from centuries, especially in countries as China, Japan, and India [212]. Thus, the topics below concern these products or bioactive compounds originated from the most studied plants used on asthma therapy.

2.1.1. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are natural compounds from plants, nuts, and fruits that are chemically characterized by the presence of two benzene rings (A and B) linked through a heterocyclic pyrene ring (C). They represent a large group of polyphenolic secondary metabolites [213] with more than 8,000 different compounds already identified [214]. Considering their chemical structure, they can be classified as flavans, flavanones, isoflavanones, flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanidins, and flavonolignans [214]. Flavans or isoflavans possess a heterocyclic hydrocarbon skeleton, chromane, and a substitution on its C ring, in carbons 2 or 3, by a phenyl group (B ring). Flavanones and isoflavanones show an oxo-group in position 4. The presence of a double bond between C2 and C3 indicates flavones and isoflavones, and the addition of a C1 to C2 double bond represents anthocyanidins [214].

The diversity in their chemical structure contributes to their broad range of physiological and biological activities, from which it can be highlighted the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, antithrombotic, and anticarcinogenic activities [213]. In this review, 14 studies reported flavonoids as a group of compounds able to be used on asthma treatment. The following subsections show the main flavonoids with antiasthmatic activity reported in the literature and used by the traditional medicine. These studies attributed the antiasthmatic activity of plant extracts containing these compounds, in part, due to their presence in the phytocomplex.

(1) Flavone Compounds: Chrysin, Baicalin, Luteolin, and Oroxylin A. Defined as 5,7-dihydroxy-2-phenyl-1-4H-chromen-4-one, chrysin is classified as a flavone that can be found in Passiflora caerulea and Passiflora incarnate flowers, as well as in Matricaria chamomilla, popularly known as chamomile, besides being present in propolis and other plants [90, 100]. Chrysin is a compound able to suppress the proliferation of airway smooth muscle cells as well as to promote a reduction in the IL-4, IL-13, IgE, and interferon-γ levels that lead to an attenuation in the asthma inflammatory process [89]. Bae et al. [90] performed their studies through an in vitro cell culture model with the purpose to describe how the chrysin was able to promote the inhibitory effect in the proinflammatory cytokines. They suggested that this effect was caused by the intracellular calcium reduction in mast cells, since calcium is responsible for proinflammatory cytokine gene transcription [90]. In addition, a study performed by Yao and colleagues [88] investigated the activity of chrysin against asthma in mice sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Their results revealed that chrysin would be a promising compound able to be used for controlling airway remodeling and clinical manifestations of asthma [88].

Baicalin, a 7-glucuronic acid-5,6-dihydroxyflavone, is a natural metabolite easily found in leaves and barks from several species of the Scutellaria genus [215]. Studies performed by Park and colleagues [208] investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin using an asthma-induced animal model. The results showed that this compound decreased the inflammatory cell infiltration and the levels of TNF-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF). The activity of the baicalin was attributed to the fact that this metabolite selectively inhibits the enzyme activity of PDE4 and suppresses the TNF-α expression induced by the lipopolysaccharides on macrophages, indicating a potential use of this metabolite in asthma treatment [74].

Additionally, luteolin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4-chromenone), another compound that had also demonstrated antiasthma activity, is widely found in aromatic flowering plants, such as Salvia tomentosa and Lamiaceae, as well as in broccoli, green pepper, parsley, and thyme [216]. Shen and colleagues [133] studied its pharmacological activity through inhibition of the GABAergic system, which is responsible for the overproduction of mucus during the asthmatic crisis by overstimulation of the epithelial cells. The study indicated that this compound was able to promote the attenuation of the goblet cell hyperplasia by the partial inhibition of GABA activities [133].

Another antiasthmatic flavonoid compound is oroxylin A, a flavone found in the extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Oroxylum indicum tree [156]. According to Zhou [157], oroxylin A, or 5-7-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one, was able not only to reduce the airway hyperactivity in an OVA-induced asthma murine model, but also to decrease the levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and OVA-specific IgE in BALF [157]. This study also showed the ability of oroxylin A in inhibiting the alveolar wall thickening in addition to avoid the inflammatory cell infiltration in the perivascular and peribronchial areas assessed by histopathological evaluation [157].

(2) Flavonol Compounds: Quercetin, Galangin, and Kaempferol. Quercetin (2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one), a flavonol compound widely found in onions, apples, broccoli, cereals, grapes, tea, and wine, has been known as the main active compound of these plants and, therefore, responsible for their widespread use in traditional medicine for the treatment of inflammatory, allergic, and viral diseases [213]. The studies using this compound as antiasthma were performed in cell cultures and rats, as in vitro and in vivo models, respectively, showing its high capacity to reduce inflammatory processes. According to these studies, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of quercetin is attributed to the lipoxygenase and PDE4 inhibition and reduction on histamine and leukotriene release, which promote a decrease in the proinflammatory cytokine formation and production of IL-4, respectively. In addition, quercetin also promoted the inhibition of human mast cell activation by Ca²⁺ influx and prostaglandin release inhibition [182], favoring the therapeutic relief of the asthma symptoms and decreasing the short-acting β-agonist dependence [181, 182].

Galangin, a compound chemically defined as 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one, easily found on Alpinia officinarum [217], had its pharmacological activity evaluated using a specific-pathogen-free mice model [115]. The study, performed by Liu [115], showed an effective response against the in vivo OVA-induced inflammation as well as a reduction on the ROS levels in vitro. Furthermore, galangin acted as an antiremodeling agent in asthma, since this compound inhibited the goblet cell hyperplasia, lowering the TGF-β1 levels and suppressing the expression of vascular endothelial grown factor (VEGF) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in BALF or lung tissue. This result highlighted its antiremodeling activity in the TGF-β1-ROS-MAPK pathway, proving its potential use on asthma treatment [115].

Another flavonol, kaempferol, chemically defined as 3,5,7-trihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one, is widely found in citrus fruits, broccoli, apples, and other plant sources [213]. This compound has been studied due to its pharmacological potential, especially against inflammation. In the study performed by Chung et al. [127], an OVA-induced airway inflammation mouse model of asthma was performed, demonstrating that kaempferol can significantly reduce the inflammatory process due to the decrease of the inflammatory cell infiltration and the decrease of production of inflammatory cytokines and IgE antibodies. In addition, this compound was also able to reduce the intracellular ROS production in the airway inflammation reaction [127].

Furthermore, Mahat et al. [218] demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of kaempferol occurs through the inhibition of nitric oxide and nitric oxide-induced COX-2 enzyme activation, further inhibiting the cytotoxic effects of nitric oxide, reducing the prostaglandin-E2 production [218]. To improve the possibility of the use of kaempferol as a bioactive on the development of new drugs or medicines, the previously mentioned study by Chung [127] also describes the antiasthma activity of a glycosylated derivative of kaempferol, the kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside. The glycosylation of kaempferol improved its solubility and stability, besides reducing its toxicity [127], allowing the production of a compound with great potential to increase the asthma therapeutic arsenal. According to this rationale, this compound may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of the plant extracts containing this substance and that have been used to asthma treatment.

2.1.2. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural stilbenoid compound, a class of polyphenol obtained from the bark of red fruits, with known antioxidant and promising anti-inflammatory and antiasthma activities [186]. In studies using eosinophils obtained from asthmatic individuals, Hu et al. [185] demonstrated that resveratrol induces not only cell cycle arrest in the G1/S phase, but also apoptosis, allowing a decrease in the eosinophil number [185], thus reducing the neutrophil migration and, consequently, preventing the histamine and PGD-2 release, avoiding vasodilatation, mucus production, and bronchoconstriction (Figure 1). Additionally, Lee and colleagues [129] demonstrated that resveratrol was effective against the asthmatic mouse model once this polyphenol induced a significant decrease in the plasma level of T-helper-2-type cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-5. It also decreased the airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilia, and mucus hypersecretion [184]. Although performed by different methods, the studies are in agreement regarding the scientific evidence that supports the use of resveratrol by oral route as an effective natural compound to treat asthma patients.

2.1.3. Boswellia

Boswellia is a tree genus that produces oil known as frankincense, which is obtained through incisions in the trunks of these trees. This oil is composed by 30–60% resin, 5–10% essential oils, and polysaccharides [219]. Studies performed using this product evaluated its pharmacological activities revealing that the Boswellia bioactives are boswellic acids and AKBA (3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid), both responsible for preventing NF-κB activation and, consequently, inhibiting IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-gamma release [52]. They also inhibit LOX-5, thus preventing leukotriene release [78]. Thus, based on the physiopathology of asthma, it is possible to infer that these compounds may act as antiasthma molecules from the tree genus, once these enzymes and mediators are involved in the asthma-related inflammation. Moreover, another study that aimed at evaluating the antiasthma activity of these compounds showed that the association between Boswellia serrata, Curcuma longa, and Glycyrrhiza had a pronounced effect on the management of bronchial asthma [79], suggesting its potential on asthma therapy.

2.2. Natural Products from Animal Source

Animal-derived natural products still represent the minority of natural sources for products intended for asthma treatment. Nonetheless, many studies describe the use of animal-based products, such as oils, milk, and spleen as a complementary therapy for several diseases, including asthma. The traditional medicine reports the benefits of consuming some animal parts and animal products, once they can be rich in compounds such as lipids, prostaglandins, unsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, and polysaccharides, which are responsible for their pharmacological activities [220, 221]. In addition, animal sources are also widely cited as biocompatible and biodegradable sources, suggesting their safe use. The animal products and compounds cited in this session can be obtained from several sources, such as mammals, amphibians, and crustaceans, demonstrating its wide range of possibilities.

2.2.1. Animal Sea Source: Holothuroidea, Penaeus, and Sarcophyton ehrenbergi

Marine ecosystems represent an important source of natural compounds due to their wide biodiversity, which include animals and plants that are unique to this environment. Therefore, many studies have been performed to evaluate the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antiasthmatic potential of algae and sea animals.

On this concern, the sea cucumber, a marine invertebrate animal that belongs to the class Holothuroidea, usually found in the benthic areas and deep seas, has been used by Asian and Middle Eastern communities in the traditional medicine as elixir, due to its pharmacological activity on the treatment of hypertension, asthma, rheumatism, cuts, burns, and constipation [188]. These pharmacological activities are attributed to the presence of saponins, cerebrosides, polysaccharides, and peptides on its composition [188, 220]. Bordbar et al. [220], in a literature review, mentioned an experimental study from Herencia et al. [222] in which sea cucumber extract showed a reduction of the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase in inflamed mice tissues, without promoting any modification on the cyclooxygenase enzyme, showing that the sea cucumber extract is a potent natural product able to be used against several inflammatory diseases [220].

Ozdemir and colleagues [87] investigated the pharmacological activity of chitin, a polysaccharide formed by repeated units of N-acetylglucosamine to form long chain through β-(1-4) linkage [221], the major compound of the shrimp (Penaeus) exoskeleton. In this study, the authors performed the intranasal administration of chitin microparticles in the asthma-induced mice model, which promoted the reduction of serum IgE and peripheral blood eosinophilia, besides the decrease of the airway hypersensitivity [87]. Additionally, another study identified and isolated ten new prostaglandin derivatives from the Sarcophyton ehrenbergi extract, a soft coral species found in the Red sea [194], from which five of them showed inhibitory activity against PDE4 (44.3%) at 10 μg.mL–1, suggesting its utilization on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment, once PDE4 is the drug target on the treatment of both diseases [194].

Finally, these studies demonstrated that marine source needs to be further investigated, since a wide variety of bioproducts and/or bioactives with potential anti-inflammatory activity and antiasthmatic proprieties can be found in this environment.

2.2.2. Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana Shaw) Oil

The bullfrog oil is a natural oil extracted from the adipose tissue of the amphibian Rana catesbeiana Shaw, which is originated from North America and has its meat widely commercialized around the world [223]. This oil has been used by the traditional medicine to treat inflammatory disorders, especially asthma [223]. This oil is composed of a mixture of mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids and bile-derived steroid compound (ethyl iso-allocholate) [81, 224], which are responsible for its therapeutic properties [81].

According to Yaqoob [57], the presence of oleic, linolenic, stearic, palmitic, and myristic fatty acids can promote the suppression of immune cell functions [58]. Based on such evidence, it is possible to infer that the bullfrog oil, due to its chemical composition, can be used on the treatment of inflammation-related disorders such as asthma. However, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

2.2.3. Other Products Derived from Animals

Although the majority of the currently used animal products by the traditional medicine for asthma treatment belong from animal tissues, there is evidence that mammal fluids, for example, buffalo spleen liquid, milk, and colostrum, can act on the immune system promoting the decrease of asthma symptoms [80].

The buffalo spleen liquid was investigated in a study performed by Neamati and colleagues [80], in which pigs were asthma sensitized using ovalbumin, followed by administration of the buffalo spleen liquid-based adjuvant. A decrease in the tracheal response as well as a reduction in the white blood cell number in lung lavage was observed on sensitized animals when compared to healthy animals [80], showing the potentiality of this fluid in promoting asthma control. In addition, another study was performed to evaluate the antiasthma activity using milk and colostrums, which contain linolenic acid and proteins like lactoferrin [141], as a natural product. This study showed a modulation in the plasma lipid concentration in human and animal models and a decrease in the allergic airway inflammation induced by ragweed pollen grain extract.

2.3. Bioactives Obtained from Microorganisms

The use of bacteria and fungi metabolites on the treatment of several diseases is widely reported since the penicillin discovery. However, more recent studies have further investigated the antiasthmatic potential of these metabolites [225]. On this concern, a study performed by Lu and colleagues [156] evaluated the antiasthma activity of the bacterial lysate OM-85 Broncho-Vaxom (BV), a patented pharmaceutical product [134]. The study observed that the bacterial lysate coupled with the conventional treatment was able to increase the rate of natural killer T cells on the peripheral blood, decreasing the cytokine level (cytokines type not described) and, then, promoting the reduction of asthma symptoms. Furthermore, kefir, a fermented milk drink produced by lactic and acetic acids from bacteria, which also presents the kefiran, an insoluble polysaccharide as main component [128, 129], had its in vivo anti-inflammatory activity evaluated. This compound was able to reduce at normal levels the release of IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 along with the production of INF-γ and TNF-α [128]. In addition, the intragastric administration of kefiran promoted the reduction of OVA-induced cytokine production in a murine asthma model, decreasing the pulmonary eosinophilia and mucus hypersecretion [128, 129].

Therefore, based on these reports and historical facts regarding the use of microorganisms as source for isolation of new bioactives and the development of medicines, it is important to highlight that these new agents may contribute to the current asthma treatment.

3. Conclusion: Widely Used Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients from Natural Source

As previously demonstrated, natural products have been extensively used as a complementary treatment for asthma therapy. Studies concerning these products have aimed at investigating their activity as a matrix of compounds to complement or replace current asthma treatment, while others aim at isolating compounds to generate new medicines based on synthetic drugs of natural origin [226].

Historically, natural products have contributed tremendously to the development of marketable medicines to the treatment of several diseases [226]. The evaluation of their therapeutic activities and identification and isolation of their bioactive molecules allowed not only their clinical use, but also the discovery of the pharmacophore groups and the radicals responsible for their toxicity or their biopharmaceutics aspects. In fact, based on such studies, it is possible to perform structural or delivery changes on these compounds that would increase their safety or would be able to module their half-life allowing to target them to specific action sites [227].

This review shows the experimental studies that identified the antiasthma activity of different natural sources in the last decade, along with the molecules responsible for that. Altogether, these studies presented preliminary data that require further investigations about these compounds in order to, in a near future, be used on the production of designing medicines. Currently, a few natural-based active compounds are already available in the market, such as ipratropium bromide, theophylline, epinephrine, and sodium cromoglycate [226, 228–231].

Ipratropium bromide, an anticholinergic drug able to promote bronchodilation, has been widely used for the treatment of asthma. This compound was synthesized from atropine, a compound extracted for the first time in 1809 from Atropa belladonna L. However, it can be also found in other plants from the Solanaceae family [228, 229]. In spite of that, only in 1833, its chemical structure was elucidated, and in 1850, it was implemented for clinical use, allowing the proper understanding of its in vivo biopharmaceutics and therapeutic characteristics [232].

Theophylline is an antiasthmatic drug widely used in the management of severe persistent asthma, promoting the bronchodilation and attenuation of asthma inflammation. Also known as 1,3-dimethylxanthine, this molecule was extracted in 1888 from Theobroma cacao L. and Camellia sinensis L., plants presented in several countries. Later in 1922, this drug was introduced on asthma therapy [233]. Years after, epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, was extracted from the Ephedra sinica, a plant widely used in the Chinese traditional medicine, allowing the synthesis of beta-agonist antiasthmatic drugs, such as salbutamol and salmeterol, currently used in asthma treatment [226].

Furthermore, sodium cromoglycate, a drug obtained from the khellin bioactive extracted from Ammi visnaga (L) Lamk, has been used as a bronchodilator based on its ability of inhibiting mast cell degranulation, which enabled its use on the asthma treatment [226, 230].

Overall, these reports highlight the relevance of the investigation and isolation of new bioactive compounds that could present antiasthmatic potential. As the current asthma treatment involves drugs that have been extensively studied in the past decades, the experimental studies that evaluate the activity of compounds obtained from diverse natural sources might allow the development of new antiasthmatic drugs in the near future.

4. Final Considerations

The current asthma treatment is of high cost and has many side effects, which compromises the patient treatment compliance. Literature reports show that asthma treatment can be improved using natural products to complement the traditional drugs, since those products are of low cost and biocompatible and show reduced side effects. The literature search included the keywords asthma, natural products, and treatment, individually, resulted in 14,296,762 studies, including scientific articles, reviews, editorial reference works, and abstracts. Additionally, the keyword combination “Asthma + Natural Products” found 18,111 studies, “Asthma + Treatment,” 209,423 studies, “Natural Products + Treatment,” 459,685 studies, and “Asthma + Treatment + Natural Products,” 1,986 studies. Thus, after screening for duplicate studies, 1,934 abstracts were evaluated. Finally, based on the inclusion criteria, 172 studies reporting the use of natural products on asthma treatment were included in this review, summarizing a total of 160 studies that reported plants as natural source, 9 from animal source, and 3 studies describing bacteria and fungi as bioactive sources, totalizing 134 compounds which can be used as complementary or alternative medicine on asthma treatment. Plants were found to be the major source of products used by the folk medicine to treat asthma, since they are a renewable source of easy access. Also, due to their variety of secondary metabolites, plants are able to promote antiasthma activity mainly due to their anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties. This study revealed that flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids are the main elucidated compounds able to promote the attenuation of asthma symptoms. On the other hand, a lack of scientific reports regarding the pharmaceutical activity of natural products from animal and microorganism sources has limited their use. However, these products still represent an important source of bioactive compounds able to be used on asthma treatments. In addition, despite the relevant antiasthmatic activity, the literature search showed a lack of investigations concerning the pharmacokinetics properties as well as more accurate information regarding efficacy, safety, and the required dosage to induce in vivo antiasthma activity. In conclusion, due to the fact that current asthma treatment involves drugs obtained from natural products widely explored in the past, the current experimental studies reported in this review may lead to the development of new drugs in the future, able to improve the antiasthmatic treatment.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior-Brazil (CAPES) and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPQ) for supporting the students.

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