Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections. Other signs and symptoms may include sinus infections, poor growth, fatty stool, clubbing of the fingers and toes, and infertility in most males. Different people may have different degrees of symptoms.CF is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. It is caused ...

cystic fibrosis

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Cystic-Fibrosis:-Causes,-Symptoms,-and-Risk-Factors

Cystic Fibrosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

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Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the body's ability to produce a protein called CFTR. This protein helps regulate the balance of salt and water in our cells. In cystic fibrosis patients, the absence or malfunction of CFTR causes thick, sticky mucus to accumulate in the lungs and pancreas, leading to breathing difficulties and digestive problems. Symptoms can include persistent coughing, frequent lung infections, and poor weight gain. The primary risk factor for developing cystic fibrosis is having two copies of the mutated CFTR gene, one from each parent.

The-Seaweed-Connection

The Seaweed Connection

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Recent scientific studies have discovered that certain seaweed extracts can help improve the function of the CFTR protein in cystic fibrosis patients. One such extract, known as alginate oligosaccharide, has shown promising results in laboratory tests. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that alginate oligosaccharide significantly improved the function of CFTR in cells with cystic fibrosis mutations, potentially alleviating some of the disease's symptoms.

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Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Naples Federico II in Italy found that fucoidan, a natural compound extracted from brown seaweed, reduced inflammation and improved lung function in mice with cystic fibrosis. These findings suggest that fucoidan could help in the development of new treatment strategies for patients with this disease.

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Seaweed-in-Your-Kitchen

Seaweed in Your Kitchen

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The exciting news about seaweed's potential for treating cystic fibrosis may inspire you to include more of this nutrient-rich ingredient in your diet. Seaweed can be easily incorporated into various recipes, such as soups, salads, and sushi. Here are a few simple ideas to get you started:

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<ol><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Seaweed Salad: Toss together a mix of seaweed, such as wakame, arame, or kelp, with thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and a light dressing of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Seaweed Soup: Combine miso paste, water, tofu, green onions, and your favorite seaweed, like kombu or nori, for a comforting and nutritious soup.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Seaweed Wraps: Use nori sheets as a base to create sushi rolls or as a wrap for your favorite sandwich ingredients.</li></ol>Please note that while seaweed is generally safe for consumption, some people may have allergies or sensitivities. Consult your healthcare provider before adding seaweed or its extracts to your diet.

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Questions-and-Answers

Questions and Answers

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Q: Can seaweed cure cystic fibrosis?

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A: While seaweed extracts have shown promising results in improving symptoms of cystic fibrosis, they are not a cure. However, they may play a significant role in future treatment strategies to help manage the condition and improve patients' quality of life.

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Questions-and-Answers_3_3

Q: Is seaweed extract available as a supplement?

Questions-and-Answers_3_4

A: Yes, seaweed extracts, such as alginate oligosaccharide and fucoidan, are available in supplement form. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have a medical condition like cystic fibrosis.

Questions-and-Answers_3_5

Questions-and-Answers_3_6

Q: Can people without cystic fibrosis benefit from consuming seaweed?

Questions-and-Answers_3_7

A: Absolutely! Seaweed is a nutrient-rich food containing essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It can be a healthy addition to most diets, providing numerous health benefits beyond its potential role in cystic fibrosis treatment.

Questions-and-Answers_3_8

Questions-and-Answers_3_9

Q: How soon can we expect seaweed-based treatments for cystic fibrosis?

Questions-and-Answers_3_10

A: While the research on seaweed extracts for cystic fibrosis is promising, more studies are needed to determine their safety and effectiveness in humans. It may take several years before seaweed-based treatments become widely available, as they must undergo rigorous testing and regulatory approval processes.

Questions-and-Answers_3_11

Questions-and-Answers_3_12

Q: Are there any other natural remedies for cystic fibrosis?

Questions-and-Answers_3_13

A: While there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, some natural approaches may help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. These can include a balanced diet, regular exercise, and maintaining good air quality in the home. However, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or making significant lifestyle changes, especially for individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis is a complex genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive systems, often making daily life challenging for those affected. However, recent scientific discoveries show that seaweed extracts, such as alginate oligosaccharide and fucoidan, hold great promise for improving the lives of cystic fibrosis patients. As researchers continue to explore the potential benefits of these natural compounds, there's reason for optimism that we're on the brink of a new frontier in treatment strategies for this life-altering condition.

A Brighter Future for Cystic Fibrosis: How Seaweed Extracts are Transforming Treatment Strategies

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A Brighter Future for Cystic Fibrosis: How Seaweed Extracts are Transf

Екипът на Санацио

Adaptation of the text: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

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We are mostly used to looking for immunostimulating action in herbs, but there are at least two groups of people who need immunosuppression: those suffering from autoimmune diseases and those who have undergone transplantation.

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The most common autoimmune diseases are <a href="/p/17_dostpni_bilki_v_pomoshch_na_stradashchitie_ot_mnozhiestviena_sklieroza_e283f90a_9560_4d6e_9921_d3260c14b70c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">multiple sclerosis</a>, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">psoriatic arthritis</a>, <a href="/p/da_spazvamie_li_biezghlutienova_diieta_ako_imamie_khashimoto_9d8c8cda_3bfc_429e_9906_1f14e0d3b605" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Hashimoto's thyroiditis</a>, Graves' disease, <a href="/p/kakvo_ie_boliest_na_kron_i_kak_sie_diaghnostitsira_f1bbb289_7915_4718_983b_21a0ff00feaa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Crohn's disease</a> and ulcerative colitis, lupus, <a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_1_na_iedno_miasto_751da342_2d55_43af_ae7f_1e1c89cd3800" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">type 1</a><a href="/p/vsichko_za_diabiet_tip_1_na_iedno_miasto_751da342_2d55_43af_ae7f_1e1c89cd3800" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">diabetes</a>, vitiligo, <a href="/p/zashcho_kosata_pobieliava_mozhie_li_tova_da_sie_sluchi_za_iedna_noshch_i_naistina_li_striest_ima_vliianiie_04946b5c_b12d_49e6_883e_20c04f1389b8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">alopecia areata</a>.

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This article is based on a 2012 publication. (Herbal Medicines for Immunosuppression, authored by Zahra Amirghofran, <a href="https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1),</a>which examines herbs having&nbsp;immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects and may have a protective effect in immune-mediated diseases.

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Due to the severe side effects of the most commonly used medications (glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamides), increasing attention has been paid in recent years to substances of plant origin&nbsp;that could replace&nbsp;them.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_0_0

Turmeric is derived from tropical South Asia and very often finds application in folk medicine for the treatment of infections and inflammatory diseases.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_0_1

The main biological effects of turmeric are attributed to the substance curcumin - natural polyphenol with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Curcumin can alter the expression of various transcription factors, cell cycle proteins and kinases - important components of cell life.

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_0_2

It has been found that the substance has an influence on lymphocytes and on a series of immunological functions, including humoral and cellular immunity; it also reduces the production of cytokines. [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Amelioration_of_experimental_autoimmune_encephalomyelitis_by_curcumin_treatment_through_inhibition_of_IL_17_production_19539560" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.2</a>]

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_0_3

Several clinical studies have shown that curcumin may have potential as a therapeutic agent in inflammatory bowel diseases, pancreatitis, arthritis, and chronic anterior uveitis. [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Anti_inflammatory_properties_of_curcumin_a_major_constituent_of_Curcuma_longa_a_review_of_preclinical_and_clinical_research_19594223" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.3</a>]

Turmeric-(Curcuma-longa)_0_4

Thunder-god-vine,-Lei-gong-teng-(Tripterygium-wilfordii-Hook-F)

Thunder god vine, Lei gong teng (Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F)

Thunder-god-vine,-Lei-gong-teng-(Tripterygium-wilfordii-Hook-F)_1_0

The plant is bushy and is from the Spindle tree family. It is found in China, Japan, and Korea. The root is mainly used, as the other parts of the plant are very poisonous.

Thunder-god-vine,-Lei-gong-teng-(Tripterygium-wilfordii-Hook-F)_1_1

Lei gong teng is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. The importance of plant derivatives has been demonstrated by both laboratory and clinical data. [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Parthenolide_a_sesquiterpene_lactone_expresses_multiple_anti_cancer_and_anti_inflammatory_activities_21603970" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.4</a>]

Thunder-god-vine,-Lei-gong-teng-(Tripterygium-wilfordii-Hook-F)_1_2

The immunosuppressive activity of the herb can also be used in patients with organ transplantation. Hope for this gives a study of its effects in an animal model of kidney transplantation - the substancedemethylzeilasteral (T-96), isolated from this plant, in combination with prednisone has significantly prolonged the survival of rats with transplanted kidneys [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12412711/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.5</a>].

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-sp.)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza  sp.)

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-sp.)_2_0

Herb licorice (liquorice) is used in folk medicine because of its antibacterial, immunomodulatory, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective action.

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-sp.)_2_1

Positive effects have been observed with the use of substances from the plant in <a href="/p/psoriazis_i_psoriatichien_artrit_sshchnost_prichini_i_liechieniie_646d5c4e_2d56_4246_894b_bd4b98ec5d3c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">psoriasis</a> in combination with milk proteins in the composition of cream [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Chalcones_from_Chinese_liquorice_inhibit_proliferation_of_T_cells_and_production_of_cytokines_11962733" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.6</a>].

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-sp.)_2_2

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis - substance, causes and treatment

Licorice-(Glycyrrhiza-sp.)_2_3

The root of licorice contains glycyrrhizin, the main metabolite of which is glycyrrhizin acid, which&nbsp;has&nbsp;also shown anti-inflammatory effects in various animal models of diseases.

Danshen-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)

Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)

Danshen-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_3_0

The other names of the herb are red sage, Chinese sage, and tan shen. It is very common in China where it is used to treat hepatitis, brain, and heart disease.

Danshen-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_3_1

Danshen-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_3_2

The plant inhibits the production of gamma-interferon from lymph node cells and can find application in the treatment of immunological diseases.

Danshen-(Salvia-miltiorrhiza)_3_3

The main active substance of danschen is Tanshione IIA (TSN). It reduces the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), gamma-interferon (IFN-γ), and tumor-necrotizing factor-alpha (TNF-α), but increases those of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10).

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)

Green tea (Camelliasinensis)

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)_4_0

Green tea finds many applications in folk medicine - a painkiller, cardiotonic, carminative (gaseous action), central nervous system stimulant, diuretic, and against difficult digestion.

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)_4_1

Polyphenol compounds in green tea have anti-inflammatory properties, and in various experiments, with animal models, they have demonstrated an immunosuppressive effect.

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)_4_2

Green tea has alleviated autoimmune symptoms in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis and in a mouse model of Sjogren's syndrome, and in recent years attention has turned to the substance epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) - a component of green tea with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action. [<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17935769/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.7</a>]

Green-tea-(Camelliasinensis)_4_3

Green tea: 9 unexpected health benefits and how to prepare it

Feverfew-(Tanacetum-parthenium)

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)

Feverfew-(Tanacetum-parthenium)_5_0

Feverfew, also called Tanacetum, originates in the Balkan Mountains, but today it is distributed in many places around the&nbsp;world.

Feverfew-(Tanacetum-parthenium)_5_1

In folk medicine, it is used in rheumatoid arthritis and fever.

Feverfew-(Tanacetum-parthenium)_5_2

The herb inhibits some inflammatory enzymes and inhibits the excretion of inflammatory mediators nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2 and TNF-α from macrophages, as well as gamma-interferon and interleukin-4 from mononuclear cells in peripheral blood. [<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Immunochemical_characterization_of_the_functional_constituents_of_Tripterygium_wilfordii_contributing_to_its_anti_inflammatory_property_18047628" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.8</a>]

Feverfew-(Tanacetum-parthenium)_5_3

It is believed that bioactive compounds in the maiden door can be used as an additional agent in immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

Feverfew-(Tanacetum-parthenium)_5_4

Barberry-(Berberidaceae)

Barberry (Berberidaceae)

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Pickled milk thistle has a long history in traditional medicine.

Barberry-(Berberidaceae)_6_1

Berbamin is a purified compound from common barberry (Berberis vulgaris) and other types of barberry. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties and prolongs the life of mice after skin transplantation.

Barberry-(Berberidaceae)_6_2

Details about the mechanisms of action of these herbs read in the original article [<a href="https://ijaai.tums.ac.ir/index.php/ijaai/article/view/336/336" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref.1</a> - will download the article in PDF].

Other-plants

Other plants

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Other plants have also demonstrated immunosuppressive action in various studies. These include:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%8A%D0%BD/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/14382-189237/herb-herbal_use/235-6-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Garlic</a> (Allium sativum);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/astragalus%20trimestris/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/14688-189237/herb-herbal_use/74--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Astragalus</a> (Astragalus membranaceus); </li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%84%D0%B8%D1%81/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/14726-189237/herb-herbal_use/150-2-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Green chiretta</a> (Andrographis paniculata);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D1%81%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B0%20%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BA%D0%B0/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/15676-189237/herb-herbal_use/20--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sickle-leaved hare's-ear</a> (Bupleurum falcatum);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%20%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%83%D0%B8%D1%84%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B0/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/15514-189237/herb-herbal_use/18--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yuan zhi</a>&nbsp;(Polygala tenuifolia);</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/Clerodendron%20trichotomum/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/-189237/-herbal_use/4--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clerodendron trichotomum</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/artemisia%20vestita/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/77302-189237/herb-herbal_use/4--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Artemisia vestita</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/salvia%20mirzayanii/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/19349-189237/herb-herbal_use/4--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Salvia mirzayanii</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/dracocephalum%20kotschyi/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/170611-189237/herb-herbal_use/4--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dracocephalum kotschyi</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/Zizyphus%20lotus/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/-189237/-herbal_use/6--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Zizyphus lotus</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Medicinal_plants_as_immunosuppressive_agents_in_traditional_Iranian_medicine_20574119" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stachys obtusicrena</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/pubmed/Haussknechtia_elymatica_a_plant_with_immunomodulatory_effects_17652840" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Haussknechtia elymatica</a>;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/relation/periploca%20sepium/%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%8A%D0%B7%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/16975-189237/herb-herbal_use/3--" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Periploca sepium</a>.</li>
</ul>

Other-plants_7_2

Why omega-3 fatty acids are healthy and what they are used for

Other-plants_7_3

Future studies will confirm the place of these and other herbs in the therapy of autoimmune diseases and for maintaining the quality of life of transplanted patients.

Q&amp;A

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What causes autoimmune disease?

Q&amp;A_8_1

Scientists do not yet know the exact causes of autoimmune disease, but suggest that the process may be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection, under the influence of certain drugs, toxic substances or genetic predisposition. These factors can confuse the immune system and make it begin to recognize its own cells as hostile.

Q&amp;A_8_2

What are the symotoms of autoimmune disease?

Q&amp;A_8_3

There are over 80 autoimmune diseases or conditions. Despite the different types of autoimmune diseases, many of them have similar symptoms. Common symptoms of autoimmune disease include:

Q&amp;A_8_4

<ul>
<li>Fatigue,</li>
<li>Pain and swelling in the joints,</li>
<li>Skin problems,</li>
<li>Abdominal pain or problems with digestion,</li>
<li>Recurrent fever,</li>
<li>Swollen glands.</li>
</ul>

Q&amp;A_8_5

What type of transplantations are there?

Q&amp;A_8_6

Autotransplantation - with tissue, taken from the same patient that it would be transplanted to.

Q&amp;A_8_7

Allograft and allotransplantation - transplantation of tissue or organ from one person to another - the most common case of transplantation.

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Xenograft and xenotransplantation - transplantation of a tissue or organ from one species to another, for example from an animal to a human.

Q&amp;A_8_9

Domino transplants - an example of such a case are patients with cystic fibrosis (a type of lung disease), but a healthy heart; in transplantation, it is easier to transplant both the lung and heart from a deceased donor and for the recipient to give their heart to another patient in need of a heart transplant.

Q&amp;A_8_10

ABO-incompatible transplants - usually in young children up to 12-24 months of age, while the immune system is not yet fully developed and the risk of rejecting an otherwise incompatible transplant is much lower.

Herbs for autoimmune disease sufferers and transplant patients

https://d20hztklr4qnvi.cloudfront.net/19249223-ecb6-4c25-8309-9a777d2d60fa_middle.jpg

 Herbs for autoimmune disease sufferers and transplant patients

Rositsa Tashkova-Kacharova

Adaptation of the text: Rositsa Tashkova, Master of Molecular Biology and Microbiology

In troubled times like these we turn to the knowledge accumulated over the years in search of an answer as to whether there are potentially effective and safe methods to improve our health.

This article is based on the 2015 scientific publication&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Inhaled_therapeutics_for_prevention_and_treatment_of_pneumonia_19538104" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Inhaled Therapeutics for Prevention and Treatment of Pneumonia"</a>&nbsp;by Dr. Amar Safdar, Samuel A. Shelburne, Scott E. Evans, Burton F. Dickey. [ref. 1]

Attention, attention! It is important to note that pneumonia in Covid-19 has its peculiarities distinguishing it from other types of pneumonia, and now, more than ever, it is important to coordinate your every action with a doctor, so as not to harm your health! If you have pneumonia caused by coronavirus, be sure to ask your physician if what is written here is suitable for use in your case. Some GPs do not recommend inhalations in patients with coronavirus who do not have pneumonia due to the risk of the virus being transmitted from the nasopharynx along with the inhalation into the lungs.

The-natural-protection-of-the-respiratory-system

The natural protection of the respiratory system

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Pneumonia remains a leading cause of premature death in the world among both healthy and immunosuppressed people. The susceptibility of the lungs to infection stems from the architectural requirements of gas exchange and the frequent inhalation of infectious agents.

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What does that mean?

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In order to carry out breathing, people are constantly exposing 100 sq m of their lung surface to the external environment. Since 5 - 10 liters of ambient air are inhaled and exhaled every minute, other particles, droplets and pathogens also enter the lung. It has been found that even healthy volunteers inhale microscopic amounts of oral and gastric contents at night, and patients with neurological, anatomical, or other airway obstructions are particularly susceptible to inhaling such contaminated material.

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Unlike the surface of the body, covered with impermeable skin, the stomach with its acidic environment or the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, protected by a thick layer of mucus, the large surface of the lungs is quite poorly protected from the environment. The lung barrier cannot be larger, as the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide (respiration) requires the tissue to be as delicate as the capillaries.

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Still, despite this structural vulnerability, the lungs successfully protect themselves against most infectious challenges through various mechanisms. Most inhaled pathogens fail to reach the peripheral airways, as they get stuck in a mobile layer of mucus secretions covering the upper respiratory tract, and this is followed by discharge by mucociliary clearance (discharge of secretions and movements of the cilia of the respiratory epithelium, which bring the pathogens and contaminants back out - think of cough and runny nose).

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The presence of antimicrobial peptides and antibodies in the fluid of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract limits the growth of disease-causing microorganisms that manage to penetrate the small respiratory tract. Alveolar macrophages (a type of cell that clean the lung) ingest microorganisms that reach the furthest airspaces.

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When the underlying defenses are overloaded, the pulmonary epithelium reacts by increasing its direct antimicrobial abilities and signals the recruitment of leukocytes (cells of the immune system) from the bloodstream.

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What do inhalations do

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The lungs are the most common site of serious infection due to its large surface exposed to the external environment and minimal barrier protection. However, this architecture makes the lungs readily available for local therapy.

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Therapeutic aerosols have several functions:

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<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">pathogens (viruses and bacteria) are more easily removed through the so-called "mocociliary clearance";</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">stimulation of congenital resistance against microbial infections;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">cytokine stimulation of immune function;</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">delivery of antibiotics.</li>
</ul>

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Saline inhalations may improve lung clearance

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The main reason to study the effects of inhalations with saline (in practice, it represents water and salt - sodium chloride) are patients with cystic fibrosis - a disease in which there is a reduced volume of fluid on the surface of the respiratory tract. This prevents the effective movement of the cilia and causes dehydration of the mucus, which disrupts mucociliary clearance and leads to colonization of the airways with bacteria and fungi, causing additional inflammation and damage.

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Early studies in the 1990s have shown that increasing concentrations of aerosolized sodium chloride solutions (saline inhalation) lead to an increase in the rate of mocociliary cleansing. Based on these results, aqueous saline inhalations have been studied in the short-term treatment of CF patients and have been shown to improve lung function [<a href="https://www.bioseek.eu/en/eng/research/pubmed/Nebulised_hypertonic_saline_for_cystic_fibrosis_19370568" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ref. 2</a>].

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