Thailand Medical Study Finds That Herbal Extracts from Blue Trumpet Vine and Ginger Can Protect Against Air Pollution
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 07, 2025 3 hours, 24 minutes ago
Thailand Medical: Air pollution has long been a serious public health concern, particularly fine particulate matter known as PM2.5. These tiny particles, less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can deeply penetrate the lungs and enter the bloodstream, leading to various health problems. Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and even damage to the nervous and immune systems. Scientists have been searching for ways to counteract the harmful effects of these pollutants, and a recent study has found promising results using natural plant extracts.
Thailand Medical Study Finds That Herbal Extracts from Blue Trumpet Vine and Ginger Can Protect Against Air Pollution
A New Study on Herbal Protection
This
Thailand Medical News report highlights a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand and Sejong University in South Korea. The study explored the protective effects of a combination of Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. (Rang Chuet or Blue Trumpet Vine) and Zingiber officinale (ginger) extracts on human lung and liver cells exposed to PM2.5. Both of these plants have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties, particularly for their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The research team investigated how these herbal extracts work together to protect cells from oxidative stress, a harmful process that occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Oxidative stress can lead to cell damage and has been linked to numerous chronic diseases.
Key Findings from the Study
The study found that the combination of Rang Chuet water extract (RWE) and ginger ethanol extract (GEE), referred to as CRGE, provided significantly greater protection against PM2.5-induced oxidative stress compared to using either extract alone.
-Cell Protection: The extracts were tested on A549 lung cells and HepG2 liver cells. CRGE demonstrated superior protective effects by reducing the toxic impact of PM2.5 and preventing cell damage.
-Reduction in Oxidative Stress: The herbal combination significantly reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), harmful molecules that contribute to oxidative stress and cell damage.
-Boosted Antioxidant Enzymes: Gene expression analysis showed that CRGE increased the activity of essential antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These enzymes help protect cells from harmful oxidative stress.
-Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The study also measured the effects of CRGE on inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8). Results showed that the combined extracts helped suppress inflammation, further protecting the cells from PM2.5-induced harm.
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How Does This Work
The protective mechanism of CRGE is believed to involve the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway, which is responsible for regulating the body's natural antioxidant defenses. By stimulating this pathway, CRGE helps enhance the body's ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation. This dual action of neutralizing harmful free radicals and reducing inflammation makes it a strong candidate for use as a natural protective agent against air pollution-related health risks.
Potential Health Applications
Given these promising findings, the study suggests that CRGE could be developed into dietary supplements, functional foods, or natural therapeutic products to help people exposed to high levels of air pollution. However, further studies, including clinical trials in humans, are needed to confirm the real-world effectiveness of these extracts in preventing pollution-related diseases.
Final Thoughts
With rising pollution levels worldwide, finding natural and effective ways to combat air pollution's harmful effects is crucial. This study provides strong evidence that a combination of Rang Chuet and ginger extracts may serve as a powerful natural antioxidant and cytoprotective agent. Future research will focus on understanding the full extent of its benefits and how it can be incorporated into daily health routines.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Foods.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/3/517
For the latest on treating health issues due to air pollution, keep on logging to
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/korean-scientists-discover-a-combined-herbal-extract-that-protects-the-lungs-from-airborne-pollutants-such-as-pm2-5
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/taiwanese-study-finds-that-pm2-5-particles-in-polluted-air-increases-risk-of-covid-19-infection
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/air-pollution-accelerates-worsening-of-bone-health-
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