NEW YORK (Ivanhoe Broadcast News) -- The popularity of herbal medicine is on the rise. Now, American researchers are testing herbs from China that may provide a natural solution to a problem that still stumps doctors: how to treat people with asthma safely and effectively.

Teo Hoke needs an inhaler to help her breathe and depends on steroids for survival.

"When you have an asthma attack, you feel like someone is sitting on your chest," says Teodorina.

Either oral or inhaled, steroids are often the frontline treatment for asthma, but Neil Schachter, M.D., from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, says they're dangerous.

"There's the chance of bone damage, there's the chance of infection because of lower immune system, chance of triggering diabetes," explains Dr. Schachter.

Researchers are studying an herbal alternative.

"The goal of our clinical study is to reduce, or eventually replace, the corticosteroids," says Xiu-Min Li, Ph.D., from Mount Sinai Hospital.

A Chinese study revealed a three-herb combo -- Ling-Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Ku-Shen (Radix Sophora flavescentis), and Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhiza uralensis) -- improves lung function in asthmatics.

"This would offer a significant alternative to using steroids, and it would be a lot safer," says Dr. Schachter.

If the results from the Mount Sinai study confirm the herbs are safe and effective, the botanical drug could be a welcomed new option for Tao and the 15 million Americans who suffer from asthma.

The clinical trial investigator at Mount Sinai says the three phases of the clinical trial could take a couple of years to complete.

If you would like more information, please contact:

Mount Sinai Hospital
New York, NY
(212) 241-9200