(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Natural chemicals from black currants may improve
breathing in some types of asthma.
Researchers found a compound from a New Zealand black currant may reduce lung
inflammation with a multi-action assault in allergy-induced asthma. Laboratory
experiments showed the compound enhanced the natural defense mechanisms in lung
tissue by suppressing inflammation-causing reactions and minimizing
inflammation.
While fruit consumption has been shown to reduce symptoms in allergy-induced
asthma, this research is the first to provide insight into the mechanism by
which this may occur. The researchers identified the component, epigallocatechin,
which reduced inflammation in lung tissue. Epigallocatechin is a known
antioxidant and a major component of proanthocyanidins found in blackcurrants.
In the study, cells from lung tissue were used to test the effects on the immune
system of a proanthocyanidin rich extract from black currant cultivars grown in
New Zealand.
When the lungs are exposed to allergens, the body's natural response is to
attack the perceived foreign body, which, in some individuals, results in
long-term inflammation. Selective compounds found in fruit and vegetables may
work together with the body's own natural defense mechanism to suppress
long-term lung inflammation.
This study shows that epigallocatechin from black currants works in conjunction
with other natural immune responses that occur at the same time to reduce
inflammation. These actions are distinct from the inflammation-reducing activity
of another group of compounds, anthocycanins, which are also rich in black
currants. Anthocyanins are known for their antioxidant properties and have been
shown by the research group to influence inflammatory mechanisms and complement
the body's own natural immune responses. The research shows some compounds in
fruit thought to promote health with their antioxidant activity are keeping us
well by other means.
"To find natural compounds that potentially reduce lung inflammation and
complement the body's own immune response is an exciting breakthrough," study
lead author Dr. Roger Hurst was quoted as saying. "Should we discover more about
how this works, we may eventually develop foods containing these compounds that
could provide more natural alternatives to assist conventional drug treatments
for asthma and even other allergic reactions."
SOURCE: Molecular Nutrition and Food Research, March 25, 2010
