Therapeutic Potential of Selected Medicinal Plants in Bronchial Asthma: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

The symptoms of asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease, include bronchial hyperresponsiveness, reversible airflow restriction, and airway remodeling. Even if traditional medication successfully manages symptoms, prolonged usage is frequently linked to negative side effects and financial hardship. Allium sativum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Thymus vulgaris, Foeniculum vulgare, Hyssopus officinalis, Borago officinalis, and Clerodendrum serratum are among the medicinal plants that have historically been used to treat asthma. The purpose of this review is to objectively assess their therapeutic potential. From scientific databases that concentrated on pharmacological, phytochemical, and mechanistic investigations, pertinent literature was gathered. Research indicates that these plants have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory properties that are mediated via the suppression of histamine release, the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the modification of oxidative stress pathways. Their medicinal effects seem to be greatly influenced by bioactive components such terpenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and saponins. However, there are still a number of significant obstacles, such as inconsistent phytochemical content, a lack of standardized formulations, and a dearth of clinical trials.All things considered, medicinal plants offer a promising adjunct to asthma treatment; however, more carefully planned clinical and mechanistic research is needed to confirm their efficacy, safety, and translational relevance.