We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Reformulating asthma therapy through nano-phytomedicine: Insights into lung health and microplastic exposure
Summary
This review examines the use of nanotechnology-based phytomedicine formulations to improve asthma treatment, while also exploring how microplastic inhalation contributes to lung inflammation and airway dysfunction, framing microplastic exposure as a key driver of rising asthma prevalence.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by bronchoconstriction, increased mucus production, and airway inflammation. Its prevalence is highest in industrialized nations and is steadily rising worldwide. Although conventional asthma medications offer symptomatic relief, they are often associated with adverse effects, limited efficacy, and poor patient compliance. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness of nano-formulation technologies in enhancing the stability, distribution, and therapeutic efficacy of phytochemicals used to treat asthma. It also explores the detrimental effects of microplastics on the lungs, as well as their significance as a key determinant in the pathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases, including asthma. Recent research integrating nanotechnology and phytomedicine in the treatment of asthma has been thoroughly reviewed in the literature. The majority of the references cited in this work are from the timespan 2017 – 2025, majorly focusing on the recent time frame (2022–2025), sourced mainly from PubMed, Google Scholar and NIH Database. The potential of different kinds of nanoparticles, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, and solid lipid nanoparticles, to enhance the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of herbal substances was investigated. Nano-phytomedicine reduces systemic negative effects while facilitating controlled release, targeted drug administration, and enhanced phytochemical bioavailability. In asthma models, studies have demonstrated that phytochemical-loaded nanoparticles, such as those containing quercetin and curcumin, dramatically lower oxidative stress, immunological imbalance, and airway inflammation. Additionally, because these nanoformulations have fewer adverse effects and a lower frequency of dosage, they improve patient compliance. Asthma treatment using nano-phytomedicine is a novel and promising approach. By addressing the limitations of traditional therapies and enhancing the therapeutic benefits of herbal remedies, it offers a more secure, efficient, and patient-friendly alternative. To confirm its safety and effectiveness and facilitate its incorporation into clinical practice, more clinical research is necessary. • Recent report on Nano-phytomedicine for Asthma. • Microplastic aggravates asthma, damage lung walls, and cause inflammation. • Different Plants with their anti-asthmatic properties were depicted. • Summarized various applications of Nano-phytomedicine in asthma treatment.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Presence of nanoplastics in sputum of patients with severe asthma: a novel environmental perspective
Researchers analyzed sputum from severe asthma patients and detected nanoplastics in samples for the first time, comparing concentrations and immune profiles across asthma phenotypes. Nanoplastic presence in sputum was associated with more severe disease and distinct immune dysregulation patterns, identifying environmental nanoplastic exposure as a potential modifier of asthma severity.
Airborne micro- and nanoplastics: emerging causes of respiratory diseases
This review examines growing evidence that tiny airborne plastic particles can enter the lungs and trigger or worsen respiratory diseases including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung inflammation. The smallest nanoplastics are especially concerning because they can penetrate deep into lung tissue and even enter the bloodstream, yet research on airborne plastic health effects significantly lags behind studies on waterborne exposure.
Breathing under siege: a narrative review on the potential biological mechanisms linking micro- and nanoplastic exposure to lung diseases
This narrative review examines how inhaled micro- and nanoplastics from indoor and outdoor air — including from synthetic textiles and face masks — can trigger lung inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis, and outlines proposed mechanisms linking plastic inhalation to respiratory disease.
The Effect of Nanoplastics and Microplastics on Lung Morphology and Physiology: a Systematic Review
This systematic review examines how inhaled microplastics and nanoplastics affect lung structure and function. The research found that indoor microplastic concentrations are often higher than outdoor levels due to household materials shedding fibers, and that inhaled particles can accumulate in different parts of the lungs. These findings suggest that breathing in plastic particles at home and work could contribute to respiratory health problems over time.
Polystyrene microplastic induced airway hyper-responsiveness, and pulmonary inflammation are mitigated by bronchom treatment in murine model of lung disease
Researchers exposed mice to polystyrene microplastics and found that the particles triggered airway hyper-responsiveness, lung inflammation, and structural damage similar to asthma-like symptoms. An herbal medicine called Bronchom, given as a pre-treatment, significantly reduced these harmful effects by lowering inflammatory cell counts and cytokine levels in the lungs. The study suggests that microplastic inhalation can cause meaningful respiratory problems and identifies a potential natural approach for mitigating lung inflammation caused by microplastic exposure.