A review by Welsh EJ et al examined seven available clinical trials on caffeine in asthma, specifically on caffeine\’s effect on lung function tests. Of the 55 asthmatics in these studies, some were given caffeine and others were given placebos. The results showed that even small amounts of caffeine (< 5mg/kg body weight) helps asthmatics breathe more easily for 2 to 4 hours after ingestion. Forced expiratory volume (FEV1), a measure of lung function, showed a small mean improvement of 5% up to 2 hours after consumption of caffeine. In 2 separate studies mean FEV1 improvement were reported at 12% and 18% after caffeine. Another clinical trial looked at the effect of caffeine on exhaled nitric oxide levels and found that there is no significant effect. (9)
Pycnogenol Used as an Asthma Natural Supplement
Pycnogenol may be one of the most useful asthma natural supplements for adults with allergies. Compared to placebo, individuals suffering from asthma (n=22) had better symptom response with use of Pycnogenol (1 mg/lb/day (maximum 200 mg/day)) which significantly reduced leukotrienes (molecules that cause inflammation). Average forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1, volume of air expired in the first second during maximum expiratory effort) or a test of lung function after Pycnogenol significantly increased from baseline (59.6%) by 11% (vs a 4% increase for placebo). Average values of the FEV1/FVC (this number represents the percent of the lung size (FVC) that can be exhaled in 1 second) for Pycnogenol significantly improved to 73.2% (compared to 63.6% at baseline and 65.6% for placebo). Changes from baseline associated with placebo were not significant, but Pycnogenol was significantly better than placebo. (15)