Asthma and allergies afflict over 60 million people in the United States, making it the most prevalent chronic disease in the nation. Many people visit their local allergists to be treated, and treatment can often include the prescription of an inhaler that relaxes the muscles of constricted airways. Recently, however, researchers in New Zealand may have discovered a natural way to reduce the need for inhalers.

The blackcurrant, a fruit native to New Zealand, has been shown to reduce inflammation due to allergy-induced asthma. The researchers identified the compound responsible for inflammation suppression as an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin. By working with the body’s natural immune response, epigallocatechin helps reduce inflammation of the airways.

Although blackcurrants do reduce inflammation in some types of asthma, it is not a cure-all for this chronic disorder. However, understanding the properties of epigallocatechin could help lead to a new and improved medication to treat asthma.

Discussion Question: Given that epigallocatechin is an antioxidant, what other fruits do you think might also have similar inflammation-reducing properties?

News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100325171227.htm
Journal Article: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123319556/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0
Source for Asthma Facts: http://www.aafa.org/display.cfm?id=8&sub=42