A Blend of Unique Herbs May Have Wide Clinical Application
In 2006 a landmark study from the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, the Weifang Asthma Hospital and the Weifang School of Medicine in China reported on a novel blend of Chinese herbs (named ASHMI) that proved statistically as effective as steroids in alleviating asthma symptoms. Now we report more fully on these unique adaptogenic herbs, which may have far wider application than asthma alone. There were preliminary indications that this formula may in fact restore adrenal function, and thus be useful in relationship to many chronic illnesses associated with adrenal fatigue. Highlights of the new information we include in this article:
- This formula is now the subject of a new, NIH-sponsored study at Mt. Sinai investigating whether steroid-dependent asthma sufferers can wean off their medications while taking these herbs. In the original study, this herbal formula not only significantly improved lung function and clinical symptoms, but increased cortisol production. In contrast, the study found that steroids suppressed cortisol levels.
- According to Dr. Stephen Feig, D.O., who utilises these herbs in his practice, “In a subset of patients, these herbs seems to provide enhanced adrenal support that synergises with more commonly used adrenal glandular products and with the use of cortisol.”
- “Since February of 2007,” writes clinical nutritionist and chiropractor Linda Li, DC, MS, CCN, who has been in practice for thirty years, “my family member, who suffered from severe, refractory asthma, has been off all medications, on twice daily doses of these herbs, and has had no asthma symptoms at all.” (see below)
- “My own experience is equally remarkable,” she continues, noting that these herbs have also improved her stamina, substantially decreased her need for sleep, helped her shed excess weight, and reduced her frequent nocturia.
“This formula may be an important key to supporting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis,” she suggests. (see below)
- A single, stunning herb in this formula, Sophora flavescens proved effective and potent in an open, recently published 3-year study of fourteen chronic,
refractory asthmatics, by Ba Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues, in Phytotherapy Research. All fourteen patients had improved lung function, clinical symptoms and quality of life, while reducing or even eliminating their use of inhaled steroids and beta-agonists without any significant adverse reactions.
refractory asthmatics, by Ba Hoang, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues, in Phytotherapy Research. All fourteen patients had improved lung function, clinical symptoms and quality of life, while reducing or even eliminating their use of inhaled steroids and beta-agonists without any significant adverse reactions.Such a wide spectrum of clinical efficacy suggests that the synergistic power of this formula may help restore healthy adrenal function. As the Mt. Sinai researchers wrote of these herbs, “This is the first well-controlled study in which an anti-asthma Chinese herbal medicine has been found to be as effective as a corticosteroid drug. The mechanisms underlying the remarkable effects…are likely a result of synergistic or additive effects of the complex nature of its constituents.”
In this article, we review the entire scope of published work on this herbal formula and theorise as to how and why these herbs might restore adrenal function in a wide range of disorders in which adrenal function is compromised. In a companion article, one of the world experts on adrenal fatigue, James Wilson, N.D., Ph.D., distills a lifetime of experience diagnosing and treating hypoadrenia, which is, he says “monstrously underdiagnosed.” Finally, in a related article, we propose a completely novel theory on the pathogenesis of asthma—a theory which also has implications for the pathogenesis of cancer—and suggest that hyperexcitability of cellular membranes (due to ion channel activity) may be an important trigger of chronic disease. This novel theory gives us a remarkable new way of thinking about chronic illness, and may explain why at least one of the herbs in this formula, Sophora flavescens, is so powerful and well-tolerated.
Asthma Is a Model for Adrenal Dysfunction
The rate of asthma has tripled in the last quarter century. Twenty million Americans suffer from the condition, according to the CDC. Asthma is the third leading cause of hospitalisation among those under 18, reports a 2006 article in the New England Journal of Medicine. Asthma accounts for $16 billion in annual health care costs, and there are 5,000 visits to the emergency room a day in the United States for asthma. At the same time, chronic use of asthma drugs may be harmful or even fatal. Steroids are well known to suppress cortisol and immune function. Other asthma drugs, such as Serevent and Advair, have “black 
box” warning labels because of the higher rate of deaths tied to exacerbations of asthma in patients taking them. And according to a 2004 article in the Annals of Internal Medicine, regular use of beta-agonist drugs for asthma not only causes tolerance to the drugs themselves, but increases airway inflammation compared to placebo use.
The entire picture of asthma, its soaring numbers, the dangers of drug treatment, and the efficacy of selected herbs for this condition, may serve as a model for a wide host of conditions marked by low cortisol, adrenal fatigue and chronic inflammation.
If we take a closer look at the Mt. Sinai research, it becomes apparent that it is remarkable for how thorough and robust its design has been all along. Chinese herbs have a long tradition of use in asthma, but well-controlled clinical trials using herbs for the treatment of asthma are rare. That is one reason this Mt. Sinai research is so notable.
Of Mice and Men: The Remarkable Research Behind ASHMI
The Mt. Sinai study is remarkable because the researchers followed an unusually thorough and meticulous design over a period of many years. Their first study, published in 2000, tested a blend of fourteen herbal extracts commonly used in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for allergic asthma. This formula, dubbed MSSM-002, was based on a TCM formula used in the pediatric department of the China-Japan Friendship Hospital in Beijing to treat asthma and bronchitis in children. Unlike many asthma formulas, this one contained no Ma-Huang, a source of ephedrine that has been reported to cause central nervous system stimulatory activity, increased blood pressure, and heart palpitations.
The researchers first tested this blend of herbs in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Mice were sensitised to an egg-white protein and then challenged with it. The mice reacted with allergic asthma including pulmonary eosinophilia, airway hyperreactivity (AHR), and increased antigen-specific IgE associated with inflammatory cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-5 in bronchial lavage fluids.
In the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, they report that treating mice with this formula;
virtually eliminated airway hyperreactivity and markedly reduced the total number of cells and the percent eosinophils in bronchoalveolar fluid compared with the sham-treated group.
Inflammation and mucus were reduced in the lungs as well. Treatment with MSSM-002 twenty-four hours after intratracheal antigen challenge of sensitised mice virtually eliminated airway hyperreactivity and this effect was equivalent to dexamethasone. MSSM-002 down-regulated inflammatory cytokines including IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, all involved in chronic asthma.
In comparison,
one of the most potent corticosteroids, dexamethasone, also suppressed antigen-induced airway hyperreactivity and eosinophilic inflammation in this model. However, unlike MSSM-002, dexamethasone suppressed Th1 responses.
The researchers concluded that the herbal formula was as effective as the potent corticosteroid, dexamethasone—without the harmful side effects.
The researchers then “used the concept of traditional Chinese medicine to reformulate several herbal blends into simplified formulas, and tested these new formulas,” says senior study researcher Xiu-Min Li, M.D., Associate Professor, Paediatrics and Assistant Professor, Center For Immunobiology, at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. The formula the researchers found most effective in mice contained three Chinese herbal extracts—Ling-Zhi (Ganoderma lucidum), Ku-Shen (Sophora flavescens) and Gan-Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), also known as Reishi, Shrubby Sophora and Chinese Licorice—and was dubbed ASHMI (anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention).
The ASHMI formula demonstrated the same broad spectrum of therapeutic effects on the major pathogenic mechanisms of asthma. “This formula was almost as effective as the original fourteen herbs, and was the simplest,” Li explains. All three herbs have a long history of human use in China and are considered to be safe when used according to TCM practice either alone or in formulas.
The next Mt. Sinai, NIH-sponsored study was on ASHMI in humans, and was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in September of 2005. It reported the remarkable finding that ASHMI was as effective as steroids, without suppressing cortisol or immune function. This study included thirteen researchers—eleven of them physicians—from the Weifang Asthma Hospital, the Weifang School of Medicine, and the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and was remarkable for its methodical, careful design. Forty-five non-steroid dependent individuals received oral ASHMI capsules and prednisone placebo tablets, and forty-six non-steroid dependent individuals received oral prednisone tablets (20 milligrams) and ASHMI placebo capsules for four weeks. Serum cortisol, cytokine and IgE levels were evaluated before and after treatment, as well as symptom scores, side effects and spirometry measurements. Spirometry literally means “the measuring of breath” and is the most common pulmonary function test.
The study began with a week-long “run-in period” before initiating treatment. Average daily symptom scores were evaluated during this period to establish a baseline. Beta-agonist inhalation was allowed as needed during the study, but all other medications, such as leukotriene modifiers, antihistamines, and either inhaled or intravenous steroids, were prohibited.
Symptom scores rated cough, chest tightness, wheezing, dyspnea, night awakening or early morning awakening caused by dyspnea, allergic rhinitis, and beta-agonist use. Lung function was evaluated with a spirometer, and serum levels of IgE, eosinophils, cortisol and cytokines including IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-gamma were measured. After four weeks both groups showed an equal, significant improvement in symptom scores, pulmonary function and eosinophil levels.
Field Report: An Interview with Dr. Linda M. Li on The Ability of Adaptogenic Herbs To Restore Health
Note: Dr. Linda M. Li, DC, MS, DABCN, CCN, is a chiropractor and Certified Clinical Nutritionist who has been in practice for thirty years. She has a Masters in Nutrition and is a Diplomate from the American Board of Clinical Nutrition. She practices in both New York City and Boulder, Colorado.
Q: Tell us about your experience with the adaptogenic herbs discussed in the Mt. Sinai School of
Medicine 2005 study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
A: After I read the study, I was compelled to try the herbs. My experience, both with a close family member and myself, is astonishing. Surprisingly, I soon realised these herbs have a much broader spectrum of application in addition to asthma. Specifically, this formula seems to help support adrenal, kidney, thyroid, liver, female hormone function and overall general metabolism.Q: What was your family member’s experience?
A: My relative has suffered from severe adult asthma for over fifteen years. There have been times her attacks were so severe she could barely climb up a flight of stairs. She has been dependent on prednisone, inhaled steroids and bronchodilators to function. Even these medications didn’t always ease her symptoms, and one medication even caused a severe anaphylactic reaction requiring emergency room care. Last year her asthma became refractory and worsened in spite of medication. In fact, she was having undiagnosed allergic reactions to all of her medications, which were causing paroxysmal bronchial spasms that left her choking and gasping for air. Her spirometry tests—a very accurate indication of lung function—were 50% at best. When I read about this herbal formula, I passed along the information immediately. She began to take the herbs, steadily increase the dose, while weaning off her medications. Since February of 2007 she has been off all medications, on twice daily doses of these herbs, and has had no asthma symptoms at all.Q: That’s remarkable.
A: My own experience with these herbs is equally remarkable. Over the thirty years that I have been in practice, I have used almost every type of nutritional support for adrenal and associated chronic fatigue symptoms. I suffered from childhood asthma, and in my twenties, a serum blood cortisol test revealed that even then my adrenals were exhausted and my cortisol level was low. I have practices in both New York City and Boulder, Colorado, which requires constant traveling. I have felt exhausted for years and know that my serum cortisol levels are still clinically low. Previously, I needed ten hours of sleep a night in order to function. I have been taking these herbs for ten months now and noticed the energy that I had in my thirties is starting to return. I can now easily get by with eight hours of sleep. No other supplement—from ribose to adrenal extract to adaptogenic herbs—has helped me in this way.I also have had frequent nocturnal urination (every two hours) since my early twenties. I am now able to get five to seven hours of restful sleep without getting up to urinate. For the last fifteen years, after a long day on my feet, my ankles would be so swollen and edematous that I literally could not see my ankle bones. They are now normal even after standing all day. These herbs have clearly helped my adrenal/kidney balance.
For the first time in twenty-five years, my weight has decreased (eight pounds lost) even though my exercise program and diet have not changed. In the past, no matter what I ate or how I exercised, my weight always remained the same. Furthermore, the symptoms of my functional hypoglycemia are over 85% improved.
Q: Do you have any final thoughts about these particular herbs?
A: Adrenal dysfunction is associated with many problems. Health professionals are rightly concerned about the axis of the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands. These herbs may be an important key to supporting that HPA axis. I truly want to thank you for making such high quality information about quality herbal compounds available.
In both groups, pre-treatment cortisol levels were slightly below normal, as is common in asthma. However, after treatment, the corticosteroid group showed suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, marked by even more depressed cortisol levels. In contrast, patients in the ASHMI formula group showed increased levels of serum cortisol into the normal range. After four weeks, the prednisone group had significant weight gain, while the ASHMI group did not. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant.
“The relationship between cytokine imbalance and the expression of both atopy and asthma is of considerable interest and importance,” the researchers note. “A Th1-Th2 imbalance has been hypothesised in asthma, with a shift in immune responses away from Th1 (IFN-gamma) toward Th2 (IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13). In a cohort study, patients with severe asthma exhibited significantly reduced IFN-gamma production in response to allergen compared with control subjects and subjects with resolved asthma. In addition, all patients with asthma…showed increased generation of IL-5.” Numerous studies confirm that IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 secretion is the major driving force behind persistent asthma.
ASHMI significantly reduced IL-3 and IL-5 levels. It also increased human interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), a potent antiviral and immunomodulator, while cortisone suppressed IFN-gamma. These findings suggest strong immunotherapeutic effects of the Chinese herbal. Now, says Li, “we have an ongoing FDA-approved clinical trial using ASHMI as an investigational new drug. In the last study our patients were not steroid dependent. In this study our patients are steroid dependent, and we are trying to wean them off their steroids. They really don’t want to be on steroids anymore, and our results will be more significant if, with the use of ASHMI, we can reduce or replace steroids. We are almost finished with our Phase I trial, which included 18 patients, and we will begin our Phase II trial with 60 patients.”
How Do These Herbs Work?
Individually, these herbs all have a long history of use in asthma and other allergic, autoimmune and immune disorders, allergic rhinitis, hepatitis B, jaundice, adrenal insufficiency, peptic ulcers, and many other conditions. The researchers speculate that these herbs work both individually and synergistically. For instance, the increase in serum cortisol into the normal range could be in part due to the glycyrrhizin in Chinese licorice, “which affects the conversion of cortisol to cortisone by inhibition of 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme activity.” In addition, previous research has shown that Chinese licorice decreases IgE levels. Chinese licorice is a staple botanical in TCM for asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Ku-Shen, in turn, has been widely used for eczema, pruritus and asthma. Ku-Shen is particularly interesting. It is proving to have therapeutic value for a surprisingly wide range of conditions. The impact of Ku-Shen, which has excitatory modulator activity, was studied by Ba Hoang and colleagues. An open and selective 3-year follow-up of 14 chronic refractory asthmatics aged between 22 and 70 was used. Participants received an extract of Sophora flavescens. Medication use, a diary card of symptoms, and respiratory function were recorded. The study was retrospective and all patients gave written informed consent. The quality of life, clinical symptoms and respiratory function improved during all periods of measurement. The use of inhaled corticosteroid and beta-agonists were reduced or eliminated. There were no significant adverse reactions reported. It appears that the extract of S. flavescens as an excitatory modulator may be safe and effective for chronic refractory asthma.
Within two weeks of starting therapy with Ku-Shen, the patients had reduced daytime and nighttime symptoms of asthma, and had begun to reduce their beta-agonist doses. By three years, all patients were off their corticosteroid medication, had almost entirely eliminated beta-agonist medications, and their symptoms of asthma were significantly reduced.
How does Ku-Shen work? Though the plant contains a rich cornucopia of chemicals, the focus has been on two principle alkaloids, matrine and oxymatrine, which have been the subject of research for years. The toxicity of both alkaloids is very low, and Ku-Shen may contain about 2% of these two alkaloids. According to Dr. Ba Hoang’s theory, these alkaloids “act as modulators of membrane excitability…they can decrease body temperature, have a significant analgesic effect, have a tranquilizing effect, and an inhibitory action on glutamate-induced excitatory nerve impulses. They can also have an antiarrhythmic effect.” Glutamate receptors have been found in the lungs and airways, and the activation of glutamate receptors has led to increased airway submucosal glandular secretion. Activation of the glutamate receptor might be an important, unrecognized mechanism of airway inflammation and hyper-reactivity, and might explain one of the ways that Ku-Shen helps in asthma.
In fact, Dr. Ba and Dr. Levine propose a novel mechanism for asthma in a 2006 article in Medical Hypotheses entitled, “Bronchial epilepsy or broncho-pulmonary hyperexcitability as a model of asthma pathogenesis.” In this separate paper, Ba and Levine have hypothesised that membrane hyperexcitability may reflect a more generalised disease mechanism.
In summary, not only are the herbs in ASHMI remarkably effective in asthma, but the increase in cortisol levels and the shift away from inflammatory cytokines toward a balanced immune response, suggests that adrenal and immune function are being restored. This would argue for a far wider use of herbal formulas like ASHMI, in conditions associated with low cortisol, chronic inflammation and adrenal fatigue. Illnesses treated with corticosteroids would theoretically benefit from herbal formulas like that of ASHMI.
References:
- Wen MC, Wei CH, Hu ZQ, Srivastava K, Ko J, Xi ST, Mu DZ, Du JB, Li GH, Wallenstein S, Sampson H, Kattan M, Li XM. Efficacy and tolerability of anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention in adult patients with moderate-severe allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2005 Sep;116(3):517-24 View Abstract
- Li XM, Huang CK, Zhang TF, Teper AA, Srivastava, K, Schofield BH, Sampson HA. The Chinese herbal medicine formula MSSM-002 suppresses allergic airway hyperreactivity and modulates Th1/Th2 responses in a murine model of allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Imunol. 2000 Oct; 106(4):660-8.View Abstract
- Hoang BX, Shaw DG, Levine S, Hoang C, Pham P. New approach in asthma treatment using excitatory modulator. Phytotherapy Research 2007 Jun:21(6): 554-7 View Abstract
- Hoang BX, Levine SA, Shaw DG, Pham P, Hoang C. Bronchial epilepsy or broncho-pulmonary hyper-excitability as a model of asthma pathogenesis. Med Hypotheses. 2006 Jun;67(5):1042-51 View Abstract
18 Comments. Leave new
My 14 year old daughter has low cortisol levels, CFS and severe asthma. We are struggling to get the right medication in the UK for her. To date we are getting nothing apart from prednisolone tablets on an increasingly frequent basis as her asthma flairs up. Are these herbs suitable for an adolescent and how can I get hold of it here in the UK? I live fairly near London, but am desperate to help her.
Dear Michelle
I suggest you call Nutri-Link Ltd on 08450 760402 to ask for a practitioner experienced in the support of adrenal function and respiration. The supplement has been used in children with success, but because of the complexity of this condition self prescribing is not recommended.
Michael
Is this supplement available for purchase in the U.S., either by the public or a medical practitioner?
Thank you.
Hi Lindsay, Allergy Research Group in California can supply this. http://www.allergyresearchgroup.com
Hi Michael,
Interesting information!
I was wondering if there are there any therapists or patients in the UK using Sophora and licorice extract to treat ME/CFS.
Keep an eye on dr Chia in the US. He treats CFS patients with oxymatrine
Vincent
Hi Vincent
I am only a little acquainted with sophora from its purported antiviral effects. Liquorice from its cortisol sparing effects is better known. I suspect that there are many roads to Rome in this condition and that some patients will have persistent viral load or fatigued T cells that may well benefit from this type of treatment.
Hi Mike,
Great posting. I’m struggling with an 80 year old COPD patient on steroids and antibiotics every 3-4 weeks for infections. Low HCL (years of PPI’s), poor adrenal function and the obvious dysbiosis. All he wants is to walk 100 yards to the corner store. If I address dysbiosis, even just with Hydrozyme so far, his COPD is exacerbated. Adrenal support is too many pills for him. He’s also Kosher so porcine glandulars are out too. I’m thinking this might be an option. Dont want to make him worse before he gets better so to speak. Could I use this for someone with this level of disease? If so would I go in slow or otherwise?
Hi Anne
Long-term use of PPI’s has been linked to withdrawal symptoms, an increased risk of bacterial infection, hip fracture (as have steroids) and nutritional deficiencies. By increasing the alkalinity of the stomach, PPIs also boost the risk of infection: studies published in JAMA in 2004 and 2005 reported that subjects on acid-suppressing drugs are nearly twice as likely to develop pneumonia, and nearly three times as likely to acquire a potentially deadly infection from the bacterium Clostridium difficile, as unmedicated subjects (although the overall risk is low).
long-term use of PPIs may cause the very symptoms the drugs are designed to treat. In a 2009 study published in astroenteGrology, researchers split 120 healthy patients into two groups. Half received a placebo for 12 weeks, while the other half received a PPI for eight weeks, followed by a placebo for the last four weeks. At the end of the trial, 22 percent of subjects who had taken the drugs reported suffering from heartburn and acid reflux, compared with only 2 percent of those who had never taken the drugs.
My suggestion would be to use the ASHMI (phytocort) complex at a rate of 1-4 per day, you do not state what steroids he is on or their dose, so start at 1 and observe if there is any improvement/worsening. There will be changes to his microflora with the regulat ABX so I also suggest you give him SaccB and LRPS at a dose of 2 and 2 per day.
Let us know in our professional linked in site if you can.
Mike
I am recovering from 22-month-long bout with adrenal fatigue, brought on by running my first marathon and age 52 and not resting afterward. After a year of online study, I finally diagnosed myself with the help of hair mineral analysis. Glandular supplements that my provider supplied did help with the persistent chills and low core temp, but did not really help with the asthma (tightness, coldness in chest, wheezing upon deep exhalation). Phytocort did help. I am able to run again, because of Phytocort.
I took my first bottle by dosing three times a day, three capsules. I am on my second bottle, and am taking two capsules two times a day.
Even though I live next to a busy, metropolitan 4-lane highway, my breathing is good, now on all runs. I am well because of this article and this study.
I would like to know where I can read about the study cited herein: the one wherein the participants were steroid-dependent.
Hello Paul
Thank you for your feedback – the study you request information of http://tinyurl.com/3awbl6w I see it has been suspended at present – I am unsure why, but thank you for your question.
Can you please tell me what the dosage would be for children? Is it safe for kids? We are in california and I see that the Allergy Research Group sells it under two different labels. Thanks.
Hi Judy
the dose is 1-2 per day. ARG will be able to supply this for you.
I am a 53 year old woman who is increasingly having to relay on my inhalers for my Asthma. I would love to increase my exercise level to improve my fitness levels, but excercise only exacerbates the problem.
Is there a reputable supplement supplier in the UK ?
Is Phytocort the exact formulation used in the study? It doesn’t contain all 13 or 14 herbs mentioned above does it?
Can I get a list of the herbs used in the study and the ratio in which they were used?
I’m very disappointed they stopped the clinical trial. Sounded so promising!
Dear Michael,
I have chronic allergic asthma now for the past two years and have been taking prednisone on a permanent basis for a year & each time they try to lower my dose I get sick. I was so excited to discover ASHMI and ordered phytocort immediately but i am wondering if it’s a good isea or not to take it at the same time as prednisone. I am now
Dear Michael,
I have had chronic allergic asthma now for the past two years and have been taking prednisone on a permanent basis for a year & each time they try to lower my dose I get sick. I was so excited to discover ASHMI and ordered phytocort immediately but I’m wondering if it’s a good to take it at the same time as prednisone or should I wait to be off it completely. I am now 12.5mg and am also taking phytocort daily but am starting to have a lot of inflammation again? Sorry I don’t know who else to ask!
Many Thanks
Karen
This post on herbal use for asthma is very old and has there been any further success in obtaining a new drug submission for these herbs? Or are they still in some sort of pre-clinical land due to lack of afficacy in a larger population sampling size? By now there should be further good studies published, could you direct me to any in peer reviewed journals that may have come out in the last 5 years?
Dear Michael
I live in NZ and I have been on hydrocortisone for 13 years 27mg due to severe adrenal fatigue (but not asthma). Due to a great adrenal doctor Using herbs and supplements, I have weaned down to 11mg but it has been challenging and has taken a few years to get down to that dose. I wish to get off my hydrocortisone completely will ASHMI help me to do this? Where can I order the product and are there any doctors in NZ who can prescribe this? Thanks for your prompt reply, most appreciated.