Thyme Extract/Hedera Extract

Hypersecretion of viscous mucus is one of the hallmark symptoms of acute and chronic bronchitis and typically develops secondary to an inflammation of the airway epithelium. Bronchipret^® TP film-coated tablets (BRO), a herbal medicinal product containing a fixed combination of thyme herb and primula root extracts, has been successfully used clinically for the treatment of acute bronchitis for more than two decades. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of action have not been fully understood so far. We investigated the anti-inflammatory and mucus-regulatory effects of orally administered BRO in an animal model of pulmonary inflammation that was experimentally induced by intratracheal LPS instillation. BRO was administered once daily for up to three days following the induction of inflammation. Treatment with BRO effectively inhibited polymorphonuclear cell influx into the lung as well as the increase in mucin 5ac (MUC5AC) protein. Furthermore, the LPS-induced increase of goblet cell numbers was significantly attenuated by BRO treatment. Subsequent in vitro investigations with IL-13 stimulated human primary respiratory epithelium and the Calu-3 respiratory epithelial cell line in air-liquid-interface culture confirmed the effects on mucus production and goblet cell numbers observed in the in vivo studies. They further suggest that the reduction of MUC5AC protein secretion by BRO is associated with reduced MUC5AC mRNA expression as assessed by quantitative Real-Time PCR. Our studies provide evidence that BRO exerts both anti-inflammatory and mucus-regulatory activity and that BRO's effect on mucin production is partially independent from its anti-inflammatory activity. These results contribute to the understanding of the modes of action underlying the clinical efficacy of BRO in acute bronchitis patients.

Bronchipret TE® exhibits multidirectional anti-inflammatory effects as demonstrated in vitro and in vivo studies. It has been disclosed that the drug has the ability to activate the bronchial cleaning mechanism, inhibit the respiratory tract remodeling process by reducing the number of goblet cells, inhibiting enzyme activity and proinflammatory mediators. These mechanisms cause the administration of medication to cause acute bronchitis patients to shorten and alleviate the course of the disease with rapid cough elimination. Use of Bronchipret TE® is in accordance with the recommendations of the European Guideline Committee's and the German Respiratory Society.