Background
The Gut–Lung Axis plays a central role in respiratory health, linking gut microbial balance, immune regulation, and inflammatory signaling. Dysbiosis and environmental stressors, such as cigarette smoke, may contribute to chronic airway dysfunction. Building on prior evidence, Wenger et al. (2023) published in Frontiers in Nutrition evaluated the safety and preliminary efficacy of a probiotic–herbal supplement designed to support the Gut–Lung Axis.
Methods
A one-month, open-label exploratory pilot trial enrolled 22 adults (11 healthy, 11 asthmatic), aged 18–65 years. Participants consumed resB® Lung Support twice daily, containing Lactobacillus plantarum RSB11®, L. acidophilus RSB12®, L. rhamnosus RSB13®, and extracts of holy basil, turmeric, and vasaka. Primary outcomes included safety and tolerability. Exploratory endpoints were lung function (FEV1, FVC), serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gut microbiome composition, and quality-of-life measures.
Results
The intervention was well tolerated with 100% completion and no serious adverse events. Asthmatic participants experienced significant improvements in FEV1% (p=0.018) and a positive trend in FVC (p=0.082). Serum SCFAs, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, increased significantly in asthmatics, particularly in smokers. Gut microbiome stability was maintained, though baseline dysbiosis with elevated E. coli was observed in asthmatics. qPCR confirmed colonization of administered Lactobacillus strains. Quality-of-life outcomes improved: 36% reported better overall health, 43% noted fewer episodes of shortness of breath, 43% reported reduced coughing, and 29% reported fewer sleep disturbances.
Conclusions
This pilot trial, published in Frontiers in Nutrition (Wenger NM et al., 2023;10:1168582), supports the safety and potential efficacy of a probiotic–herbal supplement for modulating the Gut–Lung Axis, improving lung function, and enhancing immune resilience. Larger, controlled trials are warranted to validate clinical benefit and determine optimal dosing strategies.
