The ingredients in Pulmo Balance are selected for their long history of traditional use and growing body of modern published research relating to respiratory comfort, airway clarity, antioxidant lung tissue protection, and balanced immune function. Below are key peer-reviewed scientific references for each ingredient. Please note: these studies relate to the ingredients themselves and do not constitute claims about the Pulmo Balance finished product, which has not been independently studied or evaluated by the FDA.
1. Mullein Extract (Verbascum thapsus)
Mullein has been used in traditional herbal practice for centuries as a respiratory soother. Modern research has examined its saponin, mucilage, and flavonoid content for expectorant, demulcent, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Riaz, M., et al. (2022). Health-promoting and disease-mitigating potential of Verbascum thapsus L. (common mullein): A review. Phytotherapy Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35088467/
- Turker, A. U. & Gurel, E. (2005). Common mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.): Recent advances in research. Phytotherapy Research, 19(9), 733–739. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16222647/
- Ali, N., et al. (2012). Anthelmintic and relaxant activities of Verbascum thapsus mullein. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 12, 29. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3350428/
2. Bromelain Powder (from Ananas comosus / Pineapple Stem)
Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme complex extracted from pineapple stems. Clinical research has examined its effects on inflammatory balance, mucus thinning, and upper respiratory comfort.
- Leelakanok, N., et al. (2023). Efficacy and safety of bromelain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition and Health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37157782/
- Braun, J. M., Schneider, B., & Beuth, H. J. (2005). Therapeutic use, efficiency and safety of the proteolytic pineapple enzyme Bromelain-POS in children with acute sinusitis in Germany. In Vivo, 19(2), 417–421. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15796206/
- Büttner, L., et al. (2013). Efficacy and tolerability of bromelain in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis — a pilot study. B-ENT, 9(3), 217–225. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24273953/
3. Maritime Pine Bark (Pinus pinaster, Pycnogenol®-class)
Maritime Pine Bark extract is rich in procyanidin polyphenols and has been studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory support properties in multiple clinical trials.
- Belcaro, G., et al. (2011). Pycnogenol® improvements in asthma management. Panminerva Medica, 53(3 Suppl 1), 57–64. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22108478/
- Shin, I. S., et al. (2013). Inhibitory effects of Pycnogenol® (French maritime pine bark extract) on airway inflammation in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 62, 681–686. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24120901/
- Rohdewald, P. (2002). A review of the French maritime pine bark extract (Pycnogenol), a herbal medication with a diverse clinical pharmacology. International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 40(4), 158–168. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11996210/
4. Stinging Nettle Extract (Urtica dioica)
Stinging nettle has been studied in randomized controlled trials for its effects on upper respiratory and seasonal allergic comfort, particularly its role in histamine-related responses.
- Bakhshaee, M., et al. (2017). Efficacy of supportive therapy of allergic rhinitis by stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) root extract: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 16(Suppl), 112–118. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29844782/
- Mittman, P. (1990). Randomized, double-blind study of freeze-dried Urtica dioica in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Planta Medica, 56(1), 44–47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2192379/
5. Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus)
Tiger milk mushroom has a long tradition of use in Southeast Asian herbal practice for respiratory wellness. Recent clinical and preclinical studies examine its polysaccharide-mediated effects on lung function and airway support.
- Tan, E. S. S., Leo, T. K., & Tan, C. K. (2021). Effect of tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) supplementation on respiratory health, immunity and antioxidant status: an open-label prospective study. Scientific Reports, 11, 11781. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8175741/
- Lee, M. L., et al. (2025). Tiger Milk Medicinal Mushroom Lignosus rhinocerus (Agaricomycetes) polysaccharides mediates airway smooth muscle relaxation via muscarinic and histamine receptors. International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40460402/
- Muhamad, S. A., et al. (2019). Intranasal administration of Lignosus rhinocerotis (Cooke) Ryvarden (Tiger Milk mushroom) extract attenuates airway inflammation in murine model of allergic asthma. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 17(5), 3867–3876.
6. Quercetin Dihydrate Extract
Quercetin is a plant-derived flavonoid widely studied for its role in mast cell stabilization, histamine balance, and antioxidant defense — all relevant to respiratory and allergic wellness.
- Caruso, F., et al. (2025). Quercetin and its lecithin-based formulation: potential applications for allergic diseases based on a narrative review. Nutrients. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12073759/
- Wang, J., et al. (2024). Quercetin attenuates MRGPRX2-mediated mast cell degranulation via the MyD88/IKK/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT/Rac1/Cdc42 pathway. Journal of Inflammation Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39398230/
- Pearce, F. L., Befus, A. D., & Bienenstock, J. (1984). Mucosal mast cells. III. Effect of quercetin and other flavonoids on antigen-induced histamine secretion from rat intestinal mast cells. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 73(6), 819–823. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6202731/
Important Note on Research
The peer-reviewed studies referenced on this page were conducted on individual ingredients, not on the finished Pulmo Balance product. The presence of an ingredient in a published study does not imply that the same outcomes will occur from using a multi-ingredient dietary supplement at different dosages. Pulmo Balance is a dietary supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement.