Combination Therapy of Salbutamol and Spirulina: A Novel Dual-Action Approach for Asthma Management

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disorder characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, oxidative stress, and recurrent bronchoconstriction. Conventional treatment with β2- agonists such as salbutamol provides rapid symptomatic relief through bronchodilation; however, it does not adequately address the underlying inflammation and oxidative damage associated with disease progression. Spirulina, a nutrient-rich cyanobacterium, possesses significant antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties that may complement the pharmacological effects of salbutamol. This review explores the potential of combining salbutamol and spirulina as a novel dual-acting therapeutic strategy for asthma management. The proposed synergistic mechanism involves immediate bronchodilation mediated through β2-adrenergic receptor stimulation by salbutamol, alongside spirulina-mediated modulation of inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of eosinophilic infiltration, and reduction of oxidative stress. Preclinical findings and limited clinical evidence suggest that spirulina supplementation may improve pulmonary function and decrease inflammatory biomarkers in individuals with asthma. In addition, the review discusses formulation and delivery considerations that may influence the therapeutic effectiveness of this combination approach. Although preliminary evidence supports the potential benefits of combining pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions, large-scale randomized clinical trials are required to establish efficacy, optimize dosing strategies, and evaluate long-term safety. Overall, the integration of spirulina with salbutamol may represent a promising adjunctive strategy and a potential paradigm shift in comprehensive asthma management.