How broccoli can help sinitus

Stopping a runny nose: An extract of broccoli is being given to allergic rhinitis sufferers

Broccoli is being used to treat people with allergic rhinitis.

Extract of the vegetable is being given to patients with the condition, which is caused by inflammation of the nasal passages (symptoms include a chronic cold, sore throat and blocked nose).

Allergic rhinitis is both triggered and exacerbated by pollution.

In a new trial, a small amount of fluid containing diesel exhaust particles will be sprayed into the patients' noses.

The amount is equivalent to the diesel particles someone living in a big city would inhale over the course of two days.

The patients will then drink a cup of broccoli extract to test its effect.

'Broccoli is known to contain high levels of sulforaphane, which enhances anti-inflammatory enzymes,' say the American researchers.