The Ballarat resident had such a severe case of the chronic condition last year that even Ventolin was no longer effective. She was unable even to take part in medical trials for a new injectable drug to treat the condition.

Just 12 months later, and without expensive drugs, Ms Hughes’ response to Ventolin has improved from 5-6 per cent reversibility (the ability of the drug to improve exhaling), to a far healthier 30-35 per cent reversibility.

The miracle treatment? Broccoli shoots.

Consuming the equivalent of two cups of home-grown broccoli shoots each day has produced extraordinary results.

Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute researchers Dr Tom Karagiannis and PhD student Nadia Mazarakis, collaborating with Dr Simon Royce, are now tracking Ms Hughes’ progress. Dr Karagiannis said data collected from Ms Hughes’ peak-flow meter (the device which measures her ability to breath out) was being studied with considerable interest.

“This isn’t a trial. Patsy has data from her peak-flow meter for over a year. From a medical point of view, it is useful data,” Dr Karagiannis said.

“We know broccoli contains L-sulforaphane, which can relieve the effects of asthma. We have artificially given asthma to mice and had near-complete reversibility. 

“This started with Professor Paul Talalay, from Johns Hopkins University in the United States, who identified the compound L-sulforaphane. He was the pioneer. Through his work we know this compound is good for reducing breast cancer, cardio-vascular problems and autism. It is a ‘super food’.

“We must stress people need to continue to take their medication. Patsy couldn’t take any medication, so she is quite unique.”

Ms Hughes has had asthma for more than four decades. During that time she has used the steroid cortisone to treat the condition, as well as Ventolin as a “rescue” drug.

In 2013, Ms Hughes found Ventolin was no longer effective and she was diagnosed with “end stage” asthma, where her airways had been completely changed by the steroid.

“Autumn is the worst time. This year is the first time I have not had to take cortisone,” Ms Hughes said. “I have not had to use it since last August and I have taken the sprouts since July. I now have the energy to do the things I want to do. I was struggling to muster enough energy even to do the housework.

“I am absolutely convinced. If I am in a bad way, I can use Ventolin and know I have 30-35 per cent reversibility, not five per cent. That’s very reassuring.”

Other green vegetables from the cruciferous family also contain L-sulforaphane, including kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower and bok choy, although not to the same concentration as broccoli sprouts. About two kilograms of regular broccoli would be required to deliver the similar outcome.

“What we need now is large-scale clinical trials, which requires considerable funding.

“If you get a dietary intervention, which is relatively cheap, working in conjunction with conventional therapies, we will get a much better outcome. It can be harder to get funding for dietary trials but it is much more cost effective in the long run.”

For more information, go to www.bakeridi.edu.au

gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au