Abstract: The present invention relates to systemic detoxification and chronic inflammation by using extract fractions of Laurus nobilis, that lead to a decrease of anti-inflammatory markers in human lung cell lines and the activation of the Nrf2 pathway, which is a crucial element in intracellular detoxification pathways, decreases the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the extract can be used to reduce the adverse effects of air pollution generally (and especially of particulate air pollution), which includes: cardiovascular problems, respiratory diseases, and chronic inflammation of tissues that come into contact with air borne particles.