Scientific Insights
Allergic rhinitis and/or asthma have become increasingly prevalent in our society.
Each year, an estimated 9 million people suffer from respiratory allergies from pollen in the air, and 4 million out of them usually seek medical treatment.
It is estimated that about 15 to 20% of the Italian population suffers from allergies, an increasing trend especially among younger people and women[5].
Allergic rhinitis is caused by an antigen-antibody reaction.
The antigen is the external agent (e.g. pollen), and the antibody - but it can also be granulocytes, lymphoid organs, etc.- is your body's defender, trained to step in when something potentially dangerous enters your system.
The antibody response causes vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) with subsequent inflammation, oedema, and hypersecretion of mucus. As a consequence, you experience increased nasal discharge (mucus dripping out of your nose), itchy nose, repeated sneezing, swollen and watery eyes, headache, dry throat, dyspnea (shortness of breath) and, in general, you feel weak and confused.
Why do some people experience such reactions?
So far, research has not been able to find the answer.
The main risk factors include environmental pollution, a family history of allergies, asthma, early exposure to household allergens (e.g. dust mites and animal dander), early weaning, and high levels of IgE immunoglobulin.
Hence, individuals living in extremely polluted area, or with a family history of allergy and an overactive immune system are more at risk of suffering from allergy symptoms.
And what are the natural remedies against allergy available today on the market?
Usually, anti-allergy supplements contain one single ingredient, that is a plant active ingredient in the form of micronised powder or simple dry extract, obtained through a basic processing.
Allergisan formula, instead, is innovative and complete as it contains a number of active ingredients from different plants.
Perilla, Black Currant, Scutellaria, Elderberry, and Ginger titrated dry extracts modulate the response of your immune system to allergens and provide relief to your throat and eyes against allergies (see the Experimental Phytotherapy section below).
Allergisan has shown a remarkable efficacy both in prevention and in early-response phases.
It contains no colourings, preservatives or sweeteners.
In the Experimental Phytotherapy section below, we shall review a selection of studies relevant to each plant extract.
Experimental Phytotherapy
Perilla
Takano H, Osakabe N, Sanbongi C, Yanagisawa R, Inoue K, Yasuda A, Natsume M, Baba S, Ichiishi E, Yoshikawa T. Extract of Perilla frutescens enriched for rosmarinic acid, a polyphenolic phytochemical, inhibits seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in humans. Exp Biol Med (Maywood). 2004 Mar;229(3):247-54. doi: 10.1177/153537020422900305. PMID: 14988517.
This functional study evaluates the effects of Perilla on allergic rhinitis. A clinical trial was carried out on a cohort of 21 adults with allergic rhinitis and high IgE levels in the blood. At the end of the treatment with Perilla extracts, a significant reduction in symptoms was confirmed. Hence, Perilla can be an effective adjuvant in the treatment of allergy symptoms.
Jeon IH, Kim HS, Kang HJ, Lee HS, Jeong SI, Kim SJ, Jang SI. Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects of luteolin from Perilla (P. frutescens L.) leaves. Molecules. 2014 May 27;19(6):6941-51. doi: 10.3390/molecules19066941. PMID: 24871572; PMCID: PMC6271665.
Perilla leave active ingredients were tested in vitro and on rats against rhinitis, asthma, and inflammatory disorders. The investigation results confirmed a significant reduction in histamine levels and a subsequent relief of allergic symptoms, especially itchy skin.
Scutellaria
Xu T, Ge X, Lu C, Dai W, Chen H, Xiao Z, Wu L, Liang G, Ying S, Zhang Y, Dai Y. Baicalein attenuates OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation through the inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY). 2019 Nov 6;11(21):9310-9327. doi: 10.18632/aging.102371. Epub 2019 Nov 6. PMID: 31692453; PMCID: PMC6874438.
The trial showed that Scutellaria exhibits potent anti-inflammatory properties, it significantly reduces the airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation, serum IgE levels and mucus production, typical of allergic subjects. Researchers suggest that Scutellaria active ingredient can be a promising potential therapy agent for patients with allergic asthma.
Mao D, He Z, Li L, Lei Y, Xiao M, Zhang H, Zhang F. Recent Progress in Traditional Chinese Medicines and Their Mechanism in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis. J Healthc Eng. 2022 Apr 11;2022:3594210. doi: 10.1155/2022/3594210. PMID: 35444784; PMCID: PMC9015857.
A systematic review on the mechanism of action and use of Scutellaria in allergic rhinitis was carried out. Scutellaria has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as an antiallergic agent. Standard medications (corticosteroids and antihistamines) can be very effective, but they have some serious side effects. The review confirmed that Chinese natural remedies such as Scutellaria were found to be useful in reducing inflammatory cytokines and IgE levels in the blood. Reductions in histamine levels were also found. The authors' conclusion is that Scutellaria can be considered as a potential antiallergic agent for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Ginger
Yamprasert R, Chanvimalueng W, Mukkasombut N, Itharat A. Ginger extract versus Loratadine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2020 Apr 20;20(1):119. doi: 10.1186/s12906-020-2875-z. PMID: 32312261; PMCID: PMC7171779.
A 3 to 6 week randomized, double-blind, controlled trial was carried on 40 individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis. One group was treated with a standard antihistamine medication, the other with ginger extract. At the end of the trial, in both groups symptoms were relieved, but the group having been treated with ginger showed fewer side effects, and particularly much less drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, and constipation. Therefore, researchers suggest that ginger extract could be used as an alternative treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis.
Kardan M, Rafiei A, Ghaffari J, Valadan R, Morsaljahan Z, Haj-Ghorbani ST. Effect of ginger extract on expression of GATA3, T-bet and ROR-γt in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with Allergic Asthma. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2019 Jul-Aug;47(4):378-385. doi: 10.1016/j.aller.2018.12.003. Epub 2019 Feb 10. PMID: 30745246.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of ginger extract on the blood immune cells in patients with allergic asthma. The research involved 50 people, 25 of which suffered from severe, moderate, and mild allergic asthma. The study showed that ginger extract can improve haematological parameters and asthma symptoms. Researchers suggest that the use of ginger extract could control asthma and decrease its severity by modulating the activity of the cells responsible for asthma symptoms in the airways.
Blackcurrant
Garbacki, N.; Angenot, L.; Bassleer, C.; Damas, J.; Tits, M. Effects of prodelphinidins isolated from Ribes nigrum on chondrocyte metabolism and COX activity. Naunyn. Schmiedebergs. Arch. Pharmacol. 2002, 365, 434-441, doi:10.1007/s00210-002-0553-y.
According to this in-vitro trial, Black Currant leave extracts exhibit a decongestant and antiexudative activity as well as the capacity to inhibit the release of prostaglandins. Such properties are key factors against allergies.
Dejima K, Ohshima A, Yanai T, Yamamoto R, Takata R, Yoshikawa T. Effects of polysaccharide derived from black currant on relieving clinical symptoms of Japanese cedar pollinosis: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 2007 Dec;71(12):3019-25. doi: 10.1271/bbb.70413. Epub 2007 Dec 7. PMID: 18071252.
This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 28 subjects suffering from pollinosis (hay fever). Half of the subjects were treated with a placebo, the other half with Blackcurrant extract. At the end of the trial, unlike the placebo group, subjects treated with the Blackcurrant extract had a significant improvement of all the symptoms (sneezing, itching, watery eyes, etc.) and generally reported an improved quality of life.
Elderberry
Hawkins J, Baker C, Cherry L, Dunne E. Black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) supplementation effectively treats upper respiratory symptoms: A meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Feb;42:361-365. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2018.12.004. Epub 2018 Dec 18. PMID: 30670267.
This meta-analysis of randomized, controlled clinical trials confirms the thinning and mucolytic properties of Elderberry. Hence, Elderberry supplementation can substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms. Researchers also suggest that Elderberry can be an alternative to antibiotic misuse for upper respiratory symptoms due to viral infections, and a potentially safer alternative to prescription drugs for routine cases of the common cold and influenza.
Tiboc Schnell CN, Filip GA, Decea N, Moldovan R, Opris R, Man SC, Moldovan B, David L, Tabaran F, Olteanu D, Gheldiu AM, Baldea I. The impact of Sambucus nigra L. extract on inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue remodeling in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide-induced subacute rhinosinusitis. Inflammopharmacology. 2021 Jun;29(3):753-769. doi: 10.1007/s10787-021-00805-y. Epub 2021 Apr 21. PMID: 33881685.
The study carried out on rats aimed to investigate the effect of Elderberry extract against inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling in nasal and sinus mucosa. In conclusion, based on haematological parameters, Elderberry extract was found to be effective in decreasing the mucosal inflammatory response and in promoting the regeneration of inflamed tissues.
DISCLAIMER
The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.
[1] Aït-Khaled N, Pearce N, Anderson HR, Ellwood P, Montefort S, Shah J; ISAAC Phase Three Study Group. Global map of the prevalence of symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis in children: The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase Three. Allergy. 2009 Jan;64(1):123-48. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2008.01884.x. PMID: 19132975.
[2] Nathan RA. The burden of allergic rhinitis. Allergy Asthma Proc. 2007; 28: 3-9.
[3] Walker S, Khan-Wasti S, Fletcher M et al. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is associated with a detrimental effect on examination performance in United Kingdom teenagers: case-control study. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007; 120: 381-387
[4] See the Experimental Phytotherapy section below for research studies.
[5] https://www.epicentro.iss.it/asma/epidemiologia
I nostri testi hanno scopo divulgativo, non vanno intesi come indicazione di diagnosi e cura di stati patologici e non vogliono sostituirsi in alcun modo al parere del Medico.