Perilla extract may help prevent allergic reactions Approximately 50 million people in the U.S. currently suffer from some form of allergic disease such as hay fever, asthma, or atopic dermatitis, and this number is expected to increase. Major symptoms of allergy are congestion or runny nose; itchy, red, or watery eyes; adverse skin reactions such as hives or rash; shortness of breath; or severe sneezing. A severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, can result in more pronounced breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure, followed by dizziness, shock, and loss of consciousness. If immediate medical attention is not sought, anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. Simply described, an allergy is an acquired potential for developing an adverse immune response to a specific substance, or allergen. Exposure to an allergen can trigger the immune system to produce many compounds-including IgE antibodies. (These antibodies are often measured in scientific studies to determine the degree of an allergic reaction.) In a study performed and published in Japan, researchers examined the effects of perilla extract—an herb traditionally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the relief of allergies—on IgE antibody production in mice. Researchers initially injected mice with perilla extract, and followed with an injection of DNP-ovalbumin to trigger a severe allergic reaction one day later. Results demonstrated a significant suppression of IgE antibody production in mice injected with perilla extract. These results suggest that perilla extract inhibited a severe allergic reaction. These findings led K. Imaoka and colleagues to conclude in Arerugi that perilla seed extract may be useful in the prevention of certain allergic diseases. SOURCE: Arerugi 1993;42(1):74-80. Full article in Japanese. Advanced Nutrition Publications ©2002
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