How 'Food Allergy Herbal Formula 2' prevents allergic reactions

Work is continuing on the Chinese herbal formula, food allergy herbal formula 2 (FAHF-2) which has been shown to protect against peanut anaphylaxis in mice. Recently published studies have looked at the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed protective effects.

The studies, carried out by researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, investigated the metabolic responses of mice with peanut allergy following treatment with FAHF-2 for 7 weeks and subsequent peanut challenge one day and four weeks after conclusion of the treatment period. All peanut allergic mice not treated with FAHF-2 developed anaphylaxis, whereas all those treated with FAHF-2 were protected against anaphylaxis after the peanut challenge, both one day after therapy and 4 weeks later.

Results from blood sample analyses indicate FAHF-2 reduces basophil and mast cell numbers, and suppresses IgE-mediated mast cell activation. The authors believe these factors may contribute to the protection against peanut anaphylaxis conferred by the herbal formulation.

Mast cells and basophils play a central role in IgE-mediated allergic reactions including anaphylaxis. They are able to release potent inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, proteases and cytokines that act on the circulatory system, smooth muscle, connective tissue, mucous glands and inflammatory cells.

Reference: Song,et al. 2010. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Vol 126(6). Pp1208-1217. DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.09.013