ROLE OF NONI IN ALLERGIES

Allergy Remedy

By WorldNoni.Org

Allergies are extremely common. Seasonal allergies (commonly called hay fever) is a common phenomenon. In children younger than 11 years old, allergic dermatitis (inflammation of the skin) is the most common skin condition. Allergies can affect people of all ages, although they tend to develop in childhood or adolescence. The leading risk factor for allergies is exposure to an allergen, even though there is a genetic component to allergies, and newer studies have linked them to obesity in women.

Allergies occur because of an exaggerated immune response to a substance called an allergen. To be effective, the immune system must operate within a narrow balance; a lack of immune response leads to easy infection, while an overactive immune system can lead to autoimmune diseases (in which the body attacks itself) or allergies (in which the body overreacts to otherwise harmless substances).

Common inhaled allergens include pollen, animal dander, dust, mold, and insect parts . Ingested allergens include medications (penicillin, for example) and foods such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, wheat, and soy. People can also be allergic to plants, nickel, copper, and latex.

Symptoms of allergies include the following (NIH 2005a):

• Runny nose
• Tearing, burning, or itching eyes
• Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Swollen eyes
• Itching (nose, mouth, throat, skin, or any other area)
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Skin rashes
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache

The most severe form of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. This is a serious condition that results in respiratory distress and swelling of the larynx. It often appears within minutes of exposure to a specific allergen and should be treated rapidly because death can occur within minutes or hours after the first symptoms appear.

Relieving allergy symptoms represents a large and extremely lucrative business for drug companies. Medicines frequently prescribed or sold over the counter for allergy relief include antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. While these medicines work, they may have significant side effects. Antihistamines, for example, can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and many other unwanted effects. Oral corticosteroids taken for more than three or four weeks are associated with significant side effects, including a weakened immune system and many other unwanted consequences.

Fortunately, it is possible, by use of nutritional therapy, to reduce allergy symptoms through more natural methods. Additionally, antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) defend the body against oxidative molecules that are formed during the allergy response.

What Makes an Allergy Attack

In most allergy cases, the body is first sensitized to a foreign protein (allergen), causing the production of an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). The newly produced IgE antibody circulates in the bloodstream, where it attaches to another kind of white blood cell called a basophil. In addition, IgE binds to mast cells, a type of white blood cell located in the skin and the mucosal lining.

The next time the allergen is recognized, the IgE antibody provokes the release of chemicals that cause a typical allergy attack. These chemicals include histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. Histamine in particular is an important target for allergy medications. Produced by mast cells, histamine causes localized swelling and inflammation. Many conventional treatments block the action of histamine. Certain nutrients have been shown to depress the activity of mast cells.

Besides the release of histamine, activated mast cells cause inflammation in other ways. During the inflammatory response to an allergen, pro-inflammatory chemicals are released from mast cells. In response to the pro-inflammatory chemicals, leukocytes (white blood cells) are attracted. The result of this cascade is inflamed tissue and increased production of white blood cells—a runny nose and increased mucus secretion in the lungs.

Role of Noni

Noni contains many active ingredients that have been shown to suppress allergic reactions. It relieves allergy symptoms by preventing the activation of immune responder cells

Noni contains several active constituents, such as flavonoids, polyphenols, catechins, and caffeine. Catechins such as epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and epicatechin gallate are potent antioxidants. By studying mast cells that release histamine, researchers found that EGCG blocks the IgE receptor, which is involved in the allergic response.

Noni contains carotenoids, vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, and flavonoids and rutin. It has anti-inflammatory effects

Noni has a powerful effect on raising glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that protects cells from the damage inflicted by free radicals. It prevents oxidative cell damage and is involved with immune system function. Glutathione depletion is linked to many chronic diseases.

Noni has been found to enhance T cell function. Noni increases the levels of IL-4. IL-4 enhances the ability of T cells to regulate pro-inflammatory cells, which further suggests that Noni can help reduce inflammation.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is found abundant in Noni. It appears that vitamin C increases the function of many immune cells, including T cells, phagocytes (which destroy invader cells), and others. As an antioxidant, ascorbic acid can protect cells from reactive oxygen species known to cause tissue damage and disease. Vitamin C has antihistamine properties (Johnston CS et al 1996) that can help relieve allergy symptoms.

Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as a free-radical scavenger. It protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated enzymes. Studies indicate lower levels of antioxidants such as vitamin E increase the risk of allergies threefold .

Magnesium. Magnesium is utilized by every cell in the body and participates in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The body vigilantly protects blood magnesium levels, in part because at least 350 enzymatic processes depend on magnesium status for activation. As magnesium levels decline, the incidence of allergies and asthma increases, and magnesium has been used in the acute treatment of asthma attacks. Magnesium directly depresses smooth muscle activity, which may help relieve the broncho constriction seen in asthma. Noni contains this trace mineral in abundant quantity with a chealated form.