Inflamed, irritated nasal mucous membranes are the hallmark of allergic rhinitis, a condition caused by repeated exposure to an allergen. When an allergen is encountered, the rapid release of histamine and other mediators causes immediate symptoms. A secondary response, 3-24 hrs later, is triggered by a cascade of events, including the formation of intercellular and vascular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1). These molecules recruit and adhere (“stick”) leukocytes (white blood cells) to endothelial cells of blood vessel walls, resulting in increased local inflammation and symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, itchy and watery eyes. In experimental studies, a combination of seven plant extracts (Aller-7®) was shown to down-regulate TNF-alpha-induced expression of both ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and to impede the interaction between leukocytes and endothelial cells. Blocking or modifying leukocyte adhesion is an important strategy for controlling inflammation. In separate studies, Aller-7® was shown to exhibit anti-histaminic, anti-spasmodic (relaxing bronchial arteries), and anti-inflammatory activity. The effect of Aller-7® was compared with that of a common allergy drug in each experiment. Aller-7® also displayed free-radical scavenging activity. Excess free radicals play a role in inflammation. These findings demonstrate the ability of Aller-7® to intervene in key processes that underlie both the early and later stages of allergic response. Aller-7® may serve as a safe, novel and all-natural therapy for promoting normal respiratory function.

Source: Bagchi D, “Novel Anti-Allergic, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Spasmodic Activities of Aller-7, A Safe, Novel Botanical Formulation,” International Symposium on Inflammatory and Oxidative Cell Death and Tissue Damage, Seoul, South Korea, May, 2003.