In September of 2009, a study was conducted by researchers Hirano, Kawai and Arimitsu from the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy & Rheumatic Diseases at Osaka University and published in Allergology International: Official Journal of the Japanese Society of Allergology. The study focused on the use of enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. EMIQ is a type of nutrient called a flavonoid, that has anti-allergic effects. EMIQ and other flavonoids suppress cytokine release by TH2 cells. If you remember, TH2 releases IL-4 and IL-5, which stimulate B cells to differentiate into plasma cells and secrete IgE antibodies. IgE binds to mast cells and can effectively bind allergen to stimulate release of inflammatory mediators, such as histamine, from mast cells. Therefore, EMIQ inhibits the release of IL-4 and IL-5 from TH2.
The researchers divided 24 subject into two groups: one experimental group receiving 100mg of EMIQ and one control group receiving a placebo or pill with no therapeutic effect. Both groups of subjects were treated with their respective therapies, taking one capsule twice a day from January 27th to March 22nd in 2008. The groups received their treatments 4 weeks before February 22nd, which marked the beginning of Japanese cedar pollen release. Their symptoms of sneezing, nasal obstruction, ocular itching, tearing-up and conjunctiva congestion were measured every 4 weeks.
Based on the results, the experimental group expressed statistically significantly lower scores for ocular itching, tearing-up and conjunctiva congestion, compared to the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in scores for nasal obstruction and sneezing between the experimental and control groups.
In terms of allergic conjunctivitis, EMIQ alleviates ocular symptoms and may be an effective systemic treatment option. EMIQ still needs to be studied for long-term efficacy and safety. However, this study opens up an exciting new area of research for more natural systemic allergic conjunctivitis treatments. Researchers may want to explore other types of flavonoids that may have even better efficacy.
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