Title:Anti-Allergic Potential of Herbs and Herbal Natural Products - Activities and Patents
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Author(s): Betania B. Cota, Caryne M. Bertollo and Djalma M. de Oliveira
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Anti-allergic, complementary alternative medicine, natural product, patent, plant, herbal products, ALLERGIC CONDITIONS, prostaglandin D2 synthase, phenolics, antiallergic effects, food allergy, Secondary Metabolites
Abstract: The increase of allergic diseases has accompanied the global population growth and the major challenge is to
reduce morbidity. The currently available treatments present limitations regarding efficacy and safety. Hence, patients
with chronic allergic conditions seek alternatives to achieve better control of symptoms. Many natural products have been
identified as potential anti-allergic agents. In addition, plant formulations have demonstrated, in general, to be safe in
clinical trials and demonstrate additional effects along with Western medicines such as synergism and modulation of the
immune system. It is known that plants represent a source of new therapeutic agents and some of them have shown
mechanisms of action similar to synthetic agents. However, in general, herbs and their combination are patented mainly
by Asian countries to be used in food and drinks or cosmetics and dietary supplements and the anti-allergic mechanisms
of action are not yet fully elucidated. In this review, we highlight relevant patent and studies with cultivated plants, plant
formulations, and secondary metabolites that have been evaluated with respect to its anti-allergic potential.
