Food Allergy Herbal Formula-1 (FAHF-1) blocks peanut-induced anaphylaxis in a murine model

Background: Peanut allergy is a major cause of fatal and near-fatal anaphyl actic reactions to foods. There is no curative therapy for this condition. Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have antiallergic prope rties, which might be useful for treating peanut allergy. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Ch inese herbal formula, FAHF-1, on peanut anaphylactic reactions in a mouse m odel of peanut allergy. Methods: Mice were sensitized with freshly ground whole peanut in the prese nce of cholera toxin and boosted 1 and 3 weeks later. FAHF-1 treatment was initiated 1 week later and continued for 7 weeks. After treatment, mice wer e challenged with peanut, and anaphylactic symptoms, body temperatures, and plasma histamine and IgE levels were measured. T-cell proliferative respon ses and cytokine production were also determined. Results: FAHF-1 completely blocked peanut-induced anaphylactic symptoms and markedly reduced mast cell degranulation and histamine release. Peanut-spe cific serum IgE levels were significantly reduced by 2 weeks of treatment a t the time of challenge, and they remained lower 4 weeks after discontinuat ion of treatment. FAHF-1 significantly reduced peanut-induced lymphocyte pr oliferation is well as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 synthesis but not IFN-gamma sy nthesis. No toxic effects on liver or kidney functions were observed, nor w as there any overall immune suppression. Conclusion: FAHF-1 protected peanut-sensitized mice from anaphylactic react ions and significantly reversed established IgE-niediated peanut allergy. T his suggests that FAHF-1 might prove valuable for the treatment of peanut a llergy.