Embrace the blooms, tame the sneezes. How Sea Moss can help you this Allergy Season
Asthma, hay fever, and allergies are common inflammatory airway diseases that can significantly impact the quality of life of those affected. Asthma is characterised by the thickening of the smooth muscle layer around airways, increased mucus production, and airway obstruction. Hay fever and allergies, on the other hand, are often caused by immune system responses to allergens, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Natures Farmer Sea utilises Eucheuma cottonii as its predominant Sea Moss strain, which has been shown to possess therapeutic potential in these diseases. Research has found that Eucheuma cottonii can ease lung inflammation and induce smooth muscle relaxation, in addition to reducing the number of circulating white blood cells which signify infection or inflammation.
One study published in the Journal of Functional Foods found that Eucheuma cottonii reduced inflammation, mucin synthesis, eosinophil infiltration, and MMP-9 expressions in asthma compared to Loratadine (a commonly used antihistamine medication). Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in allergic reactions and can contribute to airway inflammation and constriction in asthma patients. By reducing eosinophil infiltration, Eucheuma cottonii can help reduce smooth muscle thickness and improve airflow in the lungs of those with asthma.
Another study published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences found that Eucheuma cottonii had beneficial effects on alveolar macrophages (immune cells that play a crucial role in removing foreign particles and debris from the lungs) and malondialdehyde levels (a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation in the body) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in chronic particulate matter exposure.The findings suggest that Eucheuma cottonii may have protective effects against the harmful effects of environmental pollutants on the lungs.
In addition to its effects on asthma, Eucheuma cottonii has also been shown to have potential in treating hay fever and allergies. One study published in the Journal of Agricultural andFood Chemistry found that Eucheuma cottonii extract had significant anti-inflammatory effects in human mast cells, which play a role in allergic reactions. The study suggests that Eucheuma cottonii extract may be useful in treating allergy-related diseases such as hay fever. Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Eucheuma cottonii extract exhibited significant antihistamine and anti inflammatory effects in mice with allergic rhinitis,a type of allergy that affects the nose and sinuses. The study suggests that Eucheuma cottonii extract may have potential in treating the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.
In conclusion, Eucheuma cottonii shows great promise in the treatment of asthma, hay fever, and allergies. Its ability to reduce inflammation, induce smooth muscle relaxation, and decrease circulating white blood cells make it a potential therapeutic agent in these diseases. While more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in human trials, Eucheuma cottonii represents a natural and potentially effective alternative to conventional medications in the management of these conditions.
Explore our Sea Moss range; the OG and the Green Warrior are our favourites for this season!
References:
Anyanji, V. U., Mustapha, N. M., Lim, S. L., & Mohamed, S. (2015). Seaweed
(Eucheuma cottonii) reduced inflammation, mucin synthesis, eosinophil infiltration and
MMP-9 expressions in asthma-induced rats compared to Loratadine. Journal of
Functional Foods, 19, 710-722.
Arumugam, M., Agullo, P., Boakye-Gyasi, E., Cazarin, C. B. B., Cazarin, C. A. de M., &
Batista, J. (2017). Antihistaminic and anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract of
Chondrus crispus and their modulation by human neutrophils. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 207, 150-159.
Lima, M. do C. R., Sousa, F. B., Oliveira, F. A. B., Carvalho, N. da S., Cunha, A. P. da,
& Sousa, C. A. (2013). Anti-asthmatic potential of seaweed extract from Dictyota
dichotoma in guinea pigs. Inflammopharmacology, 21(3), 227-233.
Saputri, R. K., Setiawan, B., Nugrahenny, D., Kania, N., Wahyuni, E. S., & Widodo, M.
- (2014). The effects of Eucheuma cottonii on alveolar macrophages and
malondialdehyde levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in chronically particulate matter
10 coal dust-exposed rats. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 17(7), 541.
