Effect of Dietary Modification for Targeting Histamine Activity in Patients of Allergic Rhinitis: a Randomised Open Label Study

Abstract

Allergic Rhinitis refers to immunoglobulin E mediated inflammation of the nasal cavity. Mast cell activation releases histamine, the inflammatory mediator that plays a central role in the biochemical mechanism of this disease. It is metabolised by Diamine Oxidase (DAO) and Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT). In this randomised open label study, we recruited 60 patients out of which 30 patients were provided standard treatment and 30 were provided standard treatment along with instructions for dietary modification. The dietary modification consisted of excluding commonly consumed histamine-rich foods and foods containing pro-histamine or anti-DAO active constituents. Each patient was followed up 3 times over the course of 15 days. The patients in the dietary modification group showed significant improvement in rhinitis symptoms within 7 days, while the control group’s improvement was not significant in the same amount of time. The overall improvement between the first and last visits was more significant in the dietary modification group as compared to the control group. Thus, the exclusion of histamine-rich foods and foods containing pro-histamine or anti-DAO compounds may be recommended to patients of allergic rhinitis for quicker and better recovery. This approach may also be explored in other conditions where histamine is implicated such as asthma and infections caused by coronaviruses.

Functional and Nutraceutical Compounds of Tomatoes as Affected by Agronomic Practices, Postharvest Management, and Processing Methods: A Mini Review

“…Comparatively, the levels of His (0.16 to 2.26 mg/kg) were below the levels considered harmful to humans (500 ppm) ( 39 ) or 25 to 50 mg of His per healthy person per meal, established using non-observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) ( 12 ). It is worth noting that food intake increases the bioavailability of His, as endogenous His is synthesized from L-histidine by enzyme-dependent histidine decarboxylation in mast cells and basophils, among others ( 40 ). When an immune or non-immune stimulus occurs, promoted by viruses or other pathogens, His is released in the body.…”