Clinical study tests probiotic for relief of various allergic rhinitis symptoms

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In an April 3, 2025, press release, Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics announced results from a recently published study¹ testing the safety and efficacy of the probiotic SEBclausii (Alkalihalobacillus clausii 088AE) for relief of acute allergic rhinitis (AR). As explained in the study’s abstract, the inflammatory disease AR includes symptoms of itching, sneezing, congestion, and more, and the study also noted the challenges associated with allergy drugs such as antihistamines, decongestants, and intranasal corticosteroids. The study, “A Prospective, Interventional, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Monocentric Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Alkalihalobacillus clausii 088AE in Resolution of Acute Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms,” was published online in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health in March 2025.

The study also noted the potential of probiotics to modulate immune responses. In this study, 40 adult participants with acute AR received either a 1 g sachet of the probiotic (which contained 2 billion CFU of probiotic/g) or a 1 g sachet of Maltodextrin as a placebo. Participants consumed the probiotic or placebo orally twice daily. Immunological parameters, changes in nasal and ocular symptoms, plus cough scores were measured at baseline and at the end of four weeks. Participants visited the clinical site five times over the trail period.

Highlighted results at the end of the study period include:

• The nasal symptoms of rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness, nasal itching, and sneezing were significantly reduced in the probiotic group
• The ocular symptoms of itchy and watery eyes were also significantly reduced in the probiotic group
• Cough scores decreased entirely at the end of four weeks in the probiotic group
• All three symptom scores increased in the placebo group increased
• A partial modulation of immunological parameters was seen in the probiotic group
• The probiotic was assessed to be well tolerated by all participants

Overall, the researchers stated the probiotic was safe for consumption and effective for supporting the reduction of AR symptoms. Ongoing research in more varied conditions was suggested.

"Our previous research indicates SEBclausii effectively supports the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea," stated Reshma Rathi, vice president of Specialty Enzymes & Probiotics, in the press release. "We're pleased to confirm its broader benefits in promoting relief from allergic rhinitis as well."

Reference

1. Rathi, A.; Khaire, RA.; Rathi, VL.; A Prospective, Interventional, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled, Monocentric Clinical Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Alkalihalobacillus clausii 088AE in Resolution of Acute Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/27536130251321821.