Immufen by Akay Bioactives shown to reduce allergy symptoms in new study

Image | adobe.stock/Михаил Решетников

In a December 4, 2024 news release, Akay Bioactives described the results from a recent study investigating the impact of its Immufen ingredient on allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms. Immufen is a combination of ashwagandha and curcumin, crafted with the micronutrient delivery technology, FenuMat, to ensure bioavailability and efficacy.

The placebo-controlled study¹ published in Journal of Functional Foods, researchers hypothesized that that the combination of the extracts would, per the principles of Ayurvedic pharmacology, provide a synergistic effect and help balance the immune response. As noted in the news release, the market for natural allergy support is anticipated to reach $2.58 billion by the year 2033. Additionally, according to the Center for Disease Control, 25.7% and 18.9% of adults and children in the US are affected by seasonal allergies.

During the 84-day study, 105 participants (35 participants per group) received capsules of Immufen (CQAB); CurQfen, or curcumagalactomannaoside, (CGM); or placebo. Immufen was shown to safely alleviate AR symptoms, while also helping to improve sleep and fatigue. More specifically, Immufen saw a 55.5% overall reduction in symptoms based on the total nasal symptom score (TNSS), with significant improvements across specific symptoms, including nasal congestions (-42.5%), runny nose (-57.5%), sneezing (-41.0%), and nasal itching (-43.6%) compared to placebo. With regard to sleep and quality of life measures, participants taking Immufen saw a significant 49.3% decrease in their Bergen Insomnia Scale scores and significant improvements in fatigue (31.4%), vigor (59.3%) and mood (61.3%) based on the Profile of Mood States- Short Form survey.

Measures of biomarkers also demonstrated an impact on immune markers. Results showed that participants taking Immufen saw a significant reduction in Th2 cytokines(IL,4, IL-5, IL-13) as well as significant reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). There was also a significant increase in Th1 cytokines,Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

According to the researchers, "The relative level of Th1 and Th2 subsets of T-helper cells is the key to the regulation of allergic reactions, in which an enhanced Th2 immune response results upon allergic sensitisation, inflammation and discomforts. Moreover, TNF-α and IL-1β are the two main pro-inflammatory cytokines that play important role in the pathogenesis of inflammation and allergy."

"These findings showcase Immufen as a transformative, long-term solution for managing seasonal health and discomfort while improving overall well-being,” stated Dr. Krishnakumar IM, chief research officer of Akay Bioactives, in a news release.

Earlier this year, Akay Bioactives published a study in Frontiers in Allergy on the effects of Immufen on AR.

Reference

1. Mamatha, K.; Aryan, MK.; Prabhakaran, P.; Das, SS.; Panicker, SP. An ayurvedic approach to immunomodulation employing a green delivery of phytonutrients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on mild allergic rhinitis. Journal of Functional Foods, 2024, DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106619