What are natural mast cell stabilizers?

From the Guidelines

Natural mast cell stabilizers, such as quercetin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids, are recommended to help reduce allergic and inflammatory responses, although their effectiveness is not directly addressed in the provided evidence 1. When considering natural mast cell stabilizers, it is essential to note that the provided evidence focuses on pharmacological treatments for mastocytosis, including anti-mediator drug therapy, such as H1 and H2 blockers, cromolyn sodium, and leukotriene receptor antagonists 1. However, natural compounds like quercetin, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids have been found to inhibit the release of histamine and inflammatory mediators from mast cells, which can help alleviate symptoms like itching, swelling, and congestion. Some key points to consider when using natural mast cell stabilizers include:

• Quercetin can be taken as a supplement at 500-1000mg daily, divided into 2-3 doses, and is best absorbed when taken with bromelain or vitamin C.
• Vitamin C can be consumed at 1000-2000mg daily, divided throughout the day to minimize digestive discomfort.
• Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements (1000-2000mg daily) or flaxseed oil can also help stabilize mast cells.
• Other natural options, such as butterbur, stinging nettle, and perilla seed extract, may also be beneficial in reducing symptoms. It is crucial to consult healthcare providers before starting these supplements, especially for individuals with existing medical conditions or those taking medications, as some may interact with blood thinners or other medications 1. Consistent use of these natural compounds for at least 4-6 weeks is recommended to achieve optimal results.

From the FDA Drug Label

In vitro and in vivo animal studies have shown that cromolyn sodium inhibits the release of mediators from sensitized mast cells. Cromolyn sodium acts by inhibiting the release of histamine and leukotrienes (SRS-A) from the mast cell. Cromolyn sodium is an example of a natural mast cell stabilizer.

• It inhibits the release of histamine and leukotrienes from mast cells.
• This makes it useful as an antiallergic agent 2.

From the Research

Natural Mast Cell Stabilizers

• Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been shown to be effective in blocking human mast cell cytokine release and inhibiting contact dermatitis and photosensitivity in humans 3.
• Quercetin is more effective than cromolyn in inhibiting IL-8 and TNF release from LAD2 mast cells stimulated by substance P 3.
• Polyphenols, including quercetin and luteolin, have been found to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, and may be effective in inhibiting mast cell activation 4.
• Luteolin has been shown to inhibit interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production from tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-triggered keratinocytes 4.
• Quercetin has been found to exert physiological functions through the interaction with phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate kinase (PI3K), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK), and kinase (MEK) 1, and has a negative effect on FceRI cross-linking and other activating receptors on mast cells 4.

Other Natural Compounds

• Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to suppress Th2-associated cytokine gene expressions and GATA transcription factors in mast cells, and may be effective in alleviating allergic disease 5.
• Alpha-linolenic acid and its metabolites, including eicosapentaenoic acid and decosahexaenoic acid, have been found to induce a dramatic decrease in the production of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in activated mast cells 5.
• Cromolyn sodium has been found to differentially regulate human mast cell and mouse leukocyte responses to control allergic inflammation, and may have immunomodulatory actions beyond just mast cell stabilization 6.

Comparison of Natural Mast Cell Stabilizers

• Quercetin has been compared to cromolyn and found to be more effective in inhibiting IL-8 and TNF release from LAD2 mast cells stimulated by substance P 3.
• Quercetin has also been compared to other flavonoids, including acacetin, apigenin, chrysin, and phloretin, and found to be one of the most effective inhibitors of histamine secretion from rat intestinal mast cells 7.