We explored the potential of maitake mushroom extracts in combating allergies, focusing on their effects on mast cells, which play a key role in allergic reactions. Our study specifically examined the impact of the mushroom extract, GFE, and its active component, ergosterol, on allergic responses in a mouse model.
Through a well-structured air pouch-type allergic inflammation model, we observed that both GFE and ergosterol significantly inhibited the degranulation of mast cells. This is a critical process where mast cells release compounds that cause allergic symptoms.
Notably, our findings revealed that GFE and ergosterol effectively alleviated anaphylactic responses in these mice. This suggests that maitake mushrooms could offer a promising, natural approach to reducing allergic reactions by targeting mast cell degranulation, making it a potential novel functional food for allergy prevention.
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