Immune homeostasis is essential for preventing lifestyle-related diseases and regulating immune cell activity to avoid excessive responses. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) in white blood cells produces hypochlorite ions to eliminate foreign substances effectively. However, excessive MPO activity can lead to oxidative stress, damaging blood vessels and causing plaque buildup, which contributes to atherosclerosis.
Adlay (also known as Job’s tears or Coix lacryma-jobi) is a grain commonly found in parts of Asia and used in traditional medicine and food. Adlay can be beneficial for immune function in the following ways:
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: Adlay contains various phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and supporting a healthy immune system. Adlay contains polyphenols which help reduce inflammation and inhibit oxidative stress.
Some studies have shown that compounds in Adlay may help reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system over time, so consuming foods with anti-inflammatory properties can contribute to better immune health.
Recent research has examined the role of food in managing inflammation and related diseases. Adlay contains polyphenols like caffeic, ferulic, and vanillic acids, which help reduce inflammation by inhibiting free radicals and COX-2. In a study with 120 adults, participants who drank Adlay tea had stable MPO activity after eight weeks, whereas the placebo group showed increased activity. Participants over 40 in the Adlay group also showed improved vascular function, suggesting that Adlay tea might help maintain immune balance and improve vascular health (1).
Immune-Modulating Properties: Research indicates that Adlay extracts may have immune-modulating effects, helping regulate the immune response. This can be beneficial in maintaining a balanced immune system.
Allergies are common in developed countries and are categorized into four types based on the immune response, with hay fever and asthma being common type I reactions driven by IgE antibodies. Allergies are linked to inflammation, increased Th2 cell responses, higher IgE antibodies, and specific cytokines.
T-helper cells include two main types: Th1 and Th2. Th2 cells drive allergic responses by releasing IL-4 and IL-5, which increase IgE and eosinophils, while Th1 cells release cytokines like IL-2 and IFN-γ, which counteract Th2 responses. Shifting from Th2 to Th1 can help manage allergies.
Adlay has shown immune-modulating effects, including reducing histamine release and inflammation. Studies in mice indicate that dehulled Adlay lowers IgE levels and shifts the immune response from Th2 to Th1, indicating potential benefits for allergy treatment (2).
Another study tested an ethyl-acetate extract of Adlay bran (ABE-EtOAc) in allergic mice. Mice treated with 240 mg/kg of ABE-EtOAc for six weeks had lower IL-4 and IL-5, reduced anti-OVA IgE by 10%, increased IFN-γ, and decreased IL-6 by 38%. These findings suggest that Adlay bran extract may help treat allergies by balancing immune responses (3).
Nutrient-Dense and Gut Health-Promoting: Adlay is a source of essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, which are important for energy production and maintaining immune cell function. Adlay is also a good source of dietary fiber, promoting gut health. A healthy gut microbiome plays a significant role in supporting the immune system.
As a source of antioxidants, Adlay contains polyphenols like caffeic, ferulic, and vanillic acids, which reduce inflammation and inhibit oxidative stress. Drinking Adlay tea can stabilize MPO activity, preventing vascular damage and improving vascular function in adults over 40. Such findings indicate that Adlay may help maintain immune balance and support vascular health. Immune homeostasis is crucial for preventing lifestyle-related diseases and regulating immune responses to avoid excessive inflammation.
Adlay may also support allergy management by shifting immune responses from Th2 (which promotes IgE and allergic responses) to Th1 (which counters Th2 activity). Research shows that Adlay and its extracts reduce IgE levels and inflammatory cytokines in mice, suggesting potential benefits in treating allergies. Drinking Adlay tea can be an effective dietary strategy for regulating immune responses and managing allergies.
References:
1. Oya H, Nakano M, Shinohara H, Nagai M, Takimoto Y, Masuda T, Kazumura K, Mochizuki M, Osawa T, Ishikawa H. The Effects of Adlay Tea Intake on Immune Homeostasis and Vascular Endothelial Function in Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Comparative Study. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2024;70(3):280-287. doi: 10.3177/jnsv.70.280. PMID: 38945894.
2. Hsu HY, Lin BF, Lin JY, Kuo CC, Chiang W. Suppression of allergic reactions by dehulled adlay in association with the balance of TH1/TH2 cell responses. J Agric Food Chem. 2003 Jun 18;51(13):3763-9. doi: 10.1021/jf021154w. PMID: 12797741.
3. Chen HJ, Hsu HY, Chiang W. Allergic immune-regulatory effects of adlay bran on an OVA-immunized mice allergic model. Food Chem Toxicol. 2012 Oct;50(10):3808-13. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2012.07.011. Epub 2012 Jul 15. PMID: 22809477.
Photo Job's tears. (2024, November 2). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job%27s_tears
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