Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Integrative Medicine in Allergy and Immunology

  • Published:
Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Integrative medicine is a relatively new discipline which attempts to combine allopathic medicine with alternative or complementary medicine, to reap the benefits of both forms of medicine in optimizing the care of patients. Integrative medicine concentrates on treating the patient as a whole, both in body and mind. While the scientific method and “evidence-based” clinical research drives the management and treatment of diseases in conventional Western medicine, alternative or complementary medicine is based on unproven yet potentially beneficial techniques that have been developed throughout history, dating back to the ancient cultures in the Middle East, Africa, and China. In spite of the lack of evidence of most alternative medicine techniques, these methodologies have been practiced for centuries with great acceptance in many countries. It is in the Western world, where “modern” medicine is dictated by the scientific method, that the most controversy in the use of these alternative modes of therapy exists. Since the science behind alternative medicine is incomplete or non-existent, it is difficult for those trained in Western medicine to accept or adopt this approach. But perhaps it is the failure of Western medicine to adequately guarantee our well being and good health that have led to the ongoing debate between the medical profession and the general public as to the benefits of these alternative treatments. In one sense, integrative medicine may be a futile attempt to coin a new term in the hope of legitimizing alternative medicine. On the other hand, there is a wealth of historical experience in the use of the techniques. Studies to evaluate the scientific basis behind ancient medical techniques are ongoing, and it is to be expected that the results will neither be uniformly positive nor negative. Of particular interest is the effect of traditional medicine, herbal formulations, and manipulative techniques on the immune system, and its application in the treatment of autoimmune and allergic diseases. Studies are being designed or conducted to investigate immune effects of herbal formulations or their components. Herbal plants or medicines may lead to skewing of the Th1/Th2 balance in either direction, thus may offer potential application in the treatment of allergic or autoimmune diseases.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Eisenberg DM, Kessler RC, Foster C, Norlock FE, Calkins DR, Delbanco TL (1993) Unconventional medicine in the United States. Prevalence, costs, and patterns of use. N Engl J Med 328:246–252

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, Appel S, Wilkey S, Van Rompay M et al (1998) Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990–1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA 280:1569–1575

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. World Health Organization (2001) Legal status of traditional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine: a worldwide review. World Health Organization, Geneva

    Google Scholar 

  4. Li XM, Brown L (2009) Efficacy and mechanisms of action of traditional Chinese medicines for treating asthma and allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 123:297–306, quiz 7-8

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Chan CK, Kuo ML, Shen JJ, See LC, Chang HH, Huang JL (2006) Ding Chuan Tang, a Chinese herb decoction, could improve airway hyper-responsiveness in stabilized asthmatic children: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 17:316–322

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Chang TT, Huang CC, Hsu CH (2006) Clinical evaluation of the Chinese herbal medicine formula STA-1 in the treatment of allergic asthma. Phytother Res 20:342–347

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Hoang BX, Shaw DG, Levine S, Hoang C, Pham P (2007) New approach in asthma treatment using excitatory modulator. Phytother Res 21:554–557

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Berghe WV, De Naeyer A, Dijsselbloem N, David JP, De Keukeleire D, Haegeman G. (2011) Attenuation of ERK/RSK2-driven NFkappaB gene expression and cancer cell proliferation by kurarinone, a lavandulyl flavanone isolated from Sophora flavescens Ait. roots. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 11:247-261

    Google Scholar 

  9. Wen MC, Wei CH, Hu ZQ, Srivastava K, Ko J, Xi ST et al (2005) Efficacy and tolerability of anti-asthma herbal medicine intervention in adult patients with moderate-severe allergic asthma. J Allergy Clin Immunol 116:517–524

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  10. Nagai T, Nakao M, Shimizu Y, Kodera Y, Oh-Ishi M, Maeda T et al. (2009) Proteomic analysis of anti-inflammatory effects of a Kampo (Japanese Herbal) medicine ‘Shoseiryuto (Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang)’ on airway inflammation in a mouse model. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. doi:10/1093/ecam/nep151

  11. Shimada T, Kondoh M, Motonaga C, Kitamura Y, Cheng L, Shi H et al (2010) Enhancement of anti-allergic effects mediated by the Kampo medicine Shoseiryuto (Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang in Chinese) with lysed Enterococcus faecalis FK-23 in mice. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 28:59–66

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Srivastava KD, Qu C, Zhang T, Goldfarb J, Sampson HA, Li XM (2009) Food allergy herbal formula-2 silences peanut-induced anaphylaxis for a prolonged posttreatment period via IFN-gamma-producing CD8+ T cells. J Allergy Clin Immunol 123:443–451

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. World Health Organization (2003) Acupuncture: review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials. Geneva, WHO, 1-87

  14. Wechsler ME, Kelley JM, Boyd IO, Dutile S, Marigowda G, Kirsch I et al (2011) Active albuterol or placebo, sham acupuncture, or no intervention in asthma. N Engl J Med 365:119–126

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. Choi JY, Jung HJ, Kim JI, Lee MS, Kang KW, Roh YL et al (2010) A randomized pilot study of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy in adult asthmatic patients. J Asthma 47:774–780

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  16. Cao H, Han M, Li X, Dong S, Shang Y, Wang Q et al (2010) Clinical research evidence of cupping therapy in China: a systematic literature review. BMC Complement Altern Med 10:70

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Dos Santos-Neto LL, de Vilhena Toledo MA, Medeiros-Souza P, de Souza GA (2006) The use of herbal medicine in Alzheimer’s disease—a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 3:441–445

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  18. Saper RB, Kales SN, Paquin J, Burns MJ, Eisenberg DM, Davis RB et al (2004) Heavy metal content of ayurvedic herbal medicine products. JAMA 292:2868–2873

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Saper RB, Phillips RS, Sehgal A, Khouri N, Davis RB, Paquin J et al (2008) Lead, mercury, and arsenic in US- and Indian-manufactured Ayurvedic medicines sold via the Internet. JAMA 300:915–923

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Panda AK, Doddanagali SR (2011) Clinical efficacy of herbal Padmapatradi yoga in bronchial asthma (Tamaka Swasa). J Ayurveda Integr Med 2:85–90

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Huntley A, Ernst E (2000) Herbal medicines for asthma: a systematic review. Thorax 55:925–929

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Gupta SS, Gupta NK (1967) Effect of Solanum xanthocarpum and Clerodendron serratum on histamine release from tissues. Indian J Med Sci 21:795–799

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Srivastava S, Gupta PP, Prasad R, Dixit KS, Palit G, Ali B et al (1999) Evaluation of antiallergic activity (type I hypersensitivity) of Inula racemosa in rats. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol 43:235–241

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Kasirajan B, Maruthamuthu R, Gopalakrishnan V, Arumugam K, Asirvatham H, Murali V et al (2007) A database for medicinal plants used in treatment of asthma. Bioinformation 2:105–106

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Patel KG, Bhalodia PN, Patel AD, Patel KV, Gandhi TR (2008) Evaluation of bronchodilator and anti-anaphylactic activity of Myrica sapida. Iran Biomed J 12:191–196

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Badar VA, Thawani VR, Wakode PT, Shrivastava MP, Gharpure KJ, Hingorani LL et al (2005) Efficacy of Tinospora cordifolia in allergic rhinitis. J Ethnopharmacol 96:445–449

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Saxena VS, Venkateshwarlu K, Nadig P, Barbhaiya HC, Bhatia N, Borkar DM et al (2004) Multicenter clinical trials on a novel polyherbal formulation in allergic rhinitis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 24:79–94

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Pratibha N, Saxena VS, Amit A, D’Souza P, Bagchi M, Bagchi D (2004) Anti-inflammatory activities of Aller-7, a novel polyherbal formulation for allergic rhinitis. Int J Tissue React 26:43–51

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Khan F, Ali S, Ganie BA, Rubab I (2009) Immunopotentiating effect of Khamira Marwarid, an herbo-mineral preparation. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 31:513–522

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Bajaj S, Ahmad I, Fatima M, Raisuddin S, Vohora SB (1999) Immunomodulatory activity of a Unani gold preparation used in Indian system of medicine. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 21:151–161

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. Sharma ML, Rao CS, Duda PL (1994) Immunostimulatory activity of Picrorhiza kurroa leaf extract. J Ethnopharmacol 41:185–192

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Ganguly T, Badheka LP, Sainis KB (2001) Immunomodulatory effect of Tylophora indica on Con A induced lymphoproliferation. Phytomedicine 8:431–437

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. Ganguly T, Sainis KB (2001) Inhibition of cellular immune responses by Tylophora indica in experimental models. Phytomedicine 8:348–355

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Atal CK, Sharma ML, Kaul A, Khajuria A (1986) Immunomodulating agents of plant origin. I: preliminary screening. J Ethnopharmacol 18:133–141

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Kavitha D, Niranjali S (2009) Inhibition of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli adhesion on host epithelial cells by Holarrhena antidysenterica (L.) WALL. Phytother Res 23:1229–1236

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Das S, Devaraj SN (2007) Protective role of Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root extract against Salmonella typhimurium-induced cytotoxicity in Int 407 cell line. Phytother Res 21:1209–1216

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Gopi S, Setty OH (2010) Beneficial effect of the administration of Hemidesmus indicus against bromobenzene induced oxidative stress in rat liver mitochondria. J Ethnopharmacol 127:200–203

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  38. Wood B, Wishart J (1997) Potent topical steroid in a Chinese herbal cream. N Z Med J 110:420–421

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Myers SP, Cheras PA (2004) The other side of the coin: safety of complementary and alternative medicine. Med J Aust 181:222–225

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Ernst E, Thompson CJ (2001) Heavy metals in traditional Chinese medicines: a systematic review. Clin Pharmacol Ther 70:497–504

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Ruschitzka F, Meier PJ, Turina M, Luscher TF, Noll G (2000) Acute heart transplant rejection due to Saint John’s wort. Lancet 355:548–549

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Piscitelli SC, Burstein AH, Chaitt D, Alfaro RM, Falloon J (2000) Indinavir concentrations and St John’s wort. Lancet 355:547–548

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. Hon KL, Leung E, Burd DA, Leung AK (2007) Necrotizing fasciitis and gangrene associated with topical herbs in an infant. Adv Ther 24:921–925

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Wei H, Sun R, Xiao W, Feng J, Zhen C, Xu X et al (2003) Traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus reverses predominance of Th2 cytokines and their up-stream transcript factors in lung cancer patients. Oncol Rep 10:1507–1512

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Cho SY, Park SJ, Kwon MJ, Jeong TS, Bok SH, Choi WY et al (2003) Quercetin suppresses proinflammatory cytokines production through MAP kinases andNF-kappaB pathway in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage. Mol Cell Biochem 243:153–160

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Youn HS, Lee JY, Fitzgerald KA, Young HA, Akira S, Hwang DH (2005) Specific inhibition of MyD88-independent signaling pathways of TLR3 and TLR4 by resveratrol: molecular targets are TBK1 and RIP1 in TRIF complex. J Immunol 175:3339–3346

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  47. Tse AK, Wan CK, Zhu GY, Shen XL, Cheung HY, Yang M et al (2007) Magnolol suppresses NF-kappaB activation and NF-kappaB regulated gene expression through inhibition of IkappaB kinase activation. Mol Immunol 44:2647–2658

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Chen SC, Chang YL, Wang DL, Cheng JJ (2006) Herbal remedy magnolol suppresses IL-6-induced STAT3 activation and gene expression in endothelial cells. Br J Pharmacol 148:226–232

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  49. Jang M, Cai L, Udeani GO, Slowing KV, Thomas CF, Beecher CW et al (1997) Cancer chemopreventive activity of resveratrol, a natural product derived from grapes. Science 275:218–220

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  50. Gupta S, George P, Gupta V, Tandon VR, Sundaram KR (1979) Tylophora indica in bronchial asthma—a double blind study. Indian J Med Res 69:981–989

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Gupta I, Gupta V, Parihar A, Gupta S, Ludtke R, Safayhi H et al (1998) Effects of Boswellia serrata gum resin in patients with bronchial asthma: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week clinical study. Eur J Med Res 3:511–514

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Lau BH, Wong DS, Slater JM (1975) Effect of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis: clinical and laboratory evaluations. Am J Chin Med (Gard City N Y) 3:263–270

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Juergens UR, Dethlefsen U, Steinkamp G, Gillissen A, Repges R, Vetter H (2003) Anti-inflammatory activity of 1.8-cineol (eucalyptol) in bronchial asthma: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Respir Med 97:250–256

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  54. Hu G, Lin M, Chang Y (2010) Effect of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine on Th1/Th2 cytokines level in children with asthma. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 35:3386–3388

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Urtica dioica; Urtica urens (nettle). (2007) Monograph. Altern Med Rev 12:280-4.

  56. Shin TY, Kim SH, Suk K, Ha JH, Kim I, Lee MG et al (2005) Anti-allergic effects of Lycopus lucidus on mast cell-mediated allergy model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 209:255–262

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  57. Mao TK, Van de Water J, Gershwin ME (2005) Effects of a spirulina-based dietary supplement on cytokine production from allergic rhinitis patients. J Med Food 8:27–30

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  58. Kirjavainen PV, Salminen SJ, Isolauri E (2003) Probiotic bacteria in the management of atopic disease: underscoring the importance of viability. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 36:223–227

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Ukawa Y, Izumi Y, Ohbuchi T, Takahashi T, Ikemizu S, Kojima Y (2007) Oral administration of the extract from Hatakeshimeji (Lyophyllum decastes sing.) mushroom inhibits the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 53:293–296

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  60. Choi MS, Kim EC, Lee HS, Kim SK, Choi HM, Park JH et al (2008) Inhibitory effects of Saururus chinensis (LOUR.) BAILL on the development of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in NC/Nga mice. Biol Pharm Bull 31:51–56

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Choi JJ, Park B, Kim DH, Pyo MY, Choi S, Son M et al (2008) Blockade of atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions by DA-9102, a natural medicine isolated from Actinidia arguta, in the Mg-deficiency induced dermatitis model of hairless rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 233:1026–1034

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Jackson CM, Lee DK, Lipworth BJ (2004) The effects of butterbur on the histamine and allergen cutaneous response. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 92:250–254

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Lee DK, Carstairs IJ, Haggart K, Jackson CM, Currie GP, Lipworth BJ (2003) Butterbur, a herbal remedy, attenuates adenosine monophosphate induced nasal responsiveness in seasonal allergic rhinitis. Clin Exp Allergy 33:882–886

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  64. Mainardi T, Kapoor S, Bielory L (2009) Complementary and alternative medicine: herbs, phytochemicals and vitamins and their immunologic effects. J Allergy Clin Immunol 123:283–294, quiz 95-6

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Kempna P, Reiter E, Arock M, Azzi A, Zingg JM (2004) Inhibition of HMC-1 mast cell proliferation by vitamin E: involvement of the protein kinase B pathway. J Biol Chem 279:50700–50709

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Zingg JM (2007) Modulation of signal transduction by vitamin E. Mol Asp Med 28:481–506

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Wagner JG, Jiang Q, Harkema JR, Ames BN, Illek B, Roubey RA et al (2008) Gamma-tocopherol prevents airway eosinophilia and mucous cell hyperplasia in experimentally induced allergic rhinitis and asthma. Clin Exp Allergy 38:501–511

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  68. Bjelakovic G, Nikolova D, Gluud LL, Simonetti RG, Gluud C (2007) Mortality in randomized trials of antioxidant supplements for primary and secondary prevention: systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA 297:842–857

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Thien R, Baier K, Pietschmann P, Peterlik M, Willheim M (2005) Interactions of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with IL-12 and IL-4 on cytokine expression of human T lymphocytes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 116:683–689

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  70. van Etten E, Mathieu C (2005) Immunoregulation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: basic concepts. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 97:93–101

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Metchnikoff E, Mitchell PC (1907) The prolongation of life; optimistic studies. W. Heinemann; G.P. Putnam’s Sons, London, New York

  72. Reid G, Jass J, Sebulsky MT, McCormick JK (2003) Potential uses of probiotics in clinical practice. Clin Microbiol Rev 16:658–672

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Yan F, Polk DB (2006) Probiotics as functional food in the treatment of diarrhea. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care 9:717–721

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Mach T (2006) Clinical usefulness of probiotics in inflammatory bowel diseases. J Physiol Pharmacol 57(Suppl 9):23–33

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Whorwell PJ, Altringer L, Morel J, Bond Y, Charbonneau D, O’Mahony L et al (2006) Efficacy of an encapsulated probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 in women with irritable bowel syndrome. Am J Gastroenterol 101:1581–1590

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Niedzielin K, Kordecki H, Birkenfeld B (2001) A controlled, double-blind, randomized study on the efficacy of Lactobacillus plantarum 299 V in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 13:1143–1147

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  77. Kruis W, Fric P, Pokrotnieks J, Lukas M, Fixa B, Kascak M et al (2004) Maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis with the probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 is as effective as with standard mesalazine. Gut 53:1617–1623

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  78. Boyle RJ, Bath-Hextall FJ, Leonardi-Bee J, Murrell DF, Tang ML (2008) Probiotics for treating eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev CD006135

  79. Boyle RJ, Leonardi-Bee J, Bath-Hextall FJ, Tang ML (2009) Probiotics for the treatment or prevention of eczema. J Allergy Clin Immunol 123:266–267, author reply 7

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Bouhnik Y, Vahedi K, Achour L, Attar A, Salfati J, Pochart P et al (1999) Short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide administration dose-dependently increases fecal bifidobacteria in healthy humans. J Nutr 129:113–116

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  81. Gibson GR, Roberfroid MB (1995) Dietary modulation of the human colonic microbiota: introducing the concept of prebiotics. J Nutr 125:1401–1412

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  82. Roberfroid M (2007) Prebiotics: the concept revisited. J Nutr 137:830S–837S

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  83. Coxam V (2007) Current data with inulin-type fructans and calcium, targeting bone health in adults. J Nutr 137:2527S–2533S

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  84. Tahiri M, Tressol JC, Arnaud J, Bornet F, Bouteloup-Demange C, Feillet-Coudray C et al (2001) Five-week intake of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides increases intestinal absorption and status of magnesium in postmenopausal women. J Bone Miner Res 16:2152–2160

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  85. Hedin C, Whelan K, Lindsay JO (2007) Evidence for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in inflammatory bowel disease: a review of clinical trials. Proc Nutr Soc 66:307–315

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  86. Yeo SK, Ooi LG, Lim TJ, Liong MT (2009) Antihypertensive properties of plant-based prebiotics. Int J Mol Sci 10:3517–3530

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  87. Geier MS, Butler RN, Howarth GS (2007) Inflammatory bowel disease: current insights into pathogenesis and new therapeutic options; probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics. Int J Food Microbiol 115:1–11

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  88. Femia AP, Luceri C, Dolara P, Giannini A, Biggeri A, Salvadori M et al (2002) Antitumorigenic activity of the prebiotic inulin enriched with oligofructose in combination with the probiotics Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis on azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Carcinogenesis 23:1953–1960

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  89. Munjal U, Glei M, Pool-Zobel BL, Scharlau D (2009) Fermentation products of inulin-type fructans reduce proliferation and induce apoptosis in human colon tumour cells of different stages of carcinogenesis. Br J Nutr 102:663–671

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  90. Geier MS, Butler RN, Howarth GS (2006) Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics: a role in chemoprevention for colorectal cancer? Cancer Biol Ther 5:1265–1269

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  91. Ross AC (2007) Vitamin A supplementation and retinoic acid treatment in the regulation of antibody responses in vivo. Vitam Horm 75:197–222

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  92. Saxon A, Keld B, Braun J, Dotson A, Sidell N (1993) Long-term administration of 13-cis retinoic acid in common variable immunodeficiency: circulating interleukin-6 levels, B-cell surface molecule display, and in vitro and in vivo B-cell antibody production. Immunology 80:477–487

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  93. Zhang JG, Morgan L, Spickett GP (1997) The effects of vitamin A derivatives on in vitro antibody production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from normal blood donors and patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). Clin Exp Immunol 107:57–60

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  94. Schuster GU, Kenyon NJ, Stephensen CB (2008) Vitamin A deficiency decreases and high dietary vitamin A increases disease severity in the mouse model of asthma. J Immunol 180:1834–1842

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  95. Kligler B, Homel P, Blank AE, Kenney J, Levenson H, Merrell W (2011) Randomized trial of the effect of an integrative medicine approach to the management of asthma in adults on disease-related quality of life and pulmonary function. Altern Ther Health Med 17:10–15

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  96. Kremmyda LS, Vlachava M, Noakes PS, Diaper ND, Miles EA, Calder PC (2011) Atopy risk in infants and children in relation to early exposure to fish, oily fish, or long-chain omega-3 fatty acids: a systematic review. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 41:36–66

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  97. (2010) Yoga could be good for heart disease. Simultaneous focus on body, breathing, and mind may be just what the doctor ordered. Harv Heart Lett 21: 5

  98. Ospina MB, Bond K, Karkhaneh M, Tjosvold L, Vandermeer B, Liang Y et al. (2007) Meditation practices for health: state of the research. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep) 1-263

  99. Grassmann J, Hippeli S, Dornisch K, Rohnert U, Beuscher N, Elstner EF (2000) Antioxidant properties of essential oils. Possible explanations for their anti-inflammatory effects. Arzneimittelforschung 50:135–139

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  100. Hammer KA, Carson CF, Riley TV, Nielsen JB (2006) A review of the toxicity of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil. Food Chem Toxicol 44:616–625

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  101. Henley DV, Lipson N, Korach KS, Bloch CA (2007) Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. N Engl J Med 356:479–485

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  102. Millet Y, Jouglard J, Steinmetz MD, Tognetti P, Joanny P, Arditti J (1981) Toxicity of some essential plant oils. Clinical and experimental study. Clin Toxicol 18:1485–1498

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  103. Hondras MA, Linde K, Jones AP (2005) Manual therapy for asthma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev CD001002

  104. Kaminskyj A, Frazier M, Johnstone K, Gleberzon BJ (2010) Chiropractic care for patients with asthma: a systematic review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc 54:24–32

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  105. Nagarathna R, Nagendra HR (1985) Yoga for bronchial asthma: a controlled study. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed) 291:1077–1079

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  106. Nagendra HR, Nagarathna R (1986) An integrated approach of yoga therapy for bronchial asthma: a 3–54-month prospective study. J Asthma 23:123–137

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  107. Hon KL, Leung TF, Ng PC, Lam MC, Kam WY, Wong KY et al (2007) Efficacy and tolerability of a Chinese herbal medicine concoction for treatment of atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Dermatol 157:357–363

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  108. Yoshimura M, Enomoto T, Dake Y, Okuno Y, Ikeda H, Cheng L et al (2007) An evaluation of the clinical efficacy of tomato extract for perennial allergic rhinitis. Allergol Int 56:225–230

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  109. Kobayashi H, Mizuno N, Kutsuna H, Teramae H, Ueoku S, Onoyama J et al (2003) Hochu-ekki-to suppresses development of dermatitis and elevation of serum IgE level in NC/Nga mice. Drugs Exp Clin Res 29:81–84

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  110. Bernstein DI, Bernstein CK, Deng C, Murphy KJ, Bernstein IL, Bernstein JA et al (2002) Evaluation of the clinical efficacy and safety of grapeseed extract in the treatment of fall seasonal allergic rhinitis: a pilot study. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 88:272–278

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  111. Dobos G, Tao I (2011) The model of Western integrative medicine: the role of Chinese medicine. Chin J Integr Med 17:11–20

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  112. Kim MC, Lee GH, Kim SJ, Chung WS, Kim SS, Ko SG et al (2012) Immune-enhancing effect of Danggwibohyeoltang, an extract from Astragali Radix and Angelicae gigantis Radix, in vitro and in vivo. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 34:66–73

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  113. Yaraee R, Ghazanfari T, Eghtedardoost M, Rajabi M, Naseri M (2011) The effect of MS14 on innate and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 33:509–514

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  114. Kim MS, Hur YG, Kim WG, Park BW, Ahn KS, Kim JJ et al (2011) Inhibitory effect of Platycodon grandiflorum on T(H)1 and T(H)2 immune responses in a murine model of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 106:54–61

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  115. Luna LA Jr, Bachi AL, Novaes e Brito RR, Eid RG, Suguri VM, Oliveira PW et al (2011) Immune responses induced by Pelargonium sidoides extract in serum and nasal mucosa of athletes after exhaustive exercise: modulation of secretory IgA, IL-6 and IL-15. Phytomedicine 18:303–308

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  116. Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL (2002) Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States. Adv Data 2004:1–19

    Google Scholar 

  117. Thomas KJ, Nicholl JP, Coleman P (2001) Use and expenditure on complementary medicine in England: a population based survey. Complement Ther Med 9:2–11

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  118. Lundgren J, Ugalde V (2004) The demographics and economics of complementary alternative medicine. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 15:955–961, ix

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Nemours A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE, 19803, USA

    Christopher Chang

  2. Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, 451 E. Health Sciences Drive, Suite 6510, Davis, CA, 95616, USA

    M. Eric Gershwin

Authors
  1. Christopher Chang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Eric Gershwin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Christopher Chang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Chang, C., Gershwin, M.E. Integrative Medicine in Allergy and Immunology. Clinic Rev Allerg Immunol 44, 208–228 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-012-8314-2

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12016-012-8314-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation