Khaberni - A recent study conducted in Japan has revealed a potential for traditional famous green matcha powder to alleviate the severity of sneezing linked to spring allergies.
Researchers are monitoring this beverage, which has gained widespread popularity among health influencers, to discover whether it can reduce the suffering from seasonal allergy symptoms which have been intensifying recently, possibly prompting some to replace a pharmacy visit with a quiet cafe session.
The impact of matcha on the nervous system
Preliminary study results show that high doses of matcha extract succeeded in curbing sneezing among a group of laboratory-developed mice to simulate human allergy symptoms.
These subjects received 3 doses weekly over 5 weeks, with an additional dose immediately before exposure to allergens, resulting in a marked effect on their hay fever symptoms, according to the "New York Post".
Matcha's mechanism of action exceeded conventional expectations, as instead of suppressing the immune response as usual allergy medications do, the extract targeted the nervous system directly.
It primarily affected the brain stem, which is responsible for the sneeze reflex, where the extract interfered with receptors triggering this involuntary response, thus allowing the body to deal with allergens more calmly.
Scientists believe this effect is due to bioactive compounds like catechins and amino acids that give matcha its anti-inflammatory properties.
Research metrics and usage precautions
Professor Osamu Kaminuma, a participant in the study from Hiroshima University, confirmed that matcha might provide benefits in reducing sneezing but is not considered a radical cure for the allergies themselves.
While experts like Dr. Sebastian Legvani and Dr. David Curry find the results remarkable, they emphasized the need for further research to understand the effects on humans.
It should be noted that the doses used in the trial were 10 times higher than what is found in a regular cup, so experts recommend not exceeding two to three cups daily and avoiding excess which might reach up to 10 cups.
