Derived from specific tea leaves, matcha is renowned for its active compounds like antioxidants. A team from Hiroshima University investigated its impact on allergic rhinitis, a common condition causing sneezing. Their work, published in
npj Science of Food, examined whether matcha could offer relief beyond its general benefits.
The researchers administered matcha to mice modeling allergic rhinitis for several weeks. These animals received the tea powder before being exposed to an allergen, simulating a typical reaction. This approach allowed observation of changes in their behavior and physiology, with regular monitoring of symptoms.
Illustration image Pixabay
The results showed a notable reduction in sneezing in the treated mice. In contrast, usual immune markers, such as IgE antibodies or mast cell activity, were not significantly altered. This dissociation between symptoms and the immune response directed the study toward the nervous system.
The analysis then focused on a brain region involved in the sneeze reflex. The scientists measured the expression of the c-Fos gene, an indicator of neuronal activation. Under the effect of the allergen, this expression increased strongly, but matcha treatment brought it back to nearly normal levels, indicating an action on the brain.
These discoveries pave the way for future research in humans. The goal is to verify whether matcha can constitute a complementary dietary option for managing allergy symptoms. The authors believe this could lead to practical applications by integrating matcha into daily life.
Brain activity linked to sneezing decreases with matcha in mice, indicating a direct effect on neural circuits.
Credit: Osamu Kaminuma/Hiroshima University