An ayurvedic approach to immunomodulation employing a green delivery of phytonutrients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on mild allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common disorder caused by immune system dysregulation. The present contribution describes a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparative evaluation of the influence of a unique food-grade co-delivery form of curcumin and ashwagandha extracts (CQAB) in comparison to a bioavailable curcumin formulation (CGM) and placebo employing healthy participants, ( n = 96), characterized with mild AR. The subjective measurements (TNSS, BIS and POMS-SF questionnaires) clearly demonstrated the efficacy of CQAB over CGM in the alleviation of AR symptoms and hence the quality of life. Further, CQAB administration also showed significant modulation of biochemical parameters (significant decrease in Th2 cytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, CD4+/CD8+ ratio and IgE, and a significant increase in Th1 cytokines, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 as well as for the immunoglobulins IgG, IgM, and IgA) in support of its improved immune-balancing effect, compared to CGM. Both CQAB and CGM were well tolerated without any adverse events. • Hydrogel-based co-delivery of curcumin and ashwagandha extracts (CQAB). • CQAB alleviated allergic rhinitis symptoms safely. • CQAB helped to improve sleep and reduce fatigue. • CQAB demonstrated Th1/Th2 balance, modulated cytokines and CD4+/CD8+ ratio. • Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.