peanuts in shell closeup in brown wooden spoonAnaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It occurs quickly after exposure to an allergen–within seconds or minutes of the exposure. The allergen triggers the release of chemicals by the immune system; these chemicals can cause the body to go into shock. The blood pressure drops and the airways become narrow. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include a rapid, weak pulse, nausea (and possibly vomiting), skin rash and a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis requires an immediate trip to the emergency department and an injection of epinephrine. If anaphylaxis isn’t treated right away, it can lead to unconsciousness or even death.

Peanut allergies affect about 6% of young children and can be a cause of anaphylaxis. A study was recently published in Clinical and Experimental Allergy (Volume 37, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages: 846–855) that looked at the effect a Chinese herbal formula had on mice that were bred to be sensitive to peanuts and were sensitized to peanuts. The combination of nine Chinese herbs (called FAHF-2) was given to one group of mice for seven weeks, a second group was given water as a placebo.

At the end of the seven week trial, and again four weeks after the trial, the mice were exposed to peanuts. The group that was given the FAHF-2 formula was completely protected from allergies.

The mice were then exposed to peanuts to see if they would have anaphylactic reactions. They were exposed twice—once one day following the conclusion of FAHF-2 treatment and again 4 weeks after treatment finished.The researchers found that FAHF-2 completely protected the mice from a dangerous reaction on both occasions—showing that protection lasted at least 4 weeks after the treatment finished. The mice treated with the placebo (water) had anaphylactic reactions. The researchers note that the protection of FAHF-2 may result from a shift in the immune balance away from the allergic response.