薬理と治療

Abstract

Objective　Shiikuwashas（Citrus depressa）contain flavonoids, such as nobiletin and tangeretin. To investigate the alleviating effects of Shiikuwashas on nasal and ocular allergic responses, we conducted a clinical study on the effects of consuming Shiikuwasha-derived nobiletin and tangeretin foods for eight weeks on nasal and ocular allergic response alleviation and its safety during the intake period in healthy adult men and women with nasal and eye discomfort on a daily basis. Methods　This was a randomized, placebo︱controlled parallel-group study. Thirty-two subjects consumed a food containing nobiletin（19.4 mg）and tangeretin（4.15 mg）from Shiikuwashas or a placebo food for eight weeks, and were investigated for the QOL during the study period using the Japanese Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire（JRQLQ）. Results　Nasal and eye symptom scores in subjects who consumed Shiikuwashas-derived nobiletin and tangeretin foods differed significantly from those who consumed placebo food, indicating an improvement in symptoms. The daily life scores in the test food group also differed significantly from those in the placebo food group, indicating an improvement in the QOL. No adverse events and reactions attributable to the intake of the test food occurred during the study period. Conclusion　Our results indicate that consumption of Shiikuwashas-derived nobiletin and tangeretin foods is effective to improve nasal and ocular discomfort and the QOL in healthy subjects. （UMIN-ID: UMIN000038861）