Using berberine to reduce allergic reactions to peanuts and tree nuts
Official title: IgE Suppressing Berberine Nanomedicine for Treatment of Peanut and Tree nut Allergies
Funded at General Nutraceutical Technology, LLC · NIH-10819508 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether taking berberine, a natural supplement, can help reduce the allergy-triggering antibodies in people with peanut and tree nut allergies, with the hope of making life safer and easier for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | General Nutraceutical Technology, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Briarcliff Manor, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 3, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $228,207 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI176061-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10819508 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with peanut or tree nut allergies who are at risk of anaphylaxis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with allergies to foods other than peanuts or tree nuts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of berberine, a natural compound, to suppress the production of IgE antibodies that trigger severe allergic reactions to peanuts and tree nuts. The approach involves administering berberine orally to patients with food allergies, aiming to provide a long-lasting solution beyond current treatments. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of food allergies, this study seeks to improve the safety and quality of life for individuals affected by these conditions. The research will involve monitoring the effects of berberine on immune responses in patients with documented food allergies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that significantly reduces the risk of severe allergic reactions in patients with peanut and tree nut allergies.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of berberine for this specific purpose is novel, similar approaches targeting IgE suppression have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
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General Nutraceutical Technology, LLC
Briarcliff Manor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Xiu-Min — General Nutraceutical Technology, LLC
- Study coordinator: Li, Xiu-Min
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using berberine nanomedicine to reduce food allergies
This study is testing a new pill made with a special ingredient called berberine to help people with food allergies, especially those allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, by making their immune system less reactive to these foods.
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A new treatment for multiple food allergies using a small molecule compound.
This study is testing a new daily pill called xanthopurpurin that could help lower allergy levels in people with multiple food allergies, making it easier and safer for them to manage their condition without having to avoid certain foods.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.