Could natural compounds in plants ease your sneezes?

Published online July 4, 2025

For millions of people, allergic rhinitis, often called hay fever, is more than just a disease—it significantly impairs daily life. While common treatments like antihistamines offer relief, some patients experience unwelcome side effects such as drowsiness. This has led researchers to explore safer, well-tolerated alternatives. Many everyday foods, like apples, green tea, and onions, contain natural compounds called polyphenols. Could these compounds provide a new way to manage allergy symptoms? A recent study sought to combine the evidence from numerous clinical trials to find a clearer answer.

In a study published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, Dr. Lai et al conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. This method acts like a powerful scientific investigation. In this process, researchers gather and statistically combine the results from many high-quality independent studies to reach a more robust and reliable conclusion. The team analyzed 13 randomized controlled trials that investigated whether taking polyphenol supplements could reduce nasal and eye symptoms for patients with allergic rhinitis.

The study included data from over 800 participants and showed a beneficial trend. Compared to a placebo, polyphenol supplementation led to a marked reduction in overall nasal symptoms, especially sneezing, nasal itching, and nasal obstruction. The effect was more evident in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis. As these compounds are widely available in foods and supplements and are generally safe, they present a complementary option for managing symptoms. However, the researchers noted that the included trials had varied designs. Therefore, while these findings are encouraging, the evidence is not yet conclusive, and a specific formula or dosage cannot be recommended at this time.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice is an official journal of the AAAAI, focusing on practical information for the practicing clinician.

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