Taurine (2010, '14, '17) Allergies, and Inflammation

Learn more about treatment options for allergies and sensitivities.

2017

Researchers recognize that taurine is widely understood to be a potential therapy for chronic inflammation disorders. This is of interest to those suffering from allergies since inflammation caused by allergens is at the source of many symptoms.

In this study on taurine's effects on allergy symptoms scientists were evaluating the effects of taurine on biochemicals called cytokines which promote inflammation as well as other markers of inflammation-related imbalances. They examined mast cells (a type of white blood cell derived from stem cells) which were reacting to a specific type of allergic reaction.

They found that, in a dose related manner, taurine was able to inhibit the production and activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. And in animal testing they found similar results in that animals were much less affected by allergens.

Researchers: S. Kim, H. Kim, et al
Published: The potential protective role of taurine against experimental allergic inflammation, Life Science, September, 2017.

2014

When the body experiences inflammation as a result of oxidative stress, trauma, exposure to toxins, etc, taurine is part of the response mechanism to try to reduce the negative effects of inflammation.

When some part of the body becomes inflamed due to exposure to allergens taurine undergoes a biochemical change to lessen damage from inflammation.

Upon inflammation taurine is converted to taurine chloramine and taurine bromamine. Taurine chloramin increases the action of antioxidants to protect cell tissue from damage. At the same time it inhibits the creation of cytokines and free radicals that cause inflammation.

Researchers: C. Kim, Y.N. Cha,
Published: Taurine chloramine produced from taurine under inflammation provides anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects, Amino Acids, January, 2014.

Editor's Note to vegetarians: Taurine is usually abundant in the body, but it is not produced by plants and so supplementation may be appropriate. Check with your doctor.

2010

Taurine chloramine is produced by the body in response to the presence of inflammation. The biochemical acts to reduce the inflammatory response through inhibiting the action of pro-inflammatory biochemicals called cytokines, as well as directly reduce free radicals and oxidative stress.

These researchers explored the mechanics of the process, using tissue from rheumatoid arthritis patients. They found that taurine cloramine inhibits the synthesis of two interleukins that are biomarkers for inflammation. Interleukins are a kind of special protein produced by white blood cells which help to regulate inflammation. In the case of arthritis, these interleukins over-react. Taurine cloramine is able to inhibit their production.

Researchers: E. Kontny, K. Szczepariska, et al
Published: The mechanism of taurine chloramine inhibition of cytokine (interleukin-6, interleukin-8) production by rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes, Arthritis and Rheumatism, October, 2000.