According to an NIH-funded study published in Inflammation, 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA) extracted from buckwheat seeds may support immune homeostasis and immune readiness. The study utilized a 2-HOBA ingredient branded as Hobamine by TSI Group and found that 2-HOBA supplementation was linked to positive changes in 15 inflammatory biomarkers in two small cohorts of younger and older adults. These biomarker changes are associated with a positive immune system balance, as 2-HOBA increased 15 protein biomarkers responsible for immune system homeostasis and readiness while decreasing TWEAK, a protein that promotes inflammation and tumor growth.
Lead author of the study, John A. Rathmacher, PhD, explained that immune dysregulation can cause the body’s formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to spiral out of control, resulting in the formation of reactive lipids. Inflammation is self-limiting, and its resolution is the first step in the repair and regeneration of injured tissues, but the failure of inflammation resolution can lead to the progression of several diseases. Therefore, a balanced immune system is crucial. According to Shawn Baier, MS, MBA, TSI Group’s vice president of business development, 2-HOBA mitigates inflammation by binding to pro-inflammatory reactive lipids, especially isolevuglandins (IsoLGs), which are one of the most common and reactive downstream products of oxidative stress.
Baier continued by explaining that 2-HOBA has a role in proactively improving immune health in a variety of conditions as an IsoLG scavenger. The study’s results enable the industry to enter a new space in immune health and will guide future research. Furthermore, this opens opportunities for formulators and developers to add Hobamine to their immune formulas because it clearly enables healthy individuals to be more proactive about maintaining their immune readiness. Overall, the study suggests that 2-HOBA may support immune health and balance by mitigating inflammation caused by reactive lipids.
