2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA), a compound extracted from buckwheat seeds, may support immune homeostasis and immune readiness, according to an NIH-funded study appearing in Inflammation. The materials provided for the study were a 2-HOBA ingredient branded as Hobamine by TSI Group.
 
2-HOBA supplementation was linked with positive changes in 15 inflammatory biomarkers in two small cohorts of younger adults (seven males and 10 females) and older adults (10 men and six post-menopausal women). The biomarker changes are associated with positive immune system balance.
 
2-HOBA significantly increased 15 protein biomarkers that play important roles in immune function regulation including TNFβ, IL12β and CCL19, responsible for immune system homeostasis and readiness. 2-HOBA decreased TWEAK, a protein that promotes inflammation and tumor growth.
 
Keeping Inflammation in Check
 
Immune dysregulation can cause the body’s formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to cascade out of control, which results in the formation of reactive lipids, said John A. Rathmacher, PhD, lead author of the study and director of clinical research and laboratory services at MTI BioTech, Inc.
 
“Normally, inflammation is self-limiting, and its resolution is the first step in the repair and regeneration of injured tissues. Failure of inflammation resolution can lead to the progression of several diseases. That’s why a balanced immune system is incredibly important,” Rathmacher said.
 
“Trying to block the reactive compound formation associated with inflammation completely is an outdated theory. But we do want to deal with the excess,” said Shawn Baier, MS, MBA, TSI Group’s vice president of business development.
 
Baier explained the mechanism of action by which 2-HOBA mitigates inflammation.
 
“Hobamine binds to pro-inflammatory reactive lipids, especially isolevuglandins (IsoLGs), one of the most common and reactive downstream products of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a major mechanism underlying natural aging. Elevated levels are associated with several chronic diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer.”
 
“As an IsoLG scavenger, 2-HOBA has a role in proactively improving immune health in a variety of conditions,” Baier continued. “These results enable us to enter a new space in immune health and will guide us in future research. More significantly, 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. Having 2-HOBA on board means it’s ready and there when it’s needed. It supports your immune system’s ability to stay in balance, even when you are exposed to oxidative stressors.”