Bioflavonoids have been shown in numerous studies to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and antioxidant effects.
All three effects are of critical
importance to asthmatics. The RAINS Study will examine these effects, and their effects
when used in a dose-dependant manner.
The bioflavonoids, used in the RAINS Study Protocol Bioflavonoid Complex, are detectable in blood plasma within 20 minutes of ingestion. Levels rise in the blood, and then slowly decrease over the following 72 hours.
As a result, it is possible to establish varying levels of bioflavonoid saturation in the body, by increasing or decreasing daily dosages.
The RAINS Study Protocols have been set to gradually increase levels of bioflavonoid complex in the body from 3 tablets/day to a maximum of 12 tablets/day, or until an antihistamine/anti-inflammatory effect is felt. The graph below illustrates how bioflavonoid levels rise in the body.
Graph 1.
Projected increases in saturation level of bioflavonoid complex.
Since individual asthmatics have different levels of both histamine and inflammation, perceivable effects have been reported as early as one week, but with an average of six weeks. (RAINS Retrospective Survey)
If within the first 10 weeks, asthma symptoms appear to be under control at a certain level, the participant may continue at that level, rather than stepping up to the next level the following week.
For example, say at Week 6, a Participant is using 8 bioflavonoid tablets a day, and notices that they have reduced their inhaler usage over the past week. At the beginning of Week 7, instead of increasing to 9 bioflavonoid tablets a day, we want them to try another trial week at 8 bioflavonoid tablets.
If they find they are still experiencing benefits after Week 7, they can stay on that level for the remainder of the study, unless they feel the need to increase the levels to better control their symptoms.
Retrospective Survey Indicators
The majority of Participants in the Retrospective Survey reported they use the bioflavonoid tablets to help control their symptoms.
The average number of bioflavonoid tablets per day, reported by adult participants in the Retrospective Survey to help control their asthma, was four.
The average number of bioflavonoid tablets used per day by children, as reported by caregivers for their children, was three.
Therefore, it is suggested that the average RAINS Study Participant may reach their bioflavonoid level within the first six weeks.