Dr. Bruce Hoffman’s
Mast Cell Support
Protocol overview
Last updated: May 8, 2025
11 Nutrients
Quercetin
1100mg
Quercetin, naturally found in stinging nettle, onions, apples, and leafy greens, may reduce histidine decarboxylase activity, potentially decreasing histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. This action supports its role in modulating inflammation, allergies, contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, and moderate asthma symptoms. [1]
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Log in or sign upDiamine Oxidase
4.2mg
DAO, short for Diamine Oxidase, is an enzyme that can help break down histamine in the digestive system, which in turn may help lower the overall levels of histamine in the body. [2]
Resveratrol
500mg
Resveratrol, found in grapes, berries, and peanuts, may help reduce inflammation by lowering IL-6 and IL-8 levels and inhibiting IL-33. It may also prevent mast cell degranulation, reducing the release of cytokines, chemokines, and leukotrienes involved in allergic responses and inflammation. [3]
Vitamin C
1000mg
Vitamin C supports histamine regulation, with levels decreasing as vitamin C is replenished. Often paired with quercetin, they may work synergistically to manage histamine and allergies. Smaller, frequent doses or slow-release vitamin C supplements are recommended to minimize side effects like diarrhea and maintain stable blood levels. [4]
Baikal skullcap
750mg
Baicalein may help regulate histamine release, reduce mast cell degranulation, and lower IgE-triggered responses to food allergens. It may also modulate mast cell mediators, support airway inflammation reduction, and show potential benefits in addressing inflammation within the neurological system and brain. [5]
Green Tea Extract
500mg
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a key polyphenol in green tea, may help regulate mast cell activity by hindering calcium influx, reducing degranulation, and suppressing leukotriene C4 production. These actions support its potential role in modulating allergic and inflammatory responses linked to mast cell activity. [6]
Turmeric Curcumin
2000mg
Curcumin, known for its anti-inflammatory properties, is more effective when paired with phospholipids to enhance bioavailability. It may help prevent allergic reactions by stabilizing mast cells and inhibiting inflammatory molecules like interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor. [7]

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Warnings
When using supplements, consider potential interactions and contraindications. Avoid quercetin with fluoroquinolone antibiotics or if allergic to bioflavonoids. Vitamin C and curcumin may increase bleeding risk with blood thinners. Green tea should not be combined with anticoagulants or stimulants. Avoid vitamin A if pregnant, vitamin D with hypercalcemia, and zinc with copper deficiency. Consult your healthcare provider.
Lifestyle Improvements
Identify and Avoid Common Triggers of mast cell activation, such as:
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Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
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Food Triggers: Keep a food diary to identify and avoid foods that cause reactions. Common culprits include high-histamine foods (e.g., aged cheese, processed meats), food additives, and preservatives.
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Excipients in Medications and Supplements: Be aware of inactive ingredients in medications and supplements that might trigger reactions. Consult with a healthcare provider to find suitable alternatives if necessary.
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Temperature Extremes: Avoid prolonged exposure to very hot or cold environments. Dress appropriately and regulate indoor temperatures to stay comfortable.
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Anesthetic Gases: If you require surgery, discuss your mast cell condition with your anesthesiologist to choose appropriate anesthetics.
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Sodium Benzoate: Avoid this common preservative found in many processed foods, beverages, and some medications.
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Insect Bites: Take precautions to prevent insect bites by using repellents, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding areas where insects are prevalent.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products and informational content displayed on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
While this Protocol has been created by health experts, it is educational in nature and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take medications.
- Shaik, Y., Caraffa, A., Ronconi, G., Lessiani, G., & Conti, P. (2018). Impact of polyphenols on mast cells with special emphasis on the effect of quercetin and luteolin. Central European Journal of Immunology, 43(4), 476–481. https://doi.org/10.5114/ceji.2018.81347
- Schnedl, W. J., Schenk, M., Lackner, S., Enko, D., Mangge, H., & Forster, F. (2019). Diamine oxidase supplementation improves symptoms in patients with histamine intolerance. Food Science and Biotechnology, 28(6), 1779–1784. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-019-00627-3
- Bilotta, S., Paruchuru, L. B., Feilhauer, K., Köninger, J., & Lorentz, A. (2021). Resveratrol is a natural inhibitor of human intestinal mast cell activation and phosphorylation of mitochondrial ERK1/2 and STAT3. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(14), 7640. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22147640
- Ghalibaf, M. H. E., Kianian, F., Beigoli, S., Behrouz, S., Marefati, N., Boskabady, M., & Boskabady, M. H. (2023). The effects of vitamin C on respiratory, allergic, and immunological diseases: An experimental and clinical-based review. Inflammopharmacology, 31(2), 653–672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10787-023-01169-1
- Peng, W., Xia, Q., Zhang, Y., et al. (2024). VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways are involved in the baicalein attenuation of OVA-induced airway inflammation and airway remodeling in mice. Respiratory Research, 25(1), 10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-023-02637-6
- Zhang, S., Al-Maghout, T., Bissinger, R., Zeng, N., Pelzl, L., Salker, M. S., Cheng, A., Singh, Y., & Lang, F. (2017). Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) up-regulates miR-15b expression thus attenuating store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) into murine CD4+ T cells and human leukaemic T cell lymphoblasts. Oncotarget, 8(52), 89500–89514. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.20032
- Baran, J., Sobiepanek, A., Mazurkiewicz-Pisarek, A., Rogalska, M., Gryciuk, A., Kuryk, L., Abraham, S. N., & Staniszewska, M. (2023). Mast cells as a target: A comprehensive review of recent therapeutic approaches. Cells, 12(8), 1187. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells12081187
- Džopalić, T., Božić-Nedeljković, B., & Jurišić, V. (2021). The role of vitamin A and vitamin D in modulation of the immune response with a focus on innate lymphoid cells. Central European Journal of Immunology, 46(2), 264–269. https://doi.org/10.5114/ceji.2021.103540
- Murdaca, G., Allegra, A., Tonacci, A., Musolino, C., Ricciardi, L., & Gangemi, S. (2022). Mast cells and vitamin D status: A clinical and biological link in the onset of allergy and bone diseases. Biomedicines, 10(8), 1877. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10081877
- Tsilioni, I., & Theoharides, T. (2024). Luteolin is more potent than cromolyn in their ability to inhibit mediator release from cultured human mast cells. International Archives of Allergy and Immunology, 185(8), 803–809. https://doi.org/10.1159/000537752
- Yusuf, S., Soenarto, Y., Juffrie, M., & Lestariana, W. (2019). The effect of zinc supplementation on pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6) in mice with Escherichia coli LPS-induced diarrhea. Iranian Journal of Microbiology, 11(5), 412–418