Quail Egg-Based Supplements in Allergic Rhinitis: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of quail egg-based supplements (QES) as an integrative remedy for treating allergic rhinitis. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar was conducted up to January 2025 to address the research question. Results: A total of 294 studies were initially identified, with five clinical reports meeting the inclusion criteria. Participant numbers ranged from 40 to 180 (median: 77), with a balanced gender ratio. Four reports focused on allergic rhinitis, and one investigated nonsymptomatic atopic individuals exposed to volatile allergens. The findings suggest that a combination of QES and zinc significantly improves peak nasal inspiratory flow, mucociliary transport time, and symptoms such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, itchy nose and eyes, and sneezing in patients with allergic rhinitis. Additionally, QES may reduce the reliance on standard symptomatic medications. The intervention was generally well tolerated, with side effects being rare, mild, and transient; however, QES should be avoided in patients with egg allergies. Conclusions: The reviewed studies indicate that QES with zinc can serve as an effective integrative approach to alleviating symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Further research is recommended to confirm these findings.