The use of Benadryl had been pondered by for awhile by many with no conclusive research behind it. The following link best describes it's action in theory to Beta2-upregulation. The theory and possible mode of action explained by nandi was one of the best at the time. The thread starter was that of Hooker (Anthony Roberts).
Not sure if i can post links to other sites, but here is one of the original threads on the topics from a few years back (Please delete if it is against board policy):
**broken link removed**
BMJ
Nandi was the best in so many things...What a true lost.
Has he said there is very clear:
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Beta receptors are embedded in the cell's outer phospholipid membrane. The stability of the membrane has a lot to do with the functionality of the receptors. It turns out that methylation of the phospholipids is stimulated by the binding of beta agonists to their receptors. The body recognizes these methylated phospholipids as foreign, and breaks them down with an enzyme called phospholipase A2. This alters the structure of the outer membrane and results in desensitizaton of the beta receptors (1). Conversely, agents that inhibit phospholipase A2 slow desensitization.
It turns out that cationic ampiphylic drugs are well known for their ability to inhibit phospholipase A2. Ketotifen is a cationic ampiphylic drug, so is diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Ketotifen does so much more than diphenhydramine though. See the writeup for Ketotifen in the store. Comparing Ketotifen to diphenhydramine is like comparing apples and oranges.
(1) Prog Clin Biol Res. 1981;63:383-8.
Phospholipid methylation: a possible mechanism of signal transduction across biomembranes.
Hirata F, Tallman JF, Henneberry RC, Mallorga P, Strittmatter WJ, Axelrod J
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So Benadryl could have some use but NOTHING compared to Ketotifen.
I used Ketotifen and i'll use it again.
Benadryl? No thanks.