Composition comprising the extract of actinidia arguta and related species for the prevention and treatment of allergic disease and non-allergic inflammatory disease

Abstract

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the extract of hardy kiwifruit as an active ingredient in an effective amount to treat and prevent allergic disease and non-allergic inflammatory disease by reducing inflammation action, by inhibiting histamine release from mast cell, and by increasing the level of Th1 cytokines, IgG2a in serum and reducing the level of Th2 cytokines and IgE in serum. The present invention also provides a use of above extract for the preparation of pharmaceutical composition. The present invention also provides a health food or food additives, a cosmetic composition, a feed or feed additives comprising above extract for prevention or alleviation of allergic disease and non-allergic inflammatory disease by reducing inflammation action, by inhibiting histamine release from mast cell, and by increasing the level of Th1 cytokines, IgG2a in serum, and reducing the level of Th2 cytokines and IgE in serum.

1 - 37 . (canceled)  
   
   
       38 . A method to regulate an immune response in a mammal, comprising administering a hardy kiwifruit preparation to the mammal in an amount sufficient to regulate an immune response in the mammal.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is provided in an amount sufficient to regulate a Th2 and a Th1 immune response in the mammal.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is provided in an amount sufficient to regulate the amount of an antibody isotype produced by the mammal selected from the group consisting of IgE, IgG2a, and IgG1.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is provided in an amount sufficient to decrease the production and/or levels of at least one Th2 cytokine in the mammal or to increase the level of at least one Th1 cytokine in the mammal.  
   
   
       42 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is provided in an amount sufficient to decrease the level of expression of a transcription factor in the mammal.  
   
   
       43 . The method of  claim 42 , wherein the transcription factor is selected from the group consisting of: GATA-3 and NFATc2.  
   
   
       44 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the mammal has or is at risk of developing a condition in which enhancement of a Th1 response and/or suppression of a Th2 response is desirable.  
   
   
       45 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the mammal has or is at risk of developing an allergic disease or non-allergic inflammatory disease.  
   
   
       46 . The method of  claim 45 , wherein the allergic disease is selected from the group consisting of: asthma and dermatitis.  
   
   
       47 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the mammal has or is at risk of developing a viral infection.  
   
   
       48 . The method of  claim 44 , wherein the mammal has or is at risk of developing a cancer.  
   
   
       49 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is selected from the group consisting of:  Actinidia arguta, Actinidia kolomikta  and  Actinidia polygama.    
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is  Actinidia arguta.    
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is an extract or concentrate prepared from a part of the hardy kiwifruit selected from the group consisting of: the leaf, the stem, the root, and any combination thereof.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is selected from the group consisting of: fresh fruit, crushed fruit, boiled fruit, cooked fruit, pressed fruit, and condensed fruit.  
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is dried fruit.  
   
   
       54 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by a method that includes a step of drying the fruit.  
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is a hardy kiwifruit juice concentrate.  
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by extraction of fruit in water having a temperature of between 0° C and about 80° C.  
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by extraction of fruit in room temperature water.  
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by direct extraction of a water soluble concentrate of hardy kiwifruit with ethyl acetate.  
   
   
       59 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is provided in a composition in an amount of between about 0.01% and about 95% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.  
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the step of administering comprises administering the hardy kiwifruit preparation with a carrier, adjuvant, or diluent to the mammal.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the step of administering comprises providing the hardy kiwifruit preparation to the mammal as a tablet, a powder, a capsule, a liquid, a suspension, a granule or a syrup.  
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the step of administering comprises providing the hardy kiwifruit preparation to the mammal in a health food.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the health food is selected from the group consisting of: bread, breakfast cereals, processed cheese, unprocessed cheese, dairy products, carbonated drinks, teas, processed fish products, fruit-based drinks, vegetable-based drinks, chewing gum, hard confectionery, frozen dairy products, processed meat products, chocolate, cookies, candy, licorice, ice creams, dehydrated foods, cut food products, spices, alcoholic beverages, noodles, fermented foods, and vegetable-based drinks.  
   
   
       64 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the step of administering comprises applying a cosmetic composition comprising the hardy kiwifruit preparation to the mammal.  
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the cosmetic composition is provided in a form selected from the group consisting of: lotion, cream, essence, toner, emulsion, pack, soap, shampoo, rinse, cleanser, body washing solution, washing solution or treatment.  
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the step of administering comprises providing the hardy kiwifruit preparation to the mammal in a food additive.  
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising administering to the mammal an agent selected from the group consisting of: organic acids; small organic compounds; carbohydrates; steroids; herbal preparations; spices; minerals; 
 sterilizers; seasonings; vitamins; and electrolytes.    
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising administering to the mammal an agent selected from the group consisting of taurine, fatty acids and fatty acid esters.  
   
   
       69 . The method of  claim 68 , wherein the fatty acids and fatty acid esters are selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, isopropyl myristic acid, butyl myristic acid, isopropyl palmitic acid, ethyl stearic acid, octyl palmitic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, butyl stearic acid, ethyl linoleic acid, isopropyl linoleic acid, ethyl oleic acid, isocetyl myristic acid, isostearyl myristic acid, isostearyl palmitic acid, octyldodecyl myristic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, diethyl sebasic acid, isopropyl adipic acid, isoalkyl neopetanoic acid, glyceryl tri(capryl, capric acid), trimethylopropane tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, trimethylopropane triisostearic acid, pentaerythritol tetra-2 ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl caprylic acid, decyl lauric acid, hexyl lauric acid, decyl myristic acid, myristyl myristic acid, cetyl myristic acid, stearyl stearic acid, decyl oleic acid, cetyl licinoleic acid, isostearyl lauric acid, isotridecyl myristic acid, isocetyl palmitic acid, octyl stearic acid, isocetyl stearic acid, isodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl linoleic acid, isopropyl isostearic acid, cetostearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, stearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, hexyl isostearic acid, ethylene glycol dioctanoic acid, ethylene glycol dioleic acid, propylene glycol dicapric acid, propylene glycol di(capryl, capric acid), propylene glycol dicaprylic acid, neopentylglycol dicapric acid, neopentylglycol dioctanoic acid, glyceryl tricaprylic acid, glyceryl triundecylic acid, glyceryl triisopalmitic acid, glyceryl triisostearic acid, octyldodecyl neopentanoic acid, isostearyl octanoic acid, octyl isononanoic acid, hexyldecyl neodecanoic acid, octyldodecyl neodecanoic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, isostearyl isostearic acid, octyldecyl isostearic acid, polyglycerin oleanoic acid ester, polyglycerin isostearic acid ester, triisocetyl citric acid, triisoalkyl citric acid, triisooctyl citric acid, lauryl lactic acid, myristyl lactic acid, cetyl lactic acid, octyldecyl lactic acid, triethyl citric acid, acetyltriethyl citric acid, acetyl tributyl citric acid, trioctyl citric acid, diisostearyl maleic acid, di 2-ethylhexyl hydroxy stearic acid, 2-ethyl hexyl succinic acid, diisobutyl adipic acid, diisopropyl sebasinic acid, dioctyl sebacinic acid, cholesteryl stearic acid, cholesteryl isostearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl oleic acid, dihydrocholesteryl oleic acid, pitsteryl isostearic acid, pitsteryl oleic acid, isocetyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, stearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, isostearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid.  
   
   
       70 . The method of  claim 38 , further comprising administering to the mammal a different Actinidia species preparation.  
   
   
       71 . The method of  claim 70 , wherein the different Actinidia species is selected from the group consisting of:  A. chenensis, A. deliciosa , A. arguta, A. polygama , and  A. kolomikta.    
   
   
       72 . A composition for regulating an immune response in a mammal, comprising a hardy kiwifruit preparation and at least one additional active compound for regulating an immune response in a mammal.  
   
   
       73 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the additional active compound is for treating or preventing allergic disease in a mammal.  
   
   
       74 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the additional active compound is selected from a group consisting of steroids.  
   
   
       75 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the additional active compound is selected from the group consisting of: citric acid; fumaric acid; steroids; linear peptides; carbohydrates; herbal preparations; spices; minerals; sterilizers; seasonings; vitamins; and electrolytes.  
   
   
       76 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the additional active compound is selected from the group consisting of taurine, fatty acids and fatty acid esters.  
   
   
       77 . The composition of  claim 76 , wherein the fatty acids and fatty acid esters are selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, isopropyl myristic acid, butyl myristic acid, isopropyl palmitic acid, ethyl stearic acid, octyl palmitic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, butyl stearic acid, ethyl linoleic acid, isopropyl linoleic acid, ethyl oleic acid, isocetyl myristic acid, isostearyl myristic acid, isostearyl palmitic acid, octyldodecyl myristic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, diethyl sebasic acid, isopropyl adipic acid, isoalkyl neopetanoic acid, glyceryl tri(capryl, capric acid), trimethylopropane tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, trimethylopropane triisostearic acid, pentaerythritol tetra-2 ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl caprylic acid, decyl lauric acid, hexyl lauric acid, decyl myristic acid, myristyl myristic acid, cetyl myristic acid, stearyl stearic acid, decyl oleic acid, cetyl licinoleic acid, isostearyl lauric acid, isotridecyl myristic acid, isocetyl palmitic acid, octyl stearic acid, isocetyl stearic acid, isodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl linoleic acid, isopropyl isostearic acid, cetostearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, stearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, hexyl isostearic acid, ethylene glycol dioctanoic acid, ethylene glycol dioleic acid, propylene glycol dicapric acid, propylene glycol di(capryl, capric acid), propylene glycol dicaprylic acid, neopentylglycol dicapric acid, neopentylglycol dioctanoic acid, glyceryl tricaprylic acid, glyceryl triundecylic acid, glyceryl triisopalmitic acid, glyceryl triisostearic acid, octyldodecyl neopentanoic acid, isostearyl octanoic acid, octyl isononanoic acid, hexyldecyl neodecanoic acid, octyldodecyl neodecanoic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, isostearyl isostearic acid, octyldecyl isostearic acid, polyglycerin oleanoic acid ester, polyglycerin isostearic acid ester, triisocetyl citric acid, triisoalkyl citric acid, triisooctyl citric acid, lauryl lactic acid, myristyl lactic acid, cetyl lactic acid, octyldecyl lactic acid, triethyl citric acid, acetyltriethyl citric acid, acetyl tributyl citric acid, trioctyl citric acid, diisostearyl maleic acid, di 2-ethylhexyl hydroxy stearic acid, 2-ethyl hexyl succinic acid, diisobutyl adipic acid, diisopropyl sebasinic acid, dioctyl sebacinic acid, cholesteryl stearic acid, cholesteryl isostearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl oleic acid, dihydrocholesteryl oleic acid, pitsteryl isostearic acid, pitsteryl oleic acid, isocetyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, stearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, isostearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid.  
   
   
       78 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the composition is selected from the group consisting of: a pharmaceutical composition, a health food, a food additive, and a cosmetic.  
   
   
       79 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is selected from the group consisting of:  Actinidia arguta, Actinidia kolomikta  and  Actinidia polygama.    
   
   
       80 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is  Actinidia arguta.    
   
   
       81 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is an extract or concentrate prepared from a part of the hardy kiwifruit selected from the group consisting of: the fruit, the leaf, the stem, the root, and any combination thereof.  
   
   
       82 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is selected from the group consisting of: fresh fruit, crushed fruit, boiled fruit, cooked fruit, pressed fruit, and condensed fruit.  
   
   
       83 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit is dried fruit.  
   
   
       84 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by a method that includes a step of drying the fruit.  
   
   
       85 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is a hardy kiwifruit juice concentrate.  
   
   
       86 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by extraction of fruit in water having a temperature of between 0° C. and about 80° C.  
   
   
       87 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by extraction of fruit in room temperature water.  
   
   
       88 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is produced by direct extraction of a water soluble concentrate of hardy kiwifruit with ethyl acetate.  
   
   
       89 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the extract is prepared by extraction of hardy kiwifruit in distilled water.  
   
   
       90 . The composition of  claim 72 , wherein the extract is an ethyl acetate extract of the hardy kiwifruit.  
   
   
       91 . A method to treat a disease or condition that is associated with dysregulation of immune function, comprising administering to a mammal a combination of hardy kiwifruit or a preparation thereof and an agent selected from the group consisting of: steroids; fatty acids and fatty acid esters.  
   
   
       92 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the fatty acids and fatty acid esters are selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, isopropyl myristic acid, butyl myristic acid, isopropyl palmitic acid, ethyl stearic acid, octyl palmitic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, butyl stearic acid, ethyl linoleic acid, isopropyl linoleic acid, ethyl oleic acid, isocetyl myristic acid, isostearyl myristic acid, isostearyl palmitic acid, octyldodecyl myristic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, diethyl sebasic acid, isopropyl adipic acid, isoalkyl neopetanoic acid, glyceryl tri(capryl, capric acid), trimethylopropane tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, trimethylopropane triisostearic acid, pentaerythritol tetra-2 ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl caprylic acid, decyl lauric acid, hexyl lauric acid, decyl myristic acid, myristyl myristic acid, cetyl myristic acid, stearyl stearic acid, decyl oleic acid, cetyl licinoleic acid, isostearyl lauric acid, isotridecyl myristic acid, isocetyl palmitic acid, octyl stearic acid, isocetyl stearic acid, isodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl linoleic acid, isopropyl isostearic acid, cetostearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, stearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, hexyl isostearic acid, ethylene glycol dioctanoic acid, ethylene glycol dioleic acid, propylene glycol dicapric acid, propylene glycol di(capryl, capric acid), propylene glycol dicaprylic acid, neopentylglycol dicapric acid, neopentylglycol dioctanoic acid, glyceryl tricaprylic acid, glyceryl triundecylic acid, glyceryl triisopalmitic acid, glyceryl triisostearic acid, octyldodecyl neopentanoic acid, isostearyl octanoic acid, octyl isononanoic acid, hexyldecyl neodecanoic acid, octyldodecyl neodecanoic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, isostearyl isostearic acid, octyldecyl isostearic acid, polyglycerin oleanoic acid ester, polyglycerin isostearic acid ester, triisocetyl citric acid, triisoalkyl citric acid, triisooctyl citric acid, lauryl lactic acid, myristyl lactic acid, cetyl lactic acid, octyldecyl lactic acid, triethyl citric acid, acetyltriethyl citric acid, acetyl tributyl citric acid, trioctyl citric acid, diisostearyl maleic acid, di 2-ethylhexyl hydroxy stearic acid, 2-ethyl hexyl succinic acid, diisobutyl adipic acid, diisopropyl sebasinic acid, dioctyl sebacinic acid, cholesteryl stearic acid, cholesteryl isostearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl oleic acid, dihydrocholesteryl oleic acid, pitsteryl isostearic acid, pitsteryl oleic acid, isocetyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, stearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, isostearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid.  
   
   
       93 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: atopic dermatitis, asthma, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and chronic urticaria.  
   
   
       94 . The method of  claim 91 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is selected from the group consisting of: a fruit extract or concentrate, a leaf extract or concentrate, a stem extract or concentrate, or concentrate, a root extract or concentrate, fresh fruit, crushed fruit, boiled fruit, cooked fruit, pressed fruit, condensed fruit, dried fruit, a hardy kiwifruit juice concentrate, a preparation produced by extraction of fruit in water having a temperature of from 0° C. to about 80° C.; a preparation produced by direct extraction of a water soluble concentrate of hardy kiwifruit with ethyl acetate, a preparation produced by extraction of hardy kiwifruit in distilled water, and a preparation produced by sequential extraction of hardy kiwifruit in water, chloroform and ethyl acetate.  
   
   
       95 . A method to treat a disease or condition that is associated with dysregulation of immune function, comprising administering to a mammal a combination of a hardy kiwifruit or a preparation thereof and an agent selected from the group consisting of: fatty acids; citric acid; fumaric acid; steroids; linear peptides; carbohydrates; herbal preparations; spices; minerals; sterilizers; seasonings; vitamins; and electrolytes.  
   
   
       96 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the fatty acids and fatty acid esters are selected from the group consisting of: glyceryl tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, isopropyl myristic acid, butyl myristic acid, isopropyl palmitic acid, ethyl stearic acid, octyl palmitic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, butyl stearic acid, ethyl linoleic acid, isopropyl linoleic acid, ethyl oleic acid, isocetyl myristic acid, isostearyl myristic acid, isostearyl palmitic acid, octyldodecyl myristic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, diethyl sebasic acid, isopropyl adipic acid, isoalkyl neopetanoic acid, glyceryl tri(capryl, capric acid), trimethylopropane tri-2-ethyl hexanoic acid, trimethylopropane triisostearic acid, pentaerythritol tetra-2 ethyl hexanoic acid, cetyl caprylic acid, decyl lauric acid, hexyl lauric acid, decyl myristic acid, myristyl myristic acid, cetyl myristic acid, stearyl stearic acid, decyl oleic acid, cetyl licinoleic acid, isostearyl lauric acid, isotridecyl myristic acid, isocetyl palmitic acid, octyl stearic acid, isocetyl stearic acid, isodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl oleic acid, octyldodecyl linoleic acid, isopropyl isostearic acid, cetostearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, stearyl 2-ethyl hexanoic acid, hexyl isostearic acid, ethylene glycol dioctanoic acid, ethylene glycol dioleic acid, propylene glycol dicapric acid, propylene glycol di(capryl, capric acid), propylene glycol dicaprylic acid, neopentylglycol dicapric acid, neopentylglycol dioctanoic acid, glyceryl tricaprylic acid, glyceryl triundecylic acid, glyceryl triisopalmitic acid, glyceryl triisostearic acid, octyldodecyl neopentanoic acid, isostearyl octanoic acid, octyl isononanoic acid, hexyldecyl neodecanoic acid, octyldodecyl neodecanoic acid, isocetyl isostearic acid, isostearyl isostearic acid, octyldecyl isostearic acid, polyglycerin oleanoic acid ester, polyglycerin isostearic acid ester, triisocetyl citric acid, triisoalkyl citric acid, triisooctyl citric acid, lauryl lactic acid, myristyl lactic acid, cetyl lactic acid, octyldecyl lactic acid, triethyl citric acid, acetyltriethyl citric acid, acetyl tributyl citric acid, trioctyl citric acid, diisostearyl maleic acid, di 2-ethylhexyl hydroxy stearic acid, 2-ethyl hexyl succinic acid, diisobutyl adipic acid, diisopropyl sebasinic acid, dioctyl sebacinic acid, cholesteryl stearic acid, cholesteryl isostearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl hydroxy stearic acid, cholesteryl oleic acid, dihydrocholesteryl oleic acid, pitsteryl isostearic acid, pitsteryl oleic acid, isocetyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, stearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid, isostearyl 12-stealoyl hydroxy stearic acid.  
   
   
       97 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: atopic dermatitis, asthma, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and chronic urticaria.  
   
   
       98 . The method of  claim 95 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is selected from the group consisting of: a fruit extract or concentrate, a leaf extract or concentrate, a stem extract or concentrate, a root extract or concentrate, fresh fruit, crushed fruit, boiled fruit, cooked fruit, pressed fruit, condensed fruit, dried fruit, a hardy kiwifruit juice concentrate, a preparation produced by extraction of fruit in water having a temperature of from 0° C. to about 80° C.; a preparation produced by direct extraction of a water soluble concentrate of hardy kiwifruit with ethyl acetate, a preparation produced by extraction of hardy kiwifruit in distilled water, and a preparation produced by sequential extraction in water, chloroform and ethyl acetate.  
   
   
       99 . A method to treat a disease or condition that is associated with dysregulation of immune function, comprising administering to a mammal a combination of hardy kiwifruit or a preparation thereof and an agent selected from the group consisting of: taurine; fatty acids and fatty acid esters.  
   
   
       100 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein the disease or condition is selected from the group consisting of: atopic dermatitis, asthma, food allergy, allergic rhinitis, and chronic urticaria.  
   
   
       101 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein the hardy kiwifruit preparation is selected from the group consisting of: a fruit extract or concentrate, a leaf extract or concentrate, a stem extract or concentrate, a root extract or concentrate, fresh fruit, crushed fruit, boiled fruit, cooked fruit, pressed fruit, condensed fruit, dried fruit, a hardy kiwifruit juice concentrate, a preparation produced by extraction of fruit in water having a temperature of from 0° C. to about 80° C.; a preparation produced by direct extraction of a water soluble concentrate of hardy kiwifruit with ethyl acetate, a preparation produced by extraction of hardy kiwifruit in distilled water, and a preparation produced by sequential extraction in water, chloroform and ethyl acetate.