Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), aka alpha-gal allergy, is commonly known as mammalian meat allergy (although ‘meat’ is not the only source). Alpha gal refers to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, which is a disaccharide formed from two galactose molecules. Alpha gal (AG) is found in most mammalian cell membranes, but not in humans, and since it is missing from human cells, it is recognized by the immune system as a xenobiotic. AG is one of the few antigens encountered in human medical physiology that is a carbohydrate and not a protein.
In North America, the allergy evolves after being bitten by the Lone Star or deer tick, chiggers, mites, fleas, and hookworms, which contain AG in their saliva, which makes its way directly into the bloodstream. Previously, cases have been primarily located in the central and southern US, although the range is growing rapidly due to climate change. Individuals with AGS display a constellation of symptoms ranging from gastrointestinal distress, urticaria, and pruritus to an acute hypersensitivity reaction, including anaphylaxis. Alpha-gal syndrome is a long-term condition, for which there is no cure, although there is treatment for severe reactions such as anaphylaxis. Mild allergic reactions may respond to antihistamines. The primary treatment strategy focuses on avoidance of trigger foods.
Alpha-gal is present in all foods and ingredients made from beef, pork, lamb, venison, rabbit, and other mammalian sources, including gelatin and milk. It can also be found in carrageenan, a common food additive, and in certain health and personal care products. Magnesium stearate, which is a common excipient in pill and tablet manufacturing, may contain AG since it is possible to make it from beef tallow or pork lard. However, the magnesium stearate used in Mayway’s products is certified to be obtained from botanical sources, viz, palmitic acid from palm oil. In addition, the capsules that are found in some of Mayway’s products are vegetarian (Hypromellose) and are not manufactured from animal gelatin.
A number of products in Mayway’s catalog are or contain ingredients derived from mammalian sources.
The following products contain Dan Nan Xing, commonly known as Arisaema rhizome that has been processed with pig bile.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| Arisaema Erubescens Rhizome Extract Powder | Dan Nan Xing Extract Powder | 5564C |
| Dan Nan Xing, unsulfured | Arisaema erubescens rhizome (bile prep.) | 5564SF |
| Cerebral Tonic Tablets | Bu Nao Pian | 3926/3926e |
| Clean Air Teapills | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | 3745 |
| Cognitive Support Tablets | Bu Nao PIan | 83926 |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan San extract powder | Qing Qi Hua Tan San | 3746C |
| Pinellia Root Teapills | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | 3746 |
| Xiao Huo Luo Teapills | Xiao Huo Luo Wan | 3616 |
The following products contain Shui Niu Jiao, water buffalo horn.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| Margarite Acne Pills | Zhen Zhu An Chuang Wan | 3952 |
| Shui Niu Jiao, unsulfured | Bubalus bubalis horn | 2093SF |
| Shui Niu Jiao extract powder | Bubalus bubalis horn | 2093C |
The following products contain Lu Rong, deer antler.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| Lu Rong extract powder | Cervus nippon antler velvet | 2040C |
The following products contain Lu Jiao Jiao, deer antler gelatin.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| Lu Jiao Jiao, unsulfured | Cervus elaphus antler gelatin | 5919SF |
| Lu Jiao Jiao extract powder | Cervus nippon antler gelatin | 5919C |
| Majestic Yang Teapills | Xiong Wei Da Bu Wan | 3201 |
| White Phoenix Teapills | Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan | 3782 |
| Zuo Gu Shen Jing San extract powder | Zuo Gu Shen Jing San | 3311C |
The following products contain Lu Jiao Shuang, degelatinized deer antler.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| Fargelin Pills | Hua Zhi Ling Wan | 3938 |
| Lu Jiao Shuang, unsulfured | Cervus elaphus antler gelatin (degelatinized) | 5942SF |
| Lu Jiao Shuang powder, unsulfured | Cervus nippon antler gelatin (degelatinized) | 5942SFP |
| White Phoenix Teapills | Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan | 3782 |
The following products contain Zhu Dan Fen, pig bile.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| Fargelin Pills | Hua Zhi Ling Wan | 3938 |
The following products contain E Jiao, donkey skin gelatin.
| PRODUCT NAME | ALTERNATE NAME | ITEM # |
|---|---|---|
| E Jiao | Equus asinus gelatin | 5920SF |
| Fertile Fields Teapill | Fu Ke Zhong Zi Wan | 3655 |
| Jiao Ai San extract powder | Jiao Ai San | 3340C |
| Qing Zao Jiu Fei San extract powder | Qing Zao Jiu Fei San | 3342C |
| Cultivate Splendor Teapills | Yang Rong Wan | 3657 |
| Zhi Gan Cao Teapills | Zhi Gan Cao Wan | 3396 |
