Chrysanthemum allergy. Pt. II: Experimental studies on the causative agents

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Allergology
• Plant Chemistry

Background:

• Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common skin reaction.
• Chrysanthemum species are known potential allergens.
• Identifying specific allergens in plants like Chrysanthemum x-morifolium is crucial for diagnosis and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causative agents of allergic contact dermatitis induced by Chrysanthemum x-morifolium.
• To determine the role of specific compounds like pyrethrins and sesquiterpene lactones in chrysanthemum allergy.
• To identify novel allergens present in chrysanthemum flowers.

Main Methods:

• Patch testing on patients with suspected chrysanthemum allergy.
• Sensitization and patch testing on guinea pigs (Pirl Bright White strain).
• Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and chemical reagent tests on chrysanthemum extracts.

Main Results:

• Turpentine oil and its compounds did not elicit reactions in patients with chrysanthemum allergy.
• Pyrethrins, insecticidal constituents, were not implicated in chrysanthemum allergy.
• Parthenolide and alantolactone induced positive reactions in sensitized guinea pigs, with parthenolide being more potent.
• Several unidentified terpenic compounds in chrysanthemum extracts showed positive reactions in both patients and guinea pigs, suggesting they are potential allergens.

Conclusions:

• The study rules out turpentine oil and pyrethrins as causes of chrysanthemum allergy.
• Sesquiterpene lactones like parthenolide are implicated in chrysanthemum allergy.
• Unidentified terpenic compounds in florist's chrysanthemum are likely responsible for allergic contact dermatitis, necessitating further research for identification.