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Allergy to fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum)
S P Patil1, P V Niphadkar, M M Bapat
1Institute of Science, Bombay, India.
Summary
This study identified two severe cases of fenugreek allergy, previously unreported. Allergic reactions included respiratory symptoms and angioedema, highlighting fenugreek as a potential food allergen.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
- Food Science
Background:
- Allergic reactions to spices are common, yet fenugreek allergies are not well-documented.
- Fenugreek seeds are widely used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine.
- A literature review revealed no prior reports of fenugreek allergy.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with severe allergic reactions to fenugreek.
- Reactions occurred via ingestion, inhalation, and topical application of fenugreek powder.
- Symptoms included rhinorrhea, wheezing, fainting, facial angioedema, and numbness.
Findings:
- Skin scratch tests showed high sensitivity to fenugreek and chickpeas.
- Double-blind placebo-controlled challenges confirmed fenugreek allergy in both patients.
- Immunoblots detected specific IgE antibodies binding to fenugreek proteins (20-70 kD bands).
Implications:
- Fenugreek should be recognized as a potential food allergen.
- This expands the known list of food allergens.
- Further research into fenugreek allergy prevalence and mechanisms is warranted.