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Related Experiment Videos

Echinacea-associated anaphylaxis

R J Mullins1

  • 1John James Medical Centre, Deakin. rmullins@racp.edu.au

The Medical Journal of Australia
|March 21, 1998
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Patients with atopy may experience severe allergic reactions to echinacea, a popular herbal supplement. Caution is advised when using complementary medicines due to potential cross-reactivity and life-threatening risks.

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Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Herbal Medicine Research

Background:

  • Atopy, a predisposition to allergic diseases, affects a significant portion of the population.
  • Echinacea is a widely used herbal supplement for immune support.
  • The potential for allergic reactions to herbal supplements is a growing concern.

Observation:

  • A patient with atopy developed anaphylaxis after consuming a commercial echinacea extract.
  • Skinprick and RAST testing confirmed hypersensitivity to echinacea.
  • A notable percentage of atopic individuals (19-20%) showed echinacea-specific IgE antibodies.

Findings:

  • Regular echinacea use was reported by up to 5% of surveyed atopic patients.
  • The presence of echinacea-binding IgE suggests a risk of allergic sensitization.

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  • Cross-reactivity with similar allergens may lead to severe reactions, even upon initial exposure.

    • Implications:

    • Atopic individuals should be informed about the potential risks associated with echinacea and other complementary medicines.
    • Healthcare providers should inquire about herbal supplement use in atopic patients.
    • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms of echinacea-induced hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity.