Lactones yarrow

A. millefolium contains sesquiterpene lactones, polyacetylenes, coumarins, and flavonoids. Extracts have often been used in cosmetics in concentrations of 0.5-10%. A. millefolium was weakly genotoxic in Drosophila mela-nogaster. In provocative testing, patients reacted to a mix of Compositae that contained yarrow, as well as to yarrow itself. In clinical use, a formulation containing a 0.1% extract was not a sensitizer and alcoholic extracts of the dried leaves and stalks of the flower were not phototoxic (6). However, positive patch tests to A. millefolium have been reported (7). 

E.3 ContactedlerpfensThc sesquiterpene lactones of the Asteraceae, e.g. chrysanthemums, asters and daisies, are well-known causes of contact allergic dermatitis. Patients with such allergies should avoid (and should be advised to avoid) herbs such as Artemisia (Mugwort), Chamomile, Yarrow (Achillea). Feverfew, Echinacea-inA Arnica because of cross-sensitisation. 

Cases of contact allergy to yarrow have been documented (Davies and Kersey 1986 Guin and Skidmore 1987) and are believed to be caused primarily by the sesquiterpene lactone a-peroxyachifolid (Hausen et al. 1991). 

Hausen, B.M., J. Breuer, J. Weglewski, and G. Rucker. 1991. alpha-Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterf)ene lactones from yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Compositae). Contact Dermat. 24<4) 274-280. 

Contact dermatitis from tansy has been reported and is attributed to sesquiterpene lactone compounds in the plant. Cross-reactivity has been reported between sesquiterpene lactone-containing plants in the Asteraceae family including tansy, dandelion, feverfew, and yarrow (Guin and Skidmore 1987 Hausen 1996 Hausen and Osmundsen 1983 Killoran et al. 2007 Mark et al. 1999 Opdyke 1979 Paulsen et al. 1993,2001). 

During production of essential oils through hydrodistillation, some transformations have been characterized. The most prominent example is the formation of the blue chamazulene in essential oils from German chamomile or yarrow (Fig. 96.15). The starting compound in the plant is the nonvolatile sesquiterpene lactone matricin that is converted to chamazulene carboxylic acid which in turn is decarboxylated to chamazulene [43]. 

---