Sesquiterpene dermatitis

Effects of Sesquiterpene Lactones on Seed Germination. Sesquiterpene lactones are common constituents of the Asteraceae but are also found in other angiosperm families and in certain liverworts (31,32). These highly bitter substances exhibit a wide spectrum of biological activities (J 3) which include cytotoxicity, anti-tumor, anti-microbial, insecticidal (34) and molluscicidal (35) properties. Furthermore, they are known causes for livestock poisoning and contact dermatitis in humans (33). Structure-activity relationship studies on sesquiterpene lactones have demonstrated that biological activity frequently depend on the presence of the cr... 

In contrast, nothing is known about B megapotamica and its relationship with other plants in its habitat. However, both P. hysterophorus and B megapotamica pose a serious hazard to animals who ingest these plants. P. hysterophorus has been implicated in allergic contact dermatitis common in many parts of India (11,12), and, as we shall see, B megapotamica contains a series of sesquiterpenes which are probably the most potent skin irritants known. 

N.A. Butylphthalide, cadinene, carvacrol, n-dodecanol, isosafrole, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, safrole, sesquiterpene, sesquiterpenic alcohol, n-tetradecanol.100 Immunosuppressive activity, treat hay fever, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Analgesic, deobstruent, emmenagogue, sedative. 

As Tanacetum parthenium is rich in allergenic sesquiterpene lactones, such as parthenolide, it is not surprising that contact dermatitis has been observed (SEDA-11, 426). The most common adverse effect of oral feverfew is mouth ulceration. A more widespread inflammation of the oral mucosa and tongue, swelhng of the lips, and loss of taste have also been reported. 

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. 

Paulsen, E., K.E. Andersen, and B.M. Hausen. 1993. Comp>ositae dermatitis in a Danish dermatology department in one year. I. Results of routine patch testing with the sesquiterpene lactone mix sujjplemented with aimed patch testing with extracts and sesquiterpene lactones of Compositae plants. Cemtact Dermat. 29(1) 6-10. 

SpettoU, E., S. SUvani, P. Lucente, L. Guerra, and C. Vincenzi. 1998. Contact dermatitis caused by sesquiterpene lactones. Am.. Contact Dermat. 9(l) 49-50. 

Ross, J.S., H. Du Peloux Menage, J.L.M. Hawk, and I.R. White. 1993. Sesquiterpene lactone contact sensitivity Clinical patterns of Compxjsitae dermatitis and relationship to chronic actinic dermatitis. Contact Dermat. 29(2) 84-87. 

Sensitization testing in guinea pigs indicated that blessed thistle is a relatively strong sensitizer. In this testing, crossreactivity to "a considerable number" of other plants in the Asteraceae family was observed (Zeller et al. 1985). Blessed thistle contains the compound cnicin, a sesquiterpene lactone. Such compounds are responsible for allergic contact dermatitis associated with a number of species of the Asteraceae family (Gordon 1999). 

Boneset contains sesquiterpene lactones, compounds that may cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals (Herz et al. 1977 Warshaw and Zug 1996). 

An erythema-multiforme-like eruption following allergic contact dermatitis was reported after contact with elecampane, with the effects attributed to sesquiterpene lactone compounds (Mateo et al. 1995). 

Alanso Blasi, N., R. Fraginals, J.P. Lepoittevin, and C. Benezra. 1992. A murine in vitro model of allergic contact dermatitis to sesquiterpene alpha-methylene gamma-butyrolactones. Arch. Dermatol. Res. 284 297-302. 

Mateo, M.P.G., M. Velasco, RJ. Miquel, and J. De La Cuadra. 1995. Erythema-multiforme-like eruption following allergic contact dermatitis from sesquiterpene lactones in herbal medicine. Contact Dermat. 33(6) 449-450. 

Stampf, J.L., C. Benezra, G. Klecak, et aL 1982. The sensitizing capacity of helenin and of 2 of its main constituents, the sesquiterpene lactones alantolactone and iso-alantolactone A comparison of epicutaneous and intradermal sensitizing methods in different strains of guinea-pig. Contact Dermat. 8(l) 16-24. 

Costus essential oil is used in perfumery and has been responsible for a number of cases of contact dermatitis (Cheminat et al. 1981). Sesquiterpene lactone compounds are believed to be responsible for the reaction (Cheminat et al. 1981 Pandey et al. 2007 Robinson et al. 2008 Sun et al. 2003). 

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). 

Contact dermatitis from fresh dandelion leaf has been reported and confirmed by patch testing. These reactions are generally attributed to the sesquiterpene lactone compounds in dandelion (Guin and Skidmore 1987 Hausen 1982 Ingber 2000 Jovanovic et al. 2003 Mark et al. 1999 Paulsen et al. 2008 Wakelin et al. 1997). 

Paulsen, E., A. Otkjaer, and K.E. Andersen. 2008. Sesquiterpene lactone dermatitis in the young Is atopy a risk factor Contact Dermat. 59(l) l-6. 

Ci5H g04, Mr 262.31, cryst., mp, 168 °C, [ajp -102° (acetone), soluble in alcohol, chloroform, poorly soluble in water. A toxic sesquiterpene lactone that induces sneezing from Helenium and Arnica species such as, e.g., Helenium autumnale and Arnica mon-tana [LD50 (mouse p.o.) 150 mg/kg]. After intoxication, the symptoms are nasal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, vertigo, palpitation, respiratory impairment, and finally collapse with a weak, very rapid pulse. In the past deaths have been reported after consumption of Arnica preparations. Contact with the skin leads to dermatitis. 

Menage H du P, Ross JS, Norris PG, Hawk JLM, White IR (1995) Contact and photocontact sensitization in chronic actinic dermatitis sesquiterpene lactone mix is an important allergen. Br J Dermatol 132 543-547... 

Contact dermatitis to plants can mimic almost any other form of contact dermatitis, but in the United States most cases are easily recognized because poison ivy and its relatives are the leading cause of plant dermatitis. With experience, one can perhaps at least suspect the cause in those eruptions caused by the Compositae and other plants containing sesquiterpene lactones. Eruptions from sesquiterpene lactones are reported in woodcutters in the Pacific Northwest [4], in farmers in most of the United States [5], and in retail [6] and wholesale [7] florists and flower sellers [3]. 

Atopic eczema-like unlike atopic eczema, onset is in later life, the rash is better in winter and the feet are likely to be spared Hand eczema may be picked up on routine patch-test screening with sesquiterpene-lactone mix Exfoliative erythroderma often appears later and mimics a photoallergic dermatitis (persistent light reaction) or actinic reticuloid Localized pattern... 

Guin JD (1989) Sesquiterpene-lactone dermatitis. Immunol Allergol Clin N Am 9 447-461... 

Ducombs G, Benezra C, Talaga P, et al. (1990) Patch testing with the sesquiterpene lactone mix a marker for contact allergy to Compositae and other sesquiterpene-lactone-containing plants. Contact Dermatitis 22 249-252... 

Rodrigues E, Dillon MO, Mabry TJ, et al. (1976) Dermatologically active sesquiterpene lactones in trichomes of Parthenium hysterophorus L. Experientia 32 236-238 Shelmire B (1940) Contact dermatitis from vegetation. South Med J 33 337-346... 

Paulsen E, Andersen KE, Carlsen L, Egsgaard H (1993) Carvone an overlooked contact allergen cross-reacting with sesquiterpene lactones Contact Dermatitis 29 138-143 Green C, Ferguson J (1994) Sesquiterpene lactone mix is not an adequate screen for Compositae dlergy. Contact Dermatitis 31 151-153 Reference deleted in press... 

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