A survey of plants responsible for causing allergic contact dermatitis in the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

a b s t r a c tBackground: An inventory of allergenic plants can enable vulnerable individuals to discover the source of their dermatitis and thus prevent re-exposure. However, because of the relatively little data available in the scientific literature with regard to the adverse effects of plant, the aim of this study was to document the plants responsible for allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the Eastern Cape. Interview questions targeted the local names of plants that cause allergies when in direct contact with the skin. Results: Twenty four plant species in 11 families were reported as causative agents of ACD. The Asteraceae was probably the most important allergenic plant family, represented by commonly used medicinal plants such as Artemisia afra, vegetables such as Lactuca sativa and weeds such as Conyza bonariensis. Sub-acute eczematous lesions of the face and the exposed areas of the upper limbs were characteristic of Asteraceae allergies. Out of the 24 plants mentioned for causing ACD, 67% are principally used as food.Conclusions: A high burden of occupational skin disease in the food industry will definitely translate into large costs in terms of days lost from work and adjustments necessary in the workplace. Therefore, health care practitioners need to be aware of possible occupational causes for all cases of ACD.

Natural resources used as folk cosmeceuticals among rural communities in Vhembe district municipality, Limpopo province, South Africa

“…In the Amathole District, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Citrus limon is utilized for diverse purposes. For instance, it is used to reduce skin itching, for skin nourishment, and the pulp left after extraction of the juice is used for the treatment of pimples and wrinkles and to soften facial skin [48]. Similar uses were also recorded in the current study whereby the participants indicated that Citrus limon is used for moisturising the skin, removing wrinkles, scars and pimples.…”

Edible green infrastructure: An approach and review of provisioning ecosystem services and disservices in urban environments

“…Alexander et al (2006) furthered their research by pointing out highly significant differences in metal content between cultivars of different vegetables. Similarly, some edible species commonly grown in domestic gardens such as Allium sativum L., Mangifera indica L., Anacardium occidentale L., Daucus carota L., Lactuca sativa L. Brassica oleracea L., Carica papaya L., Musa paradisiaca L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck, Capsicum annuum L., Pastinaca sativa L., Solanum tuberosum L., and Solanum lycopersicum L. can cause allergic contact dermatitis to some people (Otang et al, 2015;Paulsen et al, 2014;Tavares et al, 2006).…”

Antimicrobial Properties of Orange (Citrus reticulata var. Kinnow) Peel Extracts against Pathogenic Bacteria

“…The prevalence of antibiotic resistance is a continual problem due to the evolution of a potent defense mechanism against antibiotics. Therefore, it is necessary to exploit and develop novel inhibitory agents against resistant microbial pathogens (Otang and Afolayan, 2015). Plants can produce antimicrobial compounds to protect themselves from biotic attack that could be essential for microbial infection resistance.…”