Allergic contact dermatitis to garlic (Allium sativum L.) identification of the allergens: The role of mono-, di-, and trisulfides present in garlic

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) water- and ethanol-soluble extracts were prepared and purified by column chromatography. They were tested on garlic-sensitive patients and showed that the allergenic fraction was well located in a few column chromatography fractions. Guinea-pigs were sensitized with garlic water-soluble extracts and tested (open epicutaneous tests) with several fractions. The presence of diallyldisulfide was detected in the sensitizing chromatographic fractions. Guinea-pigs were successfully sensitized to this product and cross-reacted to garlic; animals sensitized to garlic extracts cross-reacted to diallyldisulfide. Both groups reacted to allicin, an oxidized derivative of diallyldisulfide present in garlic. Garlic-sensitive patients showed positive tests to diallyldisulfide, allylpropyldisulfide, allylmercaptan and allicin.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Adverse effects and drug interactions in humans

“…The allergenic potential of garlic is well recognized, and allergens have been identified as diallyl disulfide (which is considered to be the primary allergen), allylpropyl sulfide and allicin (the latter may be an irritant) [7,29]. Garlic also contains a not-yet identified high molecular-weight protein that presumably leads to systemic allergic reactions [13].…”

Evaluation of a garlic paste production process.

“…Some people who are allergic or sensitive to garlic have had reactions to diallyl disulfide, allyl propyl disulfide, 2-propenethiol, and allicin compounds that are present in crushed garlic [Papageorgiou et al 1983;Hubbard and Goldsmith 2005].…”

“…Extracts from crushed garlic, diallyl disulfide in particular, can cause sensitization and contact dermatitis among those already sensitized [Papageorgiou et al 1983]. At the time of our visits, employees wore gloves to protect their skin from dermal contact with the garlic.…”

“…In one study, allyl propyl disulfide was found to be non-genotoxic using a bacterial model [Zeiger et al 1988]. ACGIH considers allyl propyl disulfide to cause dermal sensitization on the basis of an animal model study where diallyl disulfide caused contact dermatitis and human reports of dermatitis following skin contact with garlic [Feiner et al 1946;Papageorgiou et al 1983]. On the basis of structural similarities, diallyl disulfide may be expected to elicit similar health effects as allyl propyl disulfide.…”

Plants and Plant Products

“…10 [84]. Diallyldisulfide, allylpropyldisulfide, and allicin have been identified as the principal low molecular weight allergens of garlic [85]. Commercial diallyldisulfide seems to be a suitable preparation for the investigation of garlic dermatitis, although 1% pet.…”