Contact sensitization from Compositae‐containing herbal remedies and cosmetics

Abstract

The Compositae (Asteraceae) family of plants is currently an important cause of allergic plant contact dermatitis in Europe. The family comprises some of the oldest and most valued medicinal plants, and the increasing popularity of herbal medicine and cosmetics may theoretically result in a growing number of Compositae sensitizations from these sources. According to the literature at least 15 species, including among others arnica (Arnica montana), German and Roman chamomile (Chamomilla recutita and Chamaemelum nobile), marigold (Calendula officinalis), Echinacea and elecampane (Inula helenium), have been suspected of sensitization or elicitation of Compositae dermatitis. Epidemiological data are available for 2 species only, arnica and German chamomile, the rest of the evidence being anecdotal. Based on this, sensitization seems to occur relatively frequently with a few species such as arnica and elecampane, and occurs rarely with the majority, especially the widely used German chamomile. Sesquiterpene lactones are the most important allergens, but there are a few cases of sensitization from a coumarin, a sesquiterpene alcohol and a thiophene. The risk of elicitation of dermatitis by using Compositae-containing products in Compositae-sensitive individuals is by-and-large unknown.

A review of the pharmacological effects of Arctium lappa (burdock)

“…Another reported case was a massage liniment containing burdock extracts had caused contact dermatitis (Paulsen, 2002). There was also case of development of anaphylaxis due to burdock consumption.…”

Efeito genotóxico e antiproliferativo de Mikania cordifolia (L. F.) Willd. (Asteraceae) sobre o ciclo celular de Allium cepa L.

“…Segundo Paulsen (2002), a família Asteraceae compreende uma das mais antigas e valorizadas famílias de plantas medicinais, apesar de diferentes gêneros apresentarem compostos tóxicos como ácidos tanínicos, hidrociânicos, fórmicos e málicos, rutina e furfural (Duke, 2000). No gênero Mikania relata-se a presença de taninos, saponinas, óleo essencial contendo diterpenos e sesquiterpenos (Silva Júnior et al, 1994;Martins et al, 1998), além de cumarina, ácidos hidroxicinâmico e metilcaurenóico (Fierro et al, 1999;Taleb-Contini et al, 2006), e também ácidos caurenóico e cinamoilgrandiflórico (Davino et al, 1989;Pedroso et al, 2008).…”

Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico

“…It has been observed that orally chamomile tea can cause allergic reactions including severe hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis in sensitive individuals (Paulsen, 2002). Chamomile tea can also cause an allergic conjunctivitis.…”

“…Trace constituents include alphapinene, sabinene, terpinolene, ocimene, gamma-terpinene, fenchene, alpha-and beta-thujone, citronellol, and other compounds. Nair B, 2001;Inoue et al, 2002 Allergic reactions and conjunctivitis (Paulsen, 2002;De Smet, 2002) Warfarin Citochrome P450 (Segal and Pilote, 2006) Nettle Osteoarthritis. BPH Allergic rhinitis (hayfever) (Mittman, 1990;Lopatkin et al, 2005) Uterine-stimulant effects, it can induce abortion (Heinrich, 2003;Gagnier et al, 2006) None reported…”