Allergenic sesquiterpene lactones from cushion bush (Leucophyta brownii Cass.): new and old sensitizers in a shrub‐turned‐a‐pot plant. (14th February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paulsen, Evy; Hyldgaard, Mette G.; Andersen, Klaus E.; Andersen, Flemming; Christensen, Lars P.
• Is Part Of: Contact dermatitis. Volume 76:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 280
• Page End: 286
• Publication Date: 2017-02-14
• Subjects: Asteraceae -- calocephalin -- Compositae -- cushion bush: Leucophyta brownii -- leucophytalin A -- pseudoivalin -- tomentosin; Contact dermatitis -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12757
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-1873

Abstract

Summary: Background: The Australian cushion bush ( Leucophyta brownii ) of the Compositae family of plants has become a popular pot and container plant. The plant produces the sesquiterpene lactone allergen calocephalin. Objectives: To assess the sensitizing potential of sesquiterpene lactones from cushion bush. Patients/Materials/Methods: Eleven Compositae‐sensitive patients were patch tested with seven sesquiterpene lactones isolated from cushion bush. Results: Six of seven sesquiterpene lactones elicited positive reactions in 4 of 11 patients. Conclusions: The well‐known sesquiterpene lactone pseudoivalin and its derivative pseudoivalin acetate, as well as calocephalin and tomentosin, were confirmed to be sensitizers, whereas leucophytalin A and 4α‐hydroxy‐5αH, 10αH‐1, 11(13)‐guaidien‐8β, 12‐olide were shown to be allergenic for the first time. The patch test reaction patterns seem to follow the chemical patterns, which may eventually make it possible to trace primary sensitizers and advise patients more precisely.