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α‐Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones from yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Compositae)
Author(s) -
Hausbn B. M.,
Bheuer J.,
Weglewski J.,
Rucker G.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.1991.tb01722.x
Subject(s) - achillea millefolium , sesquiterpene , asteraceae , allergic contact dermatitis , sensitization , epoxide , biology , traditional medicine , botany , medicine , allergy , immunology , catalysis , biochemistry
Yarrow, Achillea millefolium L., is one of the commonest weeds of the Compositae family. Cases, of allergic contact dermatitis have been described since 1899. Although 10 sesquiterpene lactones (SL) and 3 polyines have previously been identified, the sensitizers of yarrow have escaped detection. A reinvestigation of short ether extracts of yarrow revealed the presence of 5 unsturated hitherto unknown guaianolides of peroxide character. The main SL, identified as a strung sensitizer in guinea pig sensitization experiments, was named α‐peroxyachifolid. The minor SL also contribute marginally to the sensitizing capacity. while other known yarrow constituents like dehydromatricaria ester and pontica epoxide appear to play no role. A 5‐year follow‐up (1985 1990) of Compositae‐sensitive palients showed that more than 50% reacted when tested with a short either extract of yarrow. Exacerbation of the patch test. sites by irradiation, wish UV light was never observed.