PLANT ALLERGENS

1. PRESENTED BY: SHYAMJI
TANTUWAY

2. CONTENTS:-
 INTRODUCTION
 DEFINITIONS
 TYPES OF ALLERGENS
 RECEPTORS RESPONCIBLE FOR ALLERGIES
 MECHANISM
 PLANT ALLERGENS
 HERBAL TREATMENT OF ALLERGIES
 REFRENCES

3. INTRODUCTION
 The term ‘natural toxins’ usually refers to
potentially toxic organic compounds of natural
origin, in contrast to mineral poisons and
synthetic drugs. Exposure to natural toxins may
lead to acute as well as long-term symptoms that
affect almost any organ system.
 The diversity in chemical composition of natural
toxins prevents an arrangement according to
chemical structures. Therefore, a biological
classification has been chosen. Substances are
discussed that originate from:
 Bacteria & Fungi
 Vertebrates & Invertebrates
 Higher plants

4. DEFINITIONS
 ALLERGENS:- An allergen is a substance that can
cause an allergic reaction.
 ALLERGY:- All forms of hypersensitivity used to
be classified as allergies, and all were thought to be
caused by an improper activation of the immune
system. Later, it became clear that several different
disease mechanisms were implicated, with the
common link to a disordered activation of the immune
system.

5. TYPES OF ALLERGENS
 Inhalant allergens
 Ingestant allergens
 Ingectant allergens
 Contactant allergens
 Infectant allergens
 Infestant allergens

6. RECEPTORS RESPONCIBLE
FOR ALLERGIES
 Histamin 1 (H1)
 Histamin 2 (H2)
 Histamin 3 (H3)
 Histamin 4 (H4)

7. MECHANISM
ONLY
 Immunoglobulin E (IgE)
Also has an essential role in
type I hypersensitivity reactions.

8. CATHA EDULIS (KHAT)
 Cynodon dactylon
 Family- Celastraceae
 Cathinone
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 Hypertension, constipation

9. LAWSONIA INERMIS (HENNA)
 Family - lythreceae
 Lawsone or hennotennic acid
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 Chronic inflammation reaction

10. RICINUS COMMUNIS (CASTOR)
 Family - Euphorbiaceae
 Recinoleic acid
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 Erythrocyte agglutination,
 haemorrhagic gastrointestinal irritation,
vomiting, profuse watery or bloody purging

11. CYCAS CIRCINALIS (QUEEN SAGO)
FAMILY- Cycadaceae
 Cycasin
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 neurodegenerative disorder

12. CONIUM MACULATUM (HEMLOCK)
 Conium maculatum
FAMILY- Apiaceae
 Coniine
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 Seizures
 respiratory depression

13. PARTHENIUM (GAJAR GHANS OR
CONGRESS WEED)
 Parthenium hysterophoru
 Family- Asteraceae
 Parthenine
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 dermatitis
 respiratory malfunction

14. CALOTROPIS (MADAR OR AAK OR
MILK WEED)
 Calotropis gigantea
 family- Apocynaceae
 Calotoxin
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 used as an arrow poison, cattle poison
 touching the ocular surface may result in
Crownflower keratitis

15. ACKEE (ACHEE OR ACKEE APPLE)
 Blighia sapida
 Family – Sapindaceae
 Hypoglycin
 TYPE OF ALLERGY- vomiting sickness

16. MUGWORT (SEVERAL SPECIES OF
ARTEMISIA
 Artemisia vulgaris
 Family- Asteraceae
 Mugwort pollen
 TYPE OF ALLERGY-
 Hey fever
 Allergic asthma

18. HERBAL TREATMENT OF
ALLERGIES
 Nettle: is a good Anti- Allergy herb. It is a
natural anti-histamine. It reduces the ability
of the body to produce histamine. Histamine is a
chemical produced by the antibodies in the body
to fight against the allergens. Stinging nettle
fights against allergy symptoms like cough,
watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose
 Eucalyptus: It has expectorant properties.
Eucalyptus oil can be applied topically for
clearing chest congestion. Also, it helps in
clearing nasal congestion. Additionally, it loosens
phlegm and also protects from insect bites.

19.  Astragalus: Astralagus Membranaceus is
used to strengthen the body’s immune system. It
is rich in anti-oxidants and protects cells against
damage caused in allergies. It protects and
supports the immune system in preventing colds
and upper respiratory infections. It is also an
anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory
herb.
 Thyme: This is another useful herb
for clearing congestion. Also, it can be used for
treating sinus problems, nasal congestion and
cough.

20.  Ephedra (Ma Huang): It an
active ingredient in many traditional Chinese
medicines used in the treatment of Asthma, hay
fever and common cold. It is a thermogenic and a
stimulant. It expands the bronchial tubes making
breathing easier. Its diaphoretic properties help
to expel exterior pathogens and regulate the
functioning of lungs.
 Eyebright: The tincture and capsules
of Eyebright can be used for reducing hay
fever symptoms.

21.  Chamomile: It as antihistamine,
antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory
properties. This is an excellent remedy for
allergies, particularly for hay fever. As it is an
antihistamine, it counteracts histamine effects
and hence reduces hypersensitivity.
 St. John’s Wort (hypericum) :
St. John’s Wort capsules give
relief from sinus headaches.

22.  Licorice root: This is a wonderful
herb for treating asthma and allergies.
Licorice root has glycyrrhizic acid. It has anti-
inflammatory and anti-allergic properties as
well. Hence, it is very effective in the treatment
of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and hay
fever. As it is a strong expectorant, it can also be
used for treating chest infections and cough.
 Angelica: This is an effective medicine for
hay fever. The active components present in
this herb block antibodies formation which are
produced due to allergic reactions.

23.  Ginger: It is known for its
anti-microbial properties. It inhibits the activities
of clotting agent and platelet-activating factors.
These produce inflammatory reactions. Also, it
prevents excessive secretion of histamine, thus
reduces the symptoms of allergies.
 Garlic: It is a decongestant and
thereby, gives relief from congestion
problems caused by allergies.

24.  Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): is an anti-
inflammatory herb. It also decreases histamines
and leukotrienes. It blocks the action of
histamine released by the body during the
allergic reaction. It treats fever symptoms
effectively.
 Green tea: Green tea reduces
histamine release and thereby, reduces
allergy symptoms.

25. REFRENCES
 Anthony C Moffat et al; Clarke’s Analysis of
drugs and poisons; 2011; 4th
ed. ; 243-252
 Koh Hwee Ling et al; A Guide to medicinal
plants, an illustrated, scientific and medicinal
approach; 2009; 2nd
ed; 216-258
 www.wikipedia.com
 www.drugs.com
