title: alpha-Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones from yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., Compositae).
abstract: 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 unsaturated hitherto unknown guaianolides of peroxide character. The main SL, identified as a strong sensitizer in guinea pig sensitization experiments, was named alpha-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 patients showed that more than 50% reacted when tested with a short ether extract of yarrow. Exacerbation of the patch test sites by irradiation with UV light was never observed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Hamburg, FRG.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Hausen
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Breuer
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weglewski
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rücker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007783:Lactones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D010328:Patch Tests; D010545:Peroxides; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000276:immunology*; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D007783:Lactones; D010545:Peroxides; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; C070257:alpha-peroxyachifolid