Chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums belong to the composite family and are among the most popular ornamental plants in the trade (especially as an autumn flower). A medicinal use is not common in Germany. In Japan the young chrysanthemum plants are eaten as a salad.

Originally from East China and Japan. Introduced to Europe about 200 years ago and since then cultivated all over the world as an ornamental plant.

Of the at least five sesquiterpenlactones detected in chrysanthemums, only arteglasin A has been identified as a clear allergen. Other potential sensitizers are: chlorochrymorin, the yeyuhua lactone, which has only been partially identified structurally, Angeloylcumambrin B and Angeloylajadin. In our own chemical investigations, three more STL could be detected, but their identification has not been pursued further so far. Sensitizing potential: Strong. Sensitization frequency: High. Chrysanthemum allergy is one of the most common occupational diseases caused by ornamental plants in Germany. Particularly in northern Germany, a centre for chrysanthemum breeding, up to 30% of the people involved in cultivation and sales fall ill. Cross-reactions have not only been repeatedly confirmed experimentally, but have also been frequently observed in chrysanthemum allergy sufferers. The most important cross-reacting species include aster, yarrow, golden fern, feverfew, arnica and sunflower. Cross-reactions to other species from another plant family, such as Frullania or Laurel, confirm the chemical relationship of the allergy-inducing sesquiterpene lactone ingredients.

The preferred areas of the body of affected gardeners and florists are the hands, forearms, face and V-neck. In quite a few cases, the profession and thus occasionally the own business has to be given up, since an allergy to chrysanthemums includes a specific hypersensitivity to almost all other composites due to cross reactivities.