Pyrethrum

Mixture of secondary plant substances obtained from dried chrysanthemum flowers, among other things. The pyrethrins contained in pyrethrum have an insecticidal effect.

see also pyrethrins. Used in human medicine against head lice, crabs, clothes lice and itch mites or as an anthelmintic. Pyrethrum extracts were formerly used to kill insects (today mostly synthetically or in combination with crude extract from flower heads).

Pyrethrosine is the main allergen of pyrethrum flowers. Sensitizing potency: Strong. Frequency of sensitization: Rare today. Until the middle of the 20th century, pyrethrum dermatitis was a well-known, not uncommon skin disease (trigger: sesquiterpene lactones). Cross-reactivity exists with all composites and laurel due to the sesquiterpene lactone ingredients. Asthma (pyrethrum asthma) has been observed in workers exposed to pyrethrum.

1. Hadis M et al (2003) Field trials on the repellent activity of four plant products against mainly Mansonia population in western Ethiopia. Phytother Res 17: 202-205
2. Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed Publishing House Landsberg/Munich 229-231
3. Haustein UF (1991) Pyrethrin and pyrethroid (permethrin) in the treatment of scabies and pediculosis. dermatologist 42: 9-15