Natural allergens - Definition , classification, drugs

Useful for pharmacy students

1. “Natural allergens, Photosensitizing agents and Fungal toxin” Dr. U.Srinivasa , Professor and Head Dept of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmaceuticals . Srinivas college of Pharmacy, Mangalore Email –[email protected]

2. Introduction Allergens are inciting agents of allergy i.e. The substances capable of sensitizing the body in such a way that an unusual response occurs , in hypersensitive person. It may be of biologic , chemical , or of synthetic origin. The substance such as pollens, dander's, dust etc. as natural allergens. Allergens are protein or glycoprotein . 2 Natural allergens

3. Allergenic extracts Theses are the substances used for diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases and are concentrated solutions or suspensions of allergens 3

4. TYPES OF ALLERGENS 4

5. I. Inhalant allergens Inhalant allergens are air borne substances as chemicals, causing respiratory disease, inflammation in nose and lungs. Inhalant allergies caused by environmental factors such as pollen, pets, house dust, mites and moulds . . Inflammation in nose & lungs may cause Hay fever and Asthma. 5

6. Symptoms Sneezing Lacrimation Coughing and post nasal drip Itching eyes, nose and throat. Allergic shiner Allergic salute Watering eyes, conjunctivitis. 6 Dust mites cynodon dactylon

7. II. Ingestant allergens Allergens which are present in food stuff and swallowed are termed ingestant (food allergy). A food allergy is an immune system response to a food. When foods are digested and the nutrients are absorbed, substances in the food (ingestant allergens) stimulate allergic response. These reactions cause a number of allergic symptoms. Some most common food allergens ingested by patients are milk, egg, peanut, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, orange juice, cod liver oils, etc. 7

8. Symptoms Food allergens ordinarily cause GIT symptoms, but they may also cause Skin rash Puffed lips and tongue Migraine Rhinitis Bronchial asthma Severe cases of eczema of hands. 8 Food allergens

9. III. Injectant allergens The injectants ( injectable preparations and insects ) cause allergy in hypersensitive person, allergic conditions is known injectants allergy. Symptoms Itching of the palms of hands and soles of feet Erythema Peeling of skin 9

10. The natural sources of injectable allergens are produced by the sting of bees, hornets and wasps . In addition to penicillin products, other injectable that may cause allergies are liver extract, antitoxins and the glandular products. 10 Sting of bees

11. IV. Co ntactant allergens "Any allergens they produce manifestation of hypersensitivity at the site of skin or other mucous". Aeroallergens , such as the various pollen grains containing oils, trichomes from various leaves, flowers and small fragments of plants tissue carried by smoke originating from brush fires, grass fires and burning leaves are also cause for contact allergens . 11

12. fig. Parthenium hysterophorus A Number of plants products used as additives in cosmetics and perfumes are irritants and cause skin allergy to some hypersensitive individuals. Wool fat in cosmetics, soap and soap powders, plain detergents and enzyme detergents, nail polishes, hair dye and hair spray are also included among the major cause of contact dermatitis. 12

13. V. Infectant allergens Allergy caused by the metabolic product of living micro-organism in the human body. The continual presence of certain types of bacteria, protozoa's, molds, helminths and other parasites in the body of human being are responsible for chronic infection . In such patient bacterial metabolic waste are considered to be infectant allergens . 13

14. Photosensitizing Agents Photosensitivity may be defined as the hyper sensitivity to sun light caused by the presence of photodynamic or photosensitizer substances in the body. The agents which causes photosensitivity are photosensitizing agents. 14

15. Photosensitizing reaction The photosensitizing agent has property to fluorescence on exposure to visible light it absorbs a quantum of energy and the molecule becomes activated . This energy is transferred to other molecules such as amino acids, histamine, tryptophan and tyrosine, which in turn become activated; subsequently decompose or undergo further chemical reactions. 15

16. Photosensitizing reactions 16

17. Photoallergy is an allergic reaction of the skin to UV light. Photophobia is a fear or strong desire to avoid all light sources based on a painful sensitivity of the eyes to strong light. Phototoxicity is an irritation of the skin after exposure to UV light. Immediate reactions may include itching, burning, swelling, and rashes. 17

18. Classification of photosensitizer Photosensitizer can be divided into two main groups; 18

19. Photodynamic Photosensitizer Photodynamic agents require oxygen for their action. This group include photodynamic dyes, hypericin, phagoprin, bengal rose, erythrosine, quinine. These substances photo-oxidize terpenene , blood serum and cause haemolysis. They are topically inactive but on intra-dermal injection causes immediate photoreaction of short duration. The decrease in temperature of irradiation inhibits the photosensitization effect. 19

20. Photosensitizing photosensitizer It do not require oxygen for reaction. These are polylines ( Acetylenes, thiophenes and related compounds ) furanocoumarins, and their derivatives. These compound neither cause photo-oxidation of terpenene or haemolysis. Temperature of irradiation has no effect on photosensitization activity of these compounds. Photosensitizer combined with ultraviolet light may also contribute to other health problems, including skin cancer, photoaging and allergic reactions. 20

21. Photosenseitizing therapy Use in treatment of vitiligo disease, in which melanin formation is deficient. E xtract of Ammi majus L or juice of the fruits of Psoralea corylifolia , that have long been used in treatment of vitiligo. Extract is either given orally or painted on the unpigmented spot of the patient. The patient is then exposed to sunlight for 1-2 hrs. Development of a strong brown color after 2 days. The joint action of medicine and irradiation, is called photochemotherapy. 21

22. Photodynamic Theraphy Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is based on the discovery that certain chemicals can kill one celled in the presence of light. PDT is as a bio-component therapy method. PDT method for treatment of tumor diseases using original domestic photosensitizing agents. Selectivity of PDT effect on malignant tissues is ensured primarily through accumulation of photosensitizing agents and pro-sensitizer in tumor tissues due to more intensive blood supply of tumors. 22

23. FUNGAL TOXINS The toxic substances produced by fungi are called as fungal toxins. Fungal toxins are one of secondary metabolites which have harmful effects on human and other animals. 23

24. Health effects of fungal toxins 1. Potent carcinogen 2. Immunosuppressive 3. Acute renal failure 24

25. Introduction Mycotoxin are chemicals produced by fungi, molds under certain conditions. They are essential for fungal growth and reproduction and toxic to human and animals. More than 250 toxins Disease caused by mycotoxins are called mycotoxicosis . Disease caused by mold infection are called mycosis . 25

26. Aflatoxin Aflatoxin is produced by Aspergillus parasiticus and A . flavus . There are 5 important aflatoxins called aflatoxin B1,B2,G1,G2 and M. Aflatoxins are extremely toxic and their target organ is liver. Aflatoxin B1 is three times more toxic than G1 and is the most potent naturally occurring Liver carcinogen. Aflatoxin exposure depresses the immune system and may cause abortion. 26

27. Sterigmatocystin It is produced by certain species of Aspergillus versicolor . The toxic effects of sterigmatocystin are much the same as those of aflatoxin B1 . It is thus considered as a potent Liver carcinogen, Toxic effects of sterigmatocystin-fed laboratory animals have included kidney and liver damage and diarrhoea . 27

28. Ergotoxin Ergot or ergot fungi refers to a group of fungi of the genus Claviceps . The most prominent member of this group is Claviceps purpurea . This fungus grows on rye and related plants, and produces alkaloids that can cause ergotismin humans and other mammals. The neurotropic activities of the ergot alkaloids may also cause hallucinations. Ergot cause CNS and peripheral disorders. It cause tangerine and abortion in pregnant females. 28

29. Ochratoxin It is produced by Aspergillus ochraceus and even by penicilium viridicatum . Ochratoxin A has been associated the disease known balkan nephropathy. ( kidney damage that slowly progresses over 10 to 20 years to kidney failure .) Ochratoxin formation is favoured by cold temperature below 50º F and has been found on cheese cake. The target organ seems to be kidney followed by liver. Ochratoxin B is non-toxic. 29

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