Echinacea-associated anaphylaxis

Med J Aust. 1998 Feb 16;168(4):170-1. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.1998.tb126773.x.

Abstract

A woman with atopy experienced anaphylaxis after taking, among other dietary supplements, a commercial extract of echinacea. Hypersensitivity was confirmed by skinprick and RAST testing. Regular ingestion of echinacea by up to 5% of surveyed patients with atopy, combined with detection of echinacea-binding IgE in atopic subjects (19% by skin testing; 20% with moderate to strong reactivity by RAST testing), raises the possibility of severe allergic reactions, even with first-time use, due to cross-reactivity with other structurally similar allergens. Patients with atopy should be cautioned about the risk of developing life-threatening reactions to complementary medicines, including echinacea.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / etiology*
  • Anaphylaxis / immunology
  • Complementary Therapies
  • Cross Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / complications
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Plant Extracts / adverse effects
  • Plants, Medicinal / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts