| Abstrakt: |
Asteraceae is the largest family of flowering plants and a major source of plant biomass. It holds a highly significant position among other economically important plant families owing to its applications in the fields of medicine, horticulture, bioenergy, nanotechnology, bioremediation, etc. Phytochemicals from many species of Asteraceae possess antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, anticancer, prebiotic, and diuretic properties, and are exploited for human healthcare products. However, some are known to elicit allergic responses due to pollen grains responsible for nearly 30% of allergy burden worldwide in humans. These pollen allergens are responsible for causing seasonal hypersensitivity leading to cutaneous irritation and inflammatory responses in humans either by their indirect consumption or direct contact with pollen grains. The biochemical components of these pollen allergens are generally secondary plant metabolites and among them, defensin-like proteins linked to polyproline-rich regions, non-specific lipid transfer proteins, profilins, polcalcins, and pathogenesis-related protein 1, are reported to be predominant. They majorly induce type I Immunoglobulin E-mediated immune response resulting in various conditions like itching, rashes, contact dermatitis, angioedema, etc. These immune responses vary among individuals and some prophylactic reactions can be fatal. In this study, we have compiled a detailed account of the morphological and biochemical characteristics of pollen from this family. This is the first comprehensive study that will provide a thorough understanding of allergens from 22 plant species of Asteraceae belonging to 8 genera namely, Ageratum, Ambrosia, Artemisia, Helianthus, Iva, Parthenium, Xanthium, and Zinnia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
Full text from SpringerLink