Fenugreek Hypersensitivity - Cross-reactivity - Food Allergy
Conditions
Brief summary
Fenugreek or Trigonella foenum greacum is an ancient medicinal plant native to the eastern Mediterranean, later spread to Asia (especially in India); it belongs to Rosaceae order, Leguminosae family, subfamily of Papilonaceae and it is used as a medicinal herb, spice or food. It is a component of spice mix, such as curry, and it is also used as a supplement in wheat and corn flour for bread-making. Fenugreek appears to have many health benefits and potential medicinal properties (antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticarcinogenic, antiulcer, and antilithigenic) both in vitro and in vivo studies; for this reason it may be increasingly being used as nutraceutical formulations (powder, herbal teas, tablets and various combinations).This study aims to describe patients who came to our operating unit for suspected adverse reaction after ingestion of fenugreek and to highlight possible cross-reactivity between fenugreek and other legumes or other foods. Given the increasing use of novel spices in Mediterranean cuisine and the possible spread of fenugreek-based nutraceuticals, it is relevant to draw attention to possible allergic reactions.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTSkin prick test
Fenugreek wiil be tested by mixing fenugreek seed powder with saline at non-irritating doses and it will be performed by prick-by-prick test. The skin tests will be read 20 minutes after the execution.
Sponsors
Paola Miciullo
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
RETROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* age \> 18 yo * history of allergic reactions to spices * history of allergic reactions to phytotherapics containing fenugreek
Exclusion criteria
* age \< 18 yo * non suggestive history of allergic reactions to spices
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cutaneous sensitization to fenugreek | 1 hour | Cutaneous sensitization to fenugreek evaluated by the result of skin prick test in patients with suggestive history of allergic reactions to spices. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cross-reactivity between fenugreek and other legumes and other foods | 1 hour | Cutaneous sensitization to other legumes (lentil, bean, pea, soy, lupine and peanut) and other foods evaluated by the result of skin prick test in patients with suggestive history of allergic reactions to spices. |
Countries
Italy
Outcome results
None listed