The allergenicity of ornamental plants in the Asteraceae family

Abstract

This paper aims to synthesise data regarding the allergenic potential of ornamental plants from the Asteraceae family, both from spontaneous and cultivated flora in Romania. The groups of allergenic substances, their presence in plants and the factors influencing them were analysed. Methods used were: bibliographical study, analysis and synthesis of data. The information was provided by national and international scientific literature from various fields (botany, plant physiology, phytochemistry, floriculture, dermatology, public health). Ornamental plants from the Asteraceae family can contain allergenic substances. These compounds present variability depending on the species, soil, climate or part of the plant. The most important allergens belong to the sesquiterpene lactones. The risk to health imposes health and safety regulations, the need to inform the general population and the evaluation of natural remedies and cosmetic products from plants from an allergenic perspective.