Nettle Allergy: a Review and Clinical Perspective

The objectives of this article are to review the available literature regarding the geographic distribution of nettle, allergen(s) involved, cross-reactivity, role in allergic rhinitis, immunotherapy efficacy, and provide a clinical perspective on the evaluation and treatment of nettle sensitized patients.Recent findingsStinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a bi-annual pollinator with worldwide distribution and wide use in homeopathy. Limited data suggest that nettle pollen allergens may be considered clinically relevant and that nettle pollen allergy may be underestimated. More recent allergomic analysis of nettle pollen has revealed protein allergens including an osmotin and a pectin esterase which may implicate cross-reactivity with other pollens and foods. One study describes in vivo nettle immunotherapy.SummaryOverall, there is a paucity of medical literature evaluating the role of nettle in allergic rhinitis with even fewer studies assessing the clinical efficacy of nettle immunotherapy. Cross-reactivity patterns with other pollens and foods remains to be fully elucidated. Given the immense medical and economic impact of allergic rhinitis and the worldwide distribution of nettle, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the possible contribution of nettle allergy and efficacy of nettle immunotherapy.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research