Amaranthus retroflexus pollen

Amaranthus retroflexus pollen, from the plant commonly known as Redroot Pigweed, is a significant source of airborne allergens that cause respiratory allergies like pollinosis in various regions, including temperate areas of Europe, the USA, and countries like Iran. The pollen contains several allergenic proteins that trigger an IgE-mediated immune response in sensitized individuals. Key identified allergens include Ama r 1 (an Ole e 1-like protein), Ama r 2 (a profilin), and Ama r 3 (a polcalcin). These proteins are responsible for the pollen's allergenic activity and also contribute to cross-reactivity with pollens from other plants in the Amaranthaceae/Chenopodiaceae family, such as Chenopodium album (lamb's quarters) and Salsola kali (Russian thistle). Extracts of Amaranthus retroflexus pollen are used commercially for the diagnosis of allergies through methods like the skin prick test (SPT) and for allergen-specific immunotherapy to desensitize patients.

Other names

Redroot Pigweed pollenPIGWEED POLLENREDROOT AMARANTH POLLENRED-ROOT AMARANTH POLLENROUGH PIGWEED POLLEN