Xanthium strumarium pollen

Xanthium strumarium pollen is an allergenic extract derived from the pollen of the Xanthium strumarium plant, commonly known as cocklebur. [1] It is used as a diagnostic agent for allergy testing to identify individuals with hypersensitivity to this specific pollen. [1, 5] The extract is administered via skin prick tests or used in in-vitro IgE blood tests to confirm an allergy. [1, 2] Upon administration to a sensitized individual, the allergenic proteins in the pollen extract bind to IgE antibodies on mast cells, triggering the release of histamine and other mediators, which results in a visible wheal and flare reaction, indicating an allergy. [13] Identified allergenic components include Xan Ib (a 103,000 dalton protein) and Xan VIa (a 17,000 dalton glycoprotein). [3] The product is also used for allergen immunotherapy, where repeated administration of the extract can help the body build tolerance and reduce allergic symptoms over time. [1, 8, 9] Manufacturers like Hollister-Stier Laboratories produce this extract in various concentrations for diagnostic and therapeutic use. [15, 18, 24]

Other names

Cocklebur pollenRough cocklebur pollenCommon cocklebur pollenCocklebur, CommonCocklebur (W13) IgE