A main pungent amide, spilanthol (I), and three alkamides, (2E)-N-(2-methylbutyl)-2-undecene-8,IOdiynamide (2), (2E, 7 Z)-N-isobutyl-2, 7 -tridecadiene-I 0, 12-diynamide (3), and (7 Z)-N-isobutyl-7 -tridecene-10,12-diynamide (4) were isolated from the flower heads of Spi/anthes acme/fa L. var. o/eracea Clarke. Their structures were established by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 2 and 4 were new and 3 was found for the first time in Spilanthes species. Chemotaxonomic aspects are discussed.Spilanthes acmella L. var. oleracea Clarke is an annual herb belonging to the family eompositae, the tribe Heliantheae, and the subtribe Ecliptinae. As the flower head is yellow, this variety is distinguishable from Spilanthes acmella L., having violet flowers. The flowers and leaves of these species have a pungent taste accompanied by tingling and numbness, and have been used as a spice for appetizers and as folk medicine for stammering, toothache, stomatitis, and throat complaints.1} The flower heads extract was used as a flavoring material for dentifrices and gum. 2 ) The active major constituent is spilanthol,3) which was obtained first from Spilanthes oleracea Jacq.4) Its structure was identical with that of affinin, which was isolated from Heliopsis longipes, (previously incorrectly identified as Erigeron affinis) as an insecticidal constituent. 5 -7) In phytochemical investigations of the genus Spilanthes, Acmella ciliata, one of the closely related species to Spilanthes, was found to contain 20 amides,8,9) but only a few papers have reported on the constituents of S.

These results indicated that in the present case, the relevant allergen of late-onset anaphylaxis may have been PGA in all episodes and that the patient had been sensitized by PGA through natto ingestion. PGA is produced by Bacillus subtilis during fermentation and is a high-molecular, biodegradable polymer. The late onset is therefore, hypothesized to be due to a delayed absorption of PGA, as PGA biodegrades to peptides sufficiently small to be absorbed in the bowel. PGA has recently been applied to a wide range of fields such as foods, cosmetics, and medicine. Therefore, patients with late-onset anaphylaxis to PGA of natto should avoid not only natto but also other materials containing PGA.

of desmoglein, decreased local immuno-tolerance (reduced activity of T-suppressor lymphocytes) or release of antibodies via tumoral neo-antigens.

Epicutaneous sensitization of foods could induce food allergy under occupational cooking and skin-care treatment with foods in adults.

No abstract