Phytodermatitis: A Brief Review of Human Skin Reactions Caused by the Kingdom Plantae

Abstract

Many organisms of the kingdom Plantae may cause skin reactions when contacted or ingested. Those involved in work and recreation in the great outdoors as well as gardeners and other plant enthusiasts are well aware of this. While Toxicodendron dermatitis from poison ivy, oak, and sumac is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the United States, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous other species of plants are also known causes of ACD, producing a multitude of molecular culprits. Reactions, however, are not limited to type 4 hypersensitivities. Irritant contact dermatitis, phytophotodermatitis or lime disease, and urticarial rashes also occur when certain species come in contact with skin. Furthermore, ingestion of certain plant species may cause rare toxidrome skin eruptions. This paper reviews all of these major known types of phytodermatitis.

Evaluation of Acute Dermal Toxicity of Hibiscus Leaves as Simplicial Ointment on Albino Rats

“…Simplicial ointment which is based on vaseline album is an epidermal ointment that after being applied topically to the skin will not be absorbed and only produces local effects and is intended to protect the skin (Djarami, 2022). The saponin contained in the preparation can trigger irritation of mucous membranes such as skin at certain levels because of its nature as an irritant (Brandenburg, 2018;Janjic, 2021). Laras et al (2014), also declared that the saponin contained in the mangosteen rind extract is capable of causing irritation to the skin due to the activity of saponin as a surfactant, however, the results of their research show an irritation index of 0 which is thought to be caused by the concentration of the saponin contained being still in the tolerable range.…”

“…Toxicity testing is important to carry out because it will be used to consider determining dosage, administration time, and application as well as to determine the efficacy, safety, and potential toxicity of a drug (Merdana et al, 2020a;Sasmito et al, 2015). Basically, saponins and alkaloids are two active compounds contained in hibiscus that can trigger skin irritation (Brandenburg, 2018;Janjic, 2021).…”