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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1991

Serum reactivity to other indoor ficus plants in patients with allergy to weeping fig (Ficus benjamina).

Ornamental plants have long been used for indoor decoration. An example is the india rubber tree (Ficus elastica). With the increased popularity of green plants, both in private homes and public premises, small-leaf species, such as weeping fig or Ficus benjamina (Fb), have become widely used. Exposure to dust from Fb may cause sensitization and allergic airway symptoms, which among occupationally exposed plant keepers occur both in atopics and non-atopics. The serum reactivity to sap extracts from Fb and seven other indoor plants of the genus Ficus were investigated with RAST and a RAST inhibition technique, using sera from 12 atopic subjects and 12 plant keepers, sensitized to Fb. The allergenic similarity between the different extracts was found to be extensive. The specific IgE antibodies with the highest concentrations in serum were those against Fb and its variegate form, "star light", with decreasing values for the other species, especially those with larger leaves. The binding of IgE antibodies to the other Ficus RAST discs could be completely inhibited by extract of Fb. These reactions were probably due to cross-reactivity. Sensitization is believed to occur by inhalation of allergen-enriched dust, emanating from the leaves of the plants. The high allergenic potency of the species with many small leaves may be due to their large total leaf area.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

The micromorphology and protein characterization of rubber particles in Ficus carica, Ficus benghalensis and Hevea brasiliensis.

Rubber biosynthesis takes place on the surface of rubber particles. These particles are surrounded by a monolayer membrane in which the rubber transferase is anchored. In order to gain better insight into whether rubber particles from different plant species share common structural characteristics, the micromorphology of rubber particles from Ficus carica, Ficus benghalensis, and Hevea brasiliensis was examined by electron microscopy. Rubber particles of all three species were spherical in shape, and the size of rubber particles of H. brasiliensis was much smaller than those of F. carica and F. benghalensis. In addition, investigations were undertaken to compare the cross-reactivity of the antibody raised against either the H. brasiliensis small rubber particle protein (SRPP) which is suggested to be involved in rubber biosynthesis, or the cis-prenyltransferase (CPT) which has an activity similar to rubber transferase. Both western analysis and TEM-immunogold labelling studies showed that rubber particles of F. carica and F. benghalensis do not contain the SRPP. None of the rubber particles in F. carica, F. benghalensis and H. brasiliensis contained the CPT, suggesting that the CPT itself could not catalyse the formation of high molecular weight rubber. These results indicate that rubber particles in the three different plant species investigated share some degree of similarity in architecture, and that the SRPP and CPT themselves are not the core proteins necessary for rubber biosynthesis.

Blotting, Western↗
PubMed1994

A nervous disorder in cattle, caused by the plants Ficus ingens var. ingens and Ficus cordata subsp. salicifolia.

Two outbreaks of neurotoxicoses are reported in cattle browsing on the leaves of Ficus spp. In the first outbreak, three animals died and one became ill. A sheep developed severe nervous signs, including tetanic spasms, when dosed with the leaves of Ficus ingens var. ingens from the toxic camp where the cattle had died. The second outbreak resulted in the death of 12 heifers within 48 h of ingestion of the leaves of F. cordata subsp. salicifolia. Clinical signs included hyperaesthesia, ataxia, muscle tremors and padding motions while in lateral recumbency. Similar signs were reproduced by drenching the incriminated leaves to a steer. The sheep dosed with F. ingens var. ingens and two cattle, one of which had died during the second outbreak and the steer drenched with F. cordata subsp. salicifolia, were necropsied. Light microscopical examination consistently revealed oedema of the central nervous system. In the steer, focal demyelination was evident in localized areas of the brain and spinal cord. Liver lesions ranged from mild degeneration to focal disseminated necrosis of hepatocytes.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

[Anaphylactic reaction to Ficus benjamina (weeping fig)].

Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) is a widespread indoor ornamental plant. Allergens of Ficus benjamina are a well-known cause of IgE-mediated respiratory diseases. We treated a 32-year-old female who for 10 years had suffered from perennial rhinoconjunctivitis. When dusting her 2 meter high Ficus benjamina, she developed an anaphylactic reaction which resolved without sequelae. Skin prick testing revealed a strong immediate type reaction to a Ficus extract, the serum concentration of specific IgE-antibodies to Ficus was > 100 kU/I (CAP class 6). In view of these strong test reactions and the conclusive history, no challenge tests with Ficus allergens were performed. After removal of the Ficus plants which she had owned for 17 years and after thorough cleaning of her dwelling, the patient's symptoms of perennial rhinoconjunctivitis stopped. The patient also was sensitized to, but not allergic to natural rubber latex, which occurs frequently in Ficus allergy and probably is due to cross reactivity to allergens from both sources. As Ficus benjamina is an important source of indoor allergens, it should not be used in dwellings or work places.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Hypersensitivity to latex and Ficus benjamina allergens.

BACKGROUND: Association between allergy to Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis, two botanically unrelated plants, was suspected in consequence of two clinical observations. Symptoms were rhinitis and asthma. This study was undertaken to assess the in vivo and in vitro cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis allergens. METHODS: The two patients were asked about use and contact with latex devices and relationship between symptoms and Ficus benjamina exposure. Skin prick tests were performed with Ficus benjamina, Hevea brasiliensis extracts and common allergens. Double-blind nasal and bronchial challenge tests were done using the rinse fluid from a brand of latex gloves. Total and specific IgE antibodies to Ficus benjamina and Hevea brasiliensis were determined. In vitro cross-reactivity was investigated by means of CAP RAST and immunodot inhibition experiments. RESULTS: We observed that for the first patient the primary phenomenon is probably allergy to latex followed by allergy to Ficus benjamina. For the second patient, allergy to Ficus benjamina was diagnosed (improvement related to the avoidance of exposure to Ficus benjamina allergens) and positivity to latex skin prick tests may be due to the cross-reacting allergens. In vitro assays showed specific IgE antibodies to both allergens and cross-reactivity was confirmed in the two cases by reciprocal inhibition of the two extracts. CONCLUSION: The increasing risk of sensitization to widely used latex devices and extensive exposure to Ficus species in households and offices indicates increased allergenic risk from this newly recognized cross-reactivity.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

The anti-inflammatory effect of a crude aqueous extract of the root bark of "Ficus elastica" in the rat.

An investigation has been carried out to determine whether the aqueous extract of Ficus elastica is active as an anti-inflammatory agent in the carrageenin-induced oedema and adjuvant-induced arthritis in the rat. This investigation was prompted by the fact that practitioners of herbal medicine in West Africa use the plant for the treatment of muscle and joint pain. The results of the investigation clearly indicated that orally administered Ficus elastica extract markedly inhibited the experimentally induced inflammation in the two test models. This effect of Ficus elastica was very similar to that of indomethacin. Thus in the carrageenin-induced oedema Ficus elastica (2-10 mg/kg) and indomethacin (1-5 mg/kg) produced inhibition of the magnitude of 5.41-68.92% and 27.03-69.26%, respectively. Similarly, both the extract of Ficus elastica and indomethacin inhibited the primary as well as the secondary lesions of adjuvant arthritis in the rat. The extract used in this study was coloured buff and there is considerable evidence that flavonoids of plant origin possess anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore it may be concluded that the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract of Ficus elastica was probably due to the presence of a pigment of the flavonoid class. Further studies are in progress to elucidate the chemical characteristics of this active principle.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Activation and inactivation of human factor X by proteases derived from Ficus carica.

We investigated the effect of proteases derived from Ficus carica (common fig) on human blood coagulation. The milky sap (latex) of several Ficus (F.) species contain ficin, which is a mixture of proteases. Ficin derived from Ficus carica shortened the activated partial thromboplastin time and the prothrombin time of normal plasmas and plasmas deficient in coagulation factors, except plasma deficient in factor X (FX) and generated activated FX (FXa) in defibrinated plasma. Chromatographic separation of ficin from Ficus carica yielded six proteolytic fractions with a different specificity towards FX. We isolated two factor X activators with molecular masses of 23.2 and 23.5 kDa, and studied their action on purified human FX. Factor X was converted to activated FXbeta by consecutive proteolytic cleavage in the heavy chain between Leu178 and Asp179, Arg187 and Gly188, and Arg194and Ile195 (FX numbering system) with concomitant release of a carboxy-terminal peptide. The cleavage pattern of FXa degradation products in the light chain was influenced by Ca2+ and Mn2+. These data suggest the haemostatic potency of Ficus proteases is based on activation of human coagulation factor X.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) and natural rubber latex.

The importance of hypersensitivity to Ficus allergens is reported. Cross-sensitization between fig (Ficus carica), weeping fig (F. benjamina [Fb]), and natural rubber latex (NRL) was confirmed by RAST inhibition. We performed skin prick tests with fresh Fb tree sap and NRL extracts in 346 consecutive patients and in 151 patients with immediate-type hypersensitivity to NRL. Total serum IgE and IgE antibodies to NRL and Ficus spp. were analyzed in sera. By the RAST-inhibition method, we studied cross-reactivity among latex, fig, and weeping fig. Sensitization to Fb was diagnosed in 23 of the 346 consecutive patients, and the simultaneous presence of latex-specific IgE was highly significant. Of 151 NRL-allergic patients, 35 were also sensitized to Fb. Cross-reacting IgE antibodies recognizing latex and Ficus allergens were demonstrated by RAST inhibition. The present study reinforces the importance of Fb as an indoor allergen. Cross-reacting IgE antibodies to NRL and Ficus spp. allergens are frequently found in the sera of atopic patients. Development of commercially available standardized extracts for skin tests is urgently necessary.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Identification and characterization of cross-reactive natural rubber latex and Ficus benjamina allergens.

BACKGROUND: An association between allergy to Ficus benjamina and natural rubber latex (NRL) has been suspected based on clinical and immunological observations. The responsible cross-reactive allergens have not been identified yet. This study was undertaken to investigate the cross-reactivity between hevein (Hev b 6.02, 4.7 kD), a major allergen of NRL, and F. benjamina and identify its counterpart in F. benjamina. METHODS: 89 serum samples from subjects allergic to NRL were used in the study. Skin prick tests were performed with highly purified hevein and sap extract of F. benjamina. Specific IgE antibodies to NRL, F. benjamina and Hev b 6.02 were determined by the Pharmacia CAP method. Cross-reactivity among these allergens was investigated by means of CAP and immunoblot inhibition experiments. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separation and protein microsequencing were performed to identify the cross-reactive allergens in F. benjamina. RESULTS: 67 out of 89 (75%) sera showed elevated IgE to hevein. Specific IgE to Ficus were found in 22 (24.7%) sera, and with 1 exception, all these sera also had IgE to Hev b 6.02. Results of CAP inhibition assays using 11 sera showing IgE to both Hev b 6.02 and Ficus demonstrated that the IgE to Ficus could be completely inhibited by Hev b 6.02 in 6 of 11 sera. Immunoblots and immunoblot inhibition assays revealed that a protein of about 45 kD in F. benjamina is strongly recognized by serum IgE. In addition, the IgE-binding reactivity to this 45-kD protein could be completely inhibited by preincubation of the sera with Hev b 6.02. N-terminal protein sequencing of 14 amino acids indicated that this 45-kD protein has a hevein-like domain at the N-terminal region and may belong to the endochitinase family. CONCLUSION: Latex-allergic patients are at higher risk of becoming sensitized to Ficus. Hev b 6.02 in latex is a major cross-reactive allergen and its counterpart in F. benjamina is an acidic protein with a molecular weight of about 45 kD and a hevein-like N-terminal domain.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Phylogenetic relationships of functionally dioecious FICUS (Moraceae) based on ribosomal DNA sequences and morphology.

Figs (Ficus, Moraceae) are either monoecious or gynodioecious depending on the arrangement of unisexual florets within the specialized inflorescence or syconium. The gynodioecious species are functionally dioecious due to the impact of pollinating fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae) on the maturation of fig seeds. The evolutionary relationships of functionally dioecious figs (Ficus subg. Ficus) were examined through phylogenetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA and morphology. Forty-six species representing each monoecious subgenus and each section of functionally dioecious subg. Ficus were included in parsimony analyses based on 180 molecular characters and 61 morphological characters that were potentially informative. Separate and combined analyses of molecular and morphological data sets suggested that functionally dioecious figs are not monophyletic and that monoecious subg. Sycomorus is derived within a dioecious clade. The combined analysis indicated one or two origins of functional dioecy in the genus and at least two reversals to monoecy within a functionally dioecious lineage. The exclusion of breeding system and related characters from the analysis also indicated two shifts from monoecy to functional dioecy and two reversals. The associations of pollinating fig wasps were congruent with host fig phylogeny and further supported a revised classification of Ficus.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1993

[Ficus benjamina, a perennial inhalation allergen of increasing importance].

12 patients are described with perennial allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or asthma, 3 had additionally urticarial eruptions and one edema of the eyelids. In all of them sensitization to Ficus benjamina was identified by skin prick tests, in 7 cases by the additional presence of specific IgE in vitro, and in 2 it was verified by a conjunctival provocation test. 10 patients were atopic with sensitization to other respiratory allergens such as pollen, house dust mite or animal dander. 2 patients, however, with a massive exposure to Ficus benjamina at home, were non-atopic with monovalent sensitization to this plant. Ficus benjamina is a tropical tree of the genus Ficus which belongs to the Moraceae family. The allergen is located in the plant sap, the so called latex, which after evaporation binds to dust particles on the leaf surface. Upon contact they are emanated from the leaves, thus imitating allergy to house dust components. Since Ficus benjamina is a very popular decorative plant, an increasing number of sensitized individuals is to be expected. The identification of a preventable respiratory allergen is of considerable importance for the patients.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Cross-reactivity between Ficus benjamina latex and fig fruit in patients with clinical fig allergy.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylactic reactions to fig fruits (Ficus carica) have been reported from subjects sensitized to Ficus benjamina (FB) latex allergens. Figs may also be involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To study the immunologic relationship between fig fruit, Ficus benjamina, natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis), and other tropical fruits. METHODS: RAST inhibition and Western blotting with FB and fruit extracts was performed in five patients with oral allergy syndrome (OAS) or anaphylaxis after the ingestion of figs and one patient with symptoms from exposure to FB trees. Co-sensitization to rubber latex and tropical fruits (kiwi, banana, avocado, papaya, pineapple, mulberry) was studied by skin testing. RESULTS: RAST to FB was inhibited >95% by FB extracts and 16-65% (mean 49%) by extracts from fresh fig. RAST to fig fruit was inhibited >95% by FB and fresh fig, 63-97% (mean 86%) by dried fig, and 0-84% (mean 35.5%) by kiwi fruit. FB and fig extracts lost most of their allergenicity when denatured by heat (95 degrees C) or reduced by dithiothreitol. Western blotting after non-reducing gel electrophoresis revealed IgE binding to proteins of 22 and 28-34 kDa in FB latex; however, no corresponding allergens could be detected in fig extracts. Positive skin tests were obtained most often with kiwi fruit, papaya, and avocado. Sensitization to rubber latex could not be demonstrated in any of the patients. RAST to papain was positive in three of five patients. CONCLUSIONS: Allergic reactions to fresh or dried figs can present as a consequence of primary sensitization to airborne FB allergens independent of sensitization to rubber latex allergens. Kiwi fruit, papaya, and avocado as well as pineapple and banana may be other fruits associated with sensitization to Ficus allergens.

Allergens↗
PubMed2002

Allergy to Ficus benjamina.

The clinical history of 16 patients found to have specific IgE antibodies against Ficus benjamina was analyzed in terms of allergic symptoms, clinical and biological cross-sensitisation to other allergens and compared to the data found in the literature. Two different groups of patients were studied. Group A consisted of 13 patients who became sensitised through contact with ficus plants and experienced symptoms upon exposure. Their main symptoms where conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthma, eyelid oedema or urticaria. Of these patients 11 had other atopic manifestations. Two persons had no other allergy. 10 patients experienced symptoms at home, 2 at the working place and 1 while being in a restaurant. One patient had a crossreactive food allergy to figs. Group B consisted of 3 highly atopic patients who had also a sensitization both to latex (Hevea brasiliensis) and to Ficus benjamina. They had no clinical history of allergic reactions provoked by ficus plants.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Hypotriglyceridaemic activity of Ficus carica leaves in experimental hypertriglyceridaemic rats.

A model of hypertriglyceridaemia in rats is described, which was used to investigate the hypolipidaemic effect of an intraperitoneal (i./p.) administration of a Ficus carica leaf decoction. Hypertriglyceridaemia was induced in rats following the protocol: a fasting period of 22 h, 2 h of oral (p.o.) administration of 20% emulsion of longchain triglycerides (LCT emulsion), both repeated once. The plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels obtained 2 h after the protocol were 5.7 +/- 2.5 mmol/L (p < 0.0001 vs basal levels) and 1.7 +/- 0.3 mmol/L, respectively, n = 10. The new model was used to test the hypotriglyceridaemic effect of a single dose of Ficus carica (fig tree) leaf decoction administered i./p. (50 g dry wt/kg body wt). After the i.p. injection of serum saline (control group, n = 10) or Ficus carica extract (group A, n = 10), plasma triglyceride levels in the control group and group A were 5.9 +/- 2.9 mmol/L and 5.5 +/- 2.9 mmol/L just after the LCT emulsion protocol; 4.7 +/- 2.7 mmol/L and 0.9 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.005, 60 min after the LCT protocol; and 3.6 +/- 2.9 mmol/L and 1.0 +/- 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.05, 90 min after the LCT protocol. The plasma total cholesterol levels, which were not modified in our experimental model, showed no significant differences in relation to baseline levels in the presence or absence of Ficus carica treatment either. The clearly positive results suggest the presence in the fig leaf decoction of a compound or compounds that influence lipid catabolism.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Study on the increment of the production of gastric mucus in rats treated with Opuntia ficus indica (L.) Mill. cladodes.

Opuntia ficus indica cladodes are used in traditional medicine of many countries for their cicatrisant activity. The major components of cladodes are carbohydrate-containing polymers, which consist of a mixture of mucilage and pectin. In this paper we studied the cytoprotective effects of cladodes on experimental ethanol-induced ulcer in rat. The O. ficus indica cladodes administration gives rise to cytoprotection phenomena by breaking up the epithelial cells and stimulating an increase in mucus production. When O. ficus indica cladodes are administered as a preventive therapy, keep the gastric mucosa under normal condition by preventing mucus dissolution caused by ethanol and favouring mucus production. An increase of mucus production is also observed during the course of the curative treatment. The treatment with O. ficus indica cladodes provokes an increase in the number of secretory cells. Probably, the gastric fibroblasts are involved in the antiulcer activity.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Sex pheromone of the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus in Israel: occurrence of a second component in a mass-reared population.

Two pheromonal components were detected in airborne collections from the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) mass-reared on potato sprouts. The compounds were identified as (S)-lavandulyl senecioate (I) and (S)-lavandulyl isovalerate (II) by GC and GC-MS by comparison with synthetic standards. Chiral GC analysis on a cyclodextrin column established their chirality. Compound I was identified recently as the sex pheromone of P. ficus in California. The attraction of vine mealybug males to both components I and II was demonstrated in a Petri dish bioassay and in a flight assay in the rearing chamber. Indoors, both compounds displayed a similar level of attractiveness to the mass-reared males. However, trials in a vineyard indicated that feral males were attracted only to compound I. Reanalysis of the airborne pheromone indicated that laboratory first generation daughters of females that were collected in the vineyard produce only (S)-lavandulyl senecioate (I). The relative amount of (S)-lavandulyl isovalerate (II) increased gradually in each subsequent generation of P. ficus reared on potatoes. These findings indicate that feral P. ficus mealybugs produce and respond only to (S)-lavandulyl senecioate (I), whereas mealybugs that were reared in the laboratory on potato sprouts produce and respond to both (S)-lavandulyl senecioate (I) and (S)-lavandulyl isovalerate (II).

Alkenes↗
PubMed1995

The allergen of Ficus benjamina in house dust.

Ficus benjamina, a member of the Moraceae family, is a tropical, non-flowering green plant which is widely used for ornamental purposes. It is an occupational allergen in plant keepers but sensitization is also increasingly found in non-occupationally exposed atopic and non-atopic patients. The allergen of Ficus benjamina is located in the plant sap, a so-called latex. By radioallergosorbent test-(RAST)-inhibition studies allergen could also be demonstrated in the dust collected from the leaf surface and in dust samples from the floor of rooms where the plant was placed. These findings could result in more extensive preventive measures in patients sensitized to Ficus benjamina. In addition there is some evidence that possibly a crossreactivity between latex of Ficus benjamina and latex from the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, may exist.

Adolescent↗