w12 Goldenrod
Allergens within Weed Pollens
- Latin name: Solidago virgaurea
- Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
- Common names: Goldenrod, European Goldenrod
- Source material: Pollen
Note
Not to be confused with Rayless Goldenrod (Haplopappus heterophyllus).
A weed species producing pollen, which may induce hayfever, asthma and conjunctivitis in sensitised individuals.
Allergen Exposure
Geographical distribution
Solidago encompasses over 100 species, most of which are found in North America, though some are common to Europe and northern Asia as well. Solidago is also found in South America and other parts of the world, where some species within the genus are cultivated as ornamentals.
Goldenrod is a perennial weed often found along roadsides and in open fields. It has a single woody stem that grows as high as 2 m. It may be grown as an ornamental plant. The leaves at the base of the plant are bright green and oval-shaped, drawing to a point, while the leaves on the stem are smaller and wholly oval in shape. The leaves have either toothed or smooth edges.
The stems produce scented spikes of simple golden-yellow flowers, which have clusters of stamens, from mid- to late summer (August and September). The ornamental Goldenrod is smaller, growing to 0.6m and in flower from July to October. The flowers are small (6mm) and are produced in profuse clusters. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs). As Goldenrod is insect-pollinated, the pollen grains are much heavier than those of ragweed and other plants that have airborne pollens associated with allergic symptoms. The plant is also self-fertilising. The seeds ripen from August to October.
Environment
Goldenrod is found along roadsides, in open fields, dry woods, grasslands, hedge banks and dunes.
Goldenrod has been used topically for healing wounds, and by American Indians as a salve for rattlesnake bites. Tea can be made from the leaves.
Allergens
No allergens from this plant have yet been characterised.
Potential Cross-Reactivity
An extensive cross-reactivity among the different individual species of the genus could be expected, as well as to a certain degree among members of the family Asteraceae, which includes Solidago (Goldenrod), Ambrosia (Ragweed), Chrysanthemum, Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile) and Artemisia vulgaris (Mugwort) (1-3).
Extensive cross-sensitisation was observed to pollen of several members of the Compositae family (e.g., Matricaria, chrysanthemum, solidago) and to pollen of the Amaryllidaceae family (Alstroemeria and Narcissus) (4).
Clinical Experience
IgE mediated reactions
Goldenrod pollen can induce asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis and urticaria, particularly in an occupational setting, e.g., that of flower sellers (4).
Although Goldenrod is mainly insect-pollinated, the pollen has been detected in gravimetric sampling e.g. in the Fairbanks area, Alaska (5).
Other reactions
Allergic contact dermatitis after systemic administration has been reported (6).
References:
- Yman L. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. 1982: ISBN 91-970475-09
- de la Torre Morin F, Sanchez Machin I, Garcia Robaina JC, Fernandez-Caldas E, Sanchez Trivino M. Clinical cross-reactivity between Artemisia vulgaris and Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile). J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2001;11(2):118-22
- Perrick D, Stafford CT, Armstrong E, DuRant RH. Modification of the fluorescent allergosorbent test as an inhibition assay for determination of cross-reactivity among aeroallergens. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1991;87(1 Pt 1):98-103
- de Jong NW, Vermeulen AM, Gerth van Wijk R, de Groot H. Occupational allergy caused by flowers. Allergy 1998;53(2):204-9
- Anderson JH. A survey of allergenic airborne pollen and spores in the Fairbanks area, Alaska. Ann Allergy 1984;52(1):26-31
- Schatzle M, Agathos M, Breit R. Allergic contact dermatitis from goldenrod (Herba solidaginis) after systemic administration. Contact Dermatitis 1998;39(5):271-2
2002