Phytochemical Analysis, Pharmacological and Safety Evaluations of Halophytic Plant, Salsola cyclophylla

Salsola cyclophylla, an edible halophyte, is traditionally used for inflammation and pain. To confirm the claimed anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, a detailed study on respective pharmacological actions was undertaken. The activities are contemplated to arise from its phytoconstituents. The LC-MS analysis of S. cyclophylla 95% aqueous-ethanolic extract revealed the presence of 52 compounds belonging to phenols, flavonoids, coumarins, and aliphatics class. A high concentration of Mn, Fe, and Zn was detected by atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The ethyl acetate extract showed the highest flavonoid contents (5.94 ± 0.04 mg/g, Quercetin Equivalents) and Fe2+-chelation (52%) potential with DPPH radicals-quenching IC50 at 1.35 ± 0.16 mg/mL, while the aqueous ethanolic extract exhibited maximum phenolics contents (136.08 ± 0.12 mg/g, gallic acid equivalents) with DPPH scavenging potential at IC50 0.615 ± 0.06 mg/mL. Aqueous ethanolic extract and standard quercetin DPPH radicals scavenging's were equal potent at 10 mg/mL concentrations. The aqueous ethanolic extract showed highest analgesic effect with pain reduction rates 89.86% (p = 0.03), 87.50% (p < 0.01), and 99.66% (p = 0.0004) after 60, 90, and 120 min, respectively. Additionally, aqueous ethanolic extract exhibited the highest anti-inflammation capacity at 41.07% (p < 0.0001), 34.51% (p < 0.0001), and 24.82% (p < 0.0001) after 2, 3, and 6 h of extract's administration, respectively. The phytochemical constituents, significant anti-oxidant potential, remarkable analgesic, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of extracts supported the traditionally claimed anti-inflammatory and analgesic plant activities.

Widely Targeted Metabolomics Analysis of Different Parts of Salsola collina Pall

Salsola collina Pall has a long history of being used as a traditional medicine to treat hypertension, headache, insomnia, constipation and vertigo. However, only a few biologically active substances have been identified from S. collina. Here, the shoots and roots of S. collina, namely L-Sc and R-Sc, were studied. The primary and secondary metabolites were investigated using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS). A total of 637 putative metabolites were identified and these metabolites were mainly classified into ten different categories. Correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis of metabolites showed that the L-Sc samples could be clearly separated from the R-Sc samples. Differential accumulated metabolite analysis revealed that most of differential primary metabolites were significantly lower in the L-Sc than in the R-Sc. Conversely, the major differential secondary metabolites had higher levels in the L-Sc than in the R-Sc. Further analysis indicated that the flavonoids were the major putative antioxidant components and most of putative antioxidant components exhibited higher relative concentrations in the L-Sc than the R-Sc. These results improve our understanding of metabolite accumulation and provide a reference for the study of medicinal value in S. collina.

Subacute feeding toxicity of low-sodium sausages manufactured with sodium substitutes and biopolymer-encapsulated saltwort (Salicornia herbacea) in a mouse model

BACKGROUND

Low-sodium sausages were manufactured using sodium substitution and biopolymer encapsulation. A diet comprising 10% treatment sausages (six treatment groups: C (100% NaCl), T1 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt), T2 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with chitosan), T3 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with cellulose), T4 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with dextrin), and T5 (55% sodium substitute + 45% saltwort salt with pectin)) was added to a 90% commercial mouse diet for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

Subacute toxicity, hematology, liver function, and organ weight tests in low-sodium sausage groups showed results similar to those of the control group, and all toxicity test levels were within normal ranges.

CONCLUSIONS

All low-sodium sausage types tested are suggested to be safe in terms of subacute toxicity. Moreover, low-sodium sausages can be manufactured by biopolymer encapsulation of saltwort using pectin, chitosan, cellulose, and dextrin without toxicity. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Root structural changes of two remediator plants as the first defective barrier against industrial pollution, and their hyperaccumulation ability

In the present day, plants are increasingly being utilized to safeguard the environment. In this study, we used Salsola crassa M. B. and Suaeda maritima L. Dumort for phytoremediation of water contaminated with heavy metals and simultaneous examination of the effect of industrial pollution on their root structures. After irrigation of a treatment group with wastewater and a control group with fresh water for 3 months, we fixed the root parts in the FAA fixator for developmental study, and measured the concentrations of Co, Ni, Zn, As, Cu, and Pb in the roots, shoots, soil, and irrigating water. The plants irrigated with wastewater showed significant accumulation of heavy metals in the roots and some translocation of heavy metals from the roots to the shoots. We also performed an experiment with two 0.3 m³ pools to more closely study the feasibility of these plants for filtering water of contaminants, including mineral compounds, and altering its chemical characteristics. In our anatomical studies, the cells of the treatment roots showed irregularities and abnormal appearances in all tissue layers. The diameter and area of the xylem and the size of the cortical parenchyma have increased in the treatment plants of both species, confirmed by Stereolite software. Phytoremediation studies indicated that S. crassa accumulated As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, and Ni, and S. maritima accumulated As, Co, Zn, and Cu. S. crassa accumulated more heavy metals in its roots, whereas S. maritima accumulated more in its shoots. The biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand were also significantly reduced in the wastewater passed through pools with S. crassa. Our results indicate that both genera are hyperaccumulators of heavy metals and therefore hold promise for industrial wastewater treatment, especially the absorption of As.

Antispasmodic and bronchorelaxant activities of Salsola imbricata are mediated through dual Ca+2 antagonistic and β-adrenergic agonistic effects

CONTEXT

Salsola imbricata Forssk. (Chenopodiaceae) has folkloric repute for the treatment of various gastrointestinal and respiratory ailments.

OBJECTIVE

The present study investigates spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant effects of S. imbricata.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The crude aqueous-ethanol extract of the aerial parts of S. imbricata and its fractions, in cumulative concentrations (0.01-10 mg/mL), were tested on contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum and tracheal preparations. Furthermore, concentration response curves (CRCs) of Ca⁺² and carbachol were constructed in the absence and presence of the extract. Standard organ bath methods were used.

RESULTS

The crude extract relaxed spontaneous, K⁺(80 mM) and carbachol (1 μM)-induced contractions in jejunum preparations with respective EC₅₀ values of 0.40 (0.35-0.46), 0.69 (0.60-0.79) and 0.66 (0.57-0.75) mg/mL. It shifted Ca⁺² CRCs rightward in nonparallel manner. In isolated tracheal preparations, the crude extract caused relaxation of K⁺(80 mM) and carbachol (1 μM)-induced contractions with EC₅₀ values of 0.86 (0.75-0.98) and 0.74 (0.66-0.84) mg/mL, respectively. It displaced carbachol CRCs rightward with suppression of maximal response. In both tissues, pretreatment with propranolol (1 μM) caused rightward shift in inhibitory CRCs of the extract against carbachol-induced contractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was found more potent in relaxing smooth muscle contractions than the parent extract and its aqueous fraction.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The results suggest that the spasmolytic and bronchorelaxant activities of S. imbricata are related to Ca⁺² antagonistic and β-adrenergic agonistic effects, thus justifying some of the traditional uses of the plant.

A New Cardenolide and Other Compounds from Salsola tetragona

One new cardenolide, 3-O-β-D-allopyranosylcoroglaucigenin (salsotetragonin) (1), was isolated from the aerial parts of Salsola tetragona Delile with four known cardenolides (2-5); two known flavonoids (6-7), three known phenolic compounds (8-10) and two known fatty acids (11-12). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic analyses and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. Compounds 1-5, 7, 10 and 12 were isolated from the genus Salsola for the first time. This is the first report on cardenolides identified in the Amaranthaceae family.

Characteristics and potential values of bio-oil, syngas and biochar derived from Salsola collina Pall. in a fixed bed slow pyrolysis system

Salsola collina Pall. as a typical euhalophyte was slowly pyrolyzed at 300°C, 500°C and 700°C in a fixed-bed system. The physiochemical properties of syngas, bio-oil and biochar were assayed to understand the impact of pyrolysis temperature on these parameters and then to evaluate their potential values. The results showed that syngas yield (26.07-46.37%) increased with pyrolysis temperature, while biochar yield (47.54-26.83%) decreased. Bio-oil yield (26-30%) was hardly affected by pyrolysis temperature. Both syngas and bio-oil had poor values as direct fuel. The euhalophyte-derived biochar had higher aromaticity (H/C 0.16-0.85, O/C 0.06-0.26), higher cation exchange capacity (198.82-435.74cmolkg(-1)), and higher K(+) (59.35-80.42gkg(-1)) and Na(+) (37.56-53.26gkg(-1)) compared with glycophyte-derived biochars. Our findings imply that halophyte biochar may be more suitable to use as a soil conditioner, which is worthy of further study.

Impact of phenolic composition on hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of four desert medicinal plants

BACKGROUND

Flavonoids and other polyphenols play a protective role in liver diseases and possess a high antioxidant capacity.

OBJECTIVE

To compare and evaluate the antioxidant and hepatotoprotective activities of 4 deserts plants, Fagonia indica Burm. f., Calotropis procera R.Br., Zygophylum hamiense Schweinf. and Salsola imbricata Forssk. in correlation to their composition especially their phenolic content.

METHODS

The influence of extracting solvent on total phenolic and flavonoidal contents was assessed spectrophotometrically. The flavonoid and other polyphenolic components of the methanol extracts were analyzed by RP-HPLC. DPPH radical scavenging potential of the different extracts was estimated. The hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of the extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in mice were evaluated.

RESULTS

The flavonol quercitrin and rosmarinic acid were major in the F. indica, C. procera and S. imbricata samples, while rutin prevailed in that of Z. hamiense. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts showed noticeable DPPH radical-scavenging activity as compared to ascorbic acid. Assessment of liver enzymes revealed that oral administration of the extracts did not show any evidence of hepatotoxicity. Moreover, protection against CCl4-induced liver damage was evident upon administration of three plants extracts namely, F. indica, C. procera and S. imbricata.

CONCLUSION

Overall, hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 was effectively prevented by the three plants extracts through scavenging of free radicals and by boosting the antioxidant capacity of the liver. The protective effect of the plants could be attributed to their high quercitrin and rosmarinic acid contents.

Comparative pharmacognostic evaluation of some species of the genera Suaeda and Salsola leaf (Chenopodiaceae)

The genera Suaeda and Salsola are halophytic plants belong to the family Chenopodiaceae. Species of these genera have been extensively used in traditional medicines against many diseases due to their various bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, vitamins, sterol, phenolic compounds etc. The present research was carried out to establish detailed pharmacognosy of Suaeda fruticosa, Suaeda monoica, Salsola imbricata and Salsola tragus, which included macroscopy, microscopy, physico-chemical parameters and qualitative phytochemical screening of leaf samples extracted with methanol and chloroform. It was observed that macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were diagnostic features and can be used for distinction and identification of these closely related plant species. Phytochemically, these plant species are rich in constituents like anthraquinones, alkaloids, carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, phenolic compounds and terpenoids. Physico-chemical parameters revealed that in all investigated plant species; methanol extractive values were higher than that of chloroform. Moreover, total ash values were found to be higher than other acid insoluble and water-soluble ash values, while a considerable amount of moisture was present in the species of both genera. On the basis of pharmacognosy, species of Suaeda were found to be more promising than Salsola. Present investigation will contribute towards establishment of pharmacognostic profile of these medicinally effective plants species.

Amelioration of adriamycin-induced cardiotoxicity by Salsola kali aqueous extract is mediated by lowering oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

To assess the cardioprotective effect of the Salsola kali aqueous extract against adriamycin (ADR)-induced cardiotoxicity in male Swiss albino mice.

METHODS

The aqueous extract of S. kali was phytochemically screened by traditional methods for different classes and further evaluated for antioxidant activity in vitro. In vivo, cardioprotective evaluation of the extract was designed to have four groups of mice: (1) control group (distilled water, orally; normal saline, intraperitoneally (i.p.)); (2) ADR group (15 mg/kg, i.p.); (3) aqueous S. kali extract (200 mg/kg, orally); and (4) ADR + S. kali group. ADR (5 mg/kg) was injected three times over 2 weeks while S. kali was orally administered daily for 3 weeks (1 week before and 2 weeks during ADR treatment). Cardioprotective properties were assessed using biochemical and histopathological approaches.

RESULTS

ADR caused a significant increase in serum enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase). Myocardial levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and reduced glutathione, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased while the activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione S-transferase declined. Histopathological examination of heart sections revealed that ADR caused myofibrils loss, necrosis and cytoplasmic vacuolization.

DISCUSSION

Pretreatment with S. kali aqueous extract normalized serum and antioxidant enzymes minimized lipid peroxidation and cardiac damage. These results have suggested that the extract has antioxidant activity, indicating that the mechanism of cardioprotection during ADR treatment is mediated by lowering oxidative stress.

[Studies on the chemical constituents of Salsola collina]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Salsola collina.

METHODS

The compounds were isolated by column chromatography, and their structures were identified by physical and chemical properties and spectral data.

RESULTS

Seven compounds were isolated and identified as n-lignoceric acid (1), n-dotriacontanic acid (2), beta-sitosterol (3), 5, 2'-dihydroxy-6, 7-methylenedioxy-isoflavone (4), vanillic acid (5), (-)syringaresinol 4,4'-bis-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (6), salicylic acid (7).

CONCLUSION

The compounds of 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are isolated from the plant for the first time.

Structure determination of salisomide and salisoflavan, two new secondary metabolites from Salsola imbricata, by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy

Chromatographic analysis of the alcoholic extract from Salsola imbricata yielded two new secondary metabolites, salisomide (1) and salisoflavan (2). Their structures were established with the help of spectroscopic techniques including COSY, HMQC and HMBC NMR experiments.

Structural determination of salsolins A and B, new antioxidant polyoxygenated triterpenes from Salsola baryosma, by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy

Salsolins A (1) and B (2), the new triterpenes, have been isolated from the chloroform soluble fraction of Salsola baryosma along with 2alpha,3beta,23,24-tetrahydroxyurs-12-en-28-oic acid (3) reported for the first time from this species. Their structures have been assigned from 1H and 13C NMR spectra, DEPT and by 2D COSY, NOESY, HMQC and HMBC experiments. The compounds 1-3 showed significant antioxidant activity.

In vitroangiotensin converting enzyme inhibiting activity ofSalsola oppositifoliaDesf.,Salsola sodaL. andSalsola tragusL

In order to support scientifically the traditional use of Salsola species in the treatment of hypertension, this study was designed to evaluate the hypotensive properties of Salsola oppositifolia, S. soda and S. tragus. In vitro bio-assay based on the measured enzymatic cleavage of the chromophore-fluorophore-labelled substrate dansyltriglycine into dansylglycine and diglycine by angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was performed. EtOAc extracts of S. oppositifolia and S. soda exhibited an interesting activity with an IC(50) of 181.04 and 284.27 microg mL(-1), respectively.

A new alkaloid from Salsola collina

Salsola collina is widely distributed in droughty and semi-droughty area, which is used as a kind of folk remedy in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of hypertension. The study is on the chemical constituents of this herb from its aerial parts to obtain its active constituents. Dried and crushed aerial parts of this herb were extracted three times with 95% EtOH at reflux. The ethanol extracts were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure at 70 degrees C to yield residue, which was suspended in water and successively partitioned with light petroleum, chloroform and n-butanol. The chloroform and n-butanol fractions were treated by various chromatographic techniques, such as silica gel, C18 reversed-phase silica gel and macroporous resin column chromatography. Compounds were elucidated by their physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis. In the course of our study on searching biological active components from this herb, a new alkaloid together with three known alkaloids were isolated and identified as N-transferuloyl-3-methyldopamine (1), 3-[4-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3-methoxyphenyl]-N-[2-(4-hydroxyl-3-methoxyphenyl) ethyl]-2-propenamide (2), salsoline A (3), salsoline B (4). Compound 4 is a new compound and named as salsoline B, while compound 2 was obtained in Salsola collina for the first time.

Inhibitory effects on the digestive enzyme alpha-amylase of three Salsola species (Chenopodiaceae) in vitro

Hypoglycaemic effects of Salsola kali, S. soda, and S. oppositifolia (Chenopodiaceae) aerial parts were examined using in vitro assay based on the inhibition of a-amylase. The S. kali ethyl acetate fraction was the most active with a C1050 value 0.022 mg/ml. Through bioassay-guided fractionation processes two flavonol glycosides, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside, were isolated by silica gel column chromatography and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside showed an interesting activity (IC50 0.129 mM).

[Studies on chemical constituents of Salsola collina]

OBJECTIVE

To study the chemical constituents of Salsola collina.

METHOD

The EtOH extract from the whole plant of S. collina were isolated and purified by column chromatography. These compounds were identified by their physical properties and spectroscopic data.

RESULT

Eleven compounds were isolated and identified as ferulic acid (1), p-coumaric acid (2), salicylic acid (3), tricin (4), selagin (5), acanthoside D (6), tricin -7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), tricin-4'-O-beta-D-apioside (8), isorhamnetin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (9), isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (10), isorhamnetin-3-O-alpha-L-arabinopyranosyl (1-->6) -beta-D-glucopyranoside (11).

CONCLUSION

wherein compound 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 9 were isolated from the Salsola for the first time.

Phytochemical constituents from Salsola tetrandra

The new norisoprenoid 3beta-hydroxy-5alpha,6alpha-epoxy-beta-ionone-2alpha-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside (1) and the long-chain hydroxy fatty acids 9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10(E),15(Z)-dienoic acid (2) and 9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10(E)-dienoic acid (3) were isolated from Salsola tetrandra aerial parts, together with 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl-beta-d-glucopyranoside (4), 9-hydroxylinaloyl glucoside (5), taxiphyllin (6), trans-N-feruloyltyramine (7), and S-(-)-trans-N-feruloyloctopamine (8). Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. Compounds 6 and 8 displayed mild antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, whereas compound 6 showed the highest activity in the Artemia salina bioassay.

Spectroscopic study of the impact of arsenic speciation on arsenic/phosphorus uptake and plant growth in tumbleweed (Salsola kali)

This manuscript reports the toxic effects of As2O3 (arsenic trioxide) and As2O5 (arsenic pentoxide) on S. kali as well as the arsenic and phosphate uptake and arsenic coordination within plant tissues. Plants were germinated and grown for 15 days on a Hoagland-modified medium containing either As(III) (arsenic trioxide) or As(V) (arsenic pentoxide). Subsequently, the seedlings were measured and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy techniques. Plants stressed with 2 mg L(-1) of whichever As(III) or As(V) concentrated 245 +/- 19, 30 +/- 1, and 60 +/- 3 mg As kg(-1) dry weight or 70 +/- 6, 10 +/- 0.3, and 27 +/- 3 mg As kg(-1) dry weight in roots, stems, and leaves, respectively. Arsenate was less toxic, and more As translocation occurred from the roots to the leaves. All treatments reduced P concentration at root level; however, only As(V) at 2 and 4 mg L(-1) reduced P concentration at leaf level. Regardless the arsenic species supplied to the plants, arsenic was found in plant tissues as As(III) coordinated to three sulfur ligands with an interatomic distance of approximately 2.25 angstroms.

Differential uptake and transport of trivalent and hexavalent chromium by tumbleweed (Salsola kali)

Experiments were conducted to determine the differential absorption of Cr species by tumbleweed (Salsola kali) as well as the effect of this heavy metal on plant growth and nutrient uptake. Tumbleweed seeds were grown in an agar-based media containing different concentrations of either Cr(III) or Cr(VI). The results demonstrated that the uptake of Cr was influenced by the Cr concentration in the growth medium and the speciation of this heavy metal. When supplied in the hexavalent form, the concentration of Cr in the different plant parts (2900, 790, and 600 mg kg(-1) for roots, stems, and leaves, respectively) was between 10 and 20 times higher than the amounts found when Cr was supplied in the trivalent form. In addition, it was found that in most of the experiments, Cr(III) exhibited more toxic effects on tumbleweed plants than Cr(VI). The size of roots of plants grown in 20 mg L(-1) Cr(III) were significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than those grown in 20 mg L(-1) Cr(VI). Plants exposed to 20 mg L(-1) Cr(III) produced shoots significantly shorter (p < 0.05) compared with the size of control plants and with those grown in 20 mg L(-1) Cr(VI). In addition, the absorption of macronutrients and microelements was in general lower when the plants were grown in the medium containing Cr(III). The amounts of Cr concentrated in the aerial plant parts under experimental conditions may indicate tumbleweed as a new option for the phytoremediation of Cr-contaminated soil.

[Studies on the alkaloids from Salsola collina Pall]

AIM

To study the chemical constituents of Salsola collina Pall..

METHODS

Compounds were isolated by silica gel column chromatography. IR, MS, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, HMQC, HMBC, DEPT were used for the structural identification.

RESULTS

Two amide alkaloids were obtained. They were identified as N-transferuloyl-3-methyldopamine (I), (10bS)-1,2,3,5,6, 10b-hexahydropyrrolo [2,1-a]-8,9-dihydroxyisoquinoline-3-one (II).

CONCLUSION

Compound I was isolated from this genus for the first time. Compound II is a new compound named salsoline A.

Immunochemical characterization of Russian thistle (Salsola kali) pollen extracts. Purification of the allergen Sal k 1

BACKGROUND

Salsola kali (Russian thistle) is a weed which belongs to the Chaenopodiacea family. It is widely distributed along the coasts of Europe, North Africa, USA and Australia. The objectives of this study were to study the allergenic composition of S. kali pollen and to purify an important allergen from the pollen extracts of this plant.

METHODS

A population of 66 individuals with specific IgE-mediated allergic symptoms and positive skin tests to S. kali were included in the study. Specific IgE to S. kali was determined by direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The antigenic and allergenic profile of S. kali was evaluated by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), isoelectric focussing (IEF) and immunoblot. Allergen purification was conducted by preparative SDS-PAGE. The allergenicity of the protein was evaluated by skin testing, direct ELISA, ELISA inhibition and immunoblots.

RESULTS

Specific IgE to S. kali was detected in 39 of the 66 individuals (59%). An allergen with a molecular weight of approximately 43 kDa was purified. This allergen was termed Sal k 1. A partial sequencing was obtained and no homology was found with other known proteins/allergens. The allergenicity of Sal k 1 was tested in vitro and in vivo. Of the 39 individuals with a positive specific IgE determination to S. kali, 26 (66.6%) had detectable specific IgE to Sal k 1. Twenty of these 39 individuals were skin-prick tested with the purified allergen (0.5 mg/ml) and all of them had a positive skin test to the purified allergen. Ten additional individuals, used as negative controls, had a negative response.

CONCLUSIONS

Sal k 1, an important allergen of S. kali, is recognized, in vitro, by approximately 67% of the patients sensitized to S. kali. Twenty patients with a positive skin test to a standardized S. kali extract had a positive reaction to the purified allergen.