Abstract | BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Once human skin contacts stinging hairs of Urtica spp. (stinging nettles), the irritant is released and produces pain, wheals or a stinging sensation which may last for >12 h. However, the existence of pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of Urtica thunbergiana has never been systematically demonstrated. Experiments were therefore conducted to identify the persistent pain-inducing agents in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana. METHODS: The stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana were removed and immersed in deionized water. After centrifugation, the clear supernatants were then subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), enzymatic analysis and/or behavioural bioassays. KEY RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS:
Oxalic acid and tartaric acid were identified, for the first time, as major long-lasting pain-inducing toxins in the stinging hairs of U. thunbergiana. The general view that formic acid, histamine and serotonin are the pain-inducing agents in the stinging hairs of U. dioica may require updating, since their concentrations in U. thunbergiana were too low to induce significant pain sensation in behavioural bioassays.
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Authors | Han Yi Fu, Shiang Jiuun Chen, Ruei Feng Chen, Wang Hsien Ding, Ling Long Kuo-Huang, Rong Nan Huang |
Journal | Annals of botany
(Ann Bot)
Vol. 98
Issue 1
Pg. 57-65
(Jul 2006)
ISSN: 0305-7364 [Print] England |
PMID | 16675601
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Tartrates
- Toxins, Biological
- Oxalic Acid
- tartaric acid
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Topics |
- Animals
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
- Female
- Oxalic Acid
(analysis, isolation & purification, toxicity)
- Pain
(chemically induced)
- Pain Measurement
- Plants, Toxic
(chemistry, metabolism)
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Tartrates
(analysis, isolation & purification, toxicity)
- Toxins, Biological
(analysis, isolation & purification, toxicity)
- Urticaceae
(chemistry, metabolism)
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