[Latex-papaya syndrome: an infrequent association]. / Síndrome látex-papaya: una asociación poco frecuente.

BACKGROUND: Latex-fruit syndrome (LFS) is characterized by allergy to latex and plants. Papain, chymopapain, caricaine and class I chitinases are papaya's most allergenic proteins. The similarity between latex hevein epitopes and papaya class I chitinases might explain the latex-papaya syndrome (LPS). OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of patients with LPS. METHODS: Cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study where 11 patients diagnosed with latex allergy by skin prick test and clinically diagnosed with papaya-induced anaphylaxis were included. The results were analyzed with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Out of 11 patients with LPS, 72.7% were females (7 to 46 years), all with a history of papaya-induced anaphylaxis, identified by medical history and medical notes plus latex-positive skin prick tests, with 63.3% exhibiting anaphylaxis in the skin prick tests. Risk factors included multiple surgeries, another allergic disease, and being employed in the field of health; 63.6% were allergic to to other foods, 45.4% to medications, 45.4% had allergic rhinitis and 27.3% had asthma. CONCLUSIONS: Hypersensitivity to papaya increases the risk of anaphylaxis in patients with latex allergy and, therefore, mortality. Clinical data is the main diagnostic tool. Education for the management of anaphylaxis with adrenaline self-administration is essential.

Antecedentes: El síndrome látex-fruta (SLF) se caracteriza por alergia al látex y vegetales. La papaína, quimopapaína, caricaína y las quitinasas clase I son las proteínas más alergénicas de la papaya. La similitud entre epítopos de heveína del látex y las quitinasas clase I de la papaya puede explicar el síndrome látex-papaya (SLP). Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de pacientes con SLP. Métodos: Estudio transversal, observacional y descriptivo en el que se incluyeron 11 pacientes con diagnóstico por punción cutánea de alergia al látex y diagnóstico clínico de anafilaxia a papaya. Los resultados fueron analizados con estadística descriptiva. Resultados: De 11 pacientes con SLP, 72.7 % fue del sexo femenino (7 a 46 años), todos con antecedente de anafilaxia a papaya, identificada por historia clínica y notas médicas más pruebas cutáneas positivas a látex; 63.3 % presentó anafilaxia en las pruebas cutáneas. Los factores de riesgo fueron múltiples cirugías, otra enfermedad alérgica y ser empleado en el ámbito de la salud; 63.6 % tenía alergia a otros alimentos, 45.4 % a medicamentos, 45.4 % rinitis alérgica y 27.3 % asma. Conclusiones: La hipersensibilidad a la papaya incrementa el riesgo de anafilaxia en individuos con alergia al látex, por tanto, la mortalidad. La clínica es la herramienta principal para el diagnóstico. La educación para el manejo de la anafilaxia con autoadministración de adrenalina es fundamental.

Supplementation of Caricol®-Gastro reduces chronic gastritis disease associated pain.

OBJECTIVE: Papaya and oats are natural food and used in traditional medicine in many parts of the world. Papaya has a high content of enzymes supporting digestive function. Oats are a source of minerals, beta-glucan fibres, immunmodulatory and antiinflammatory probiotic substances. Caricol®-Gastro combines both constituents, it was designed as vegan organic preparation for intestinal inflammatory diseases. We performed a randomized, double blind placebo controlled clinical trial to investigate the potential of Caricol®-Gastro as add on therapy in patients with diagnosed chronic gastritis. METHODS: 60 Patients with endoscopically confirmed mild chronic disease were recruited. A structured interview documented the baseline data. Then the patients were allocated to the verum or placebo group by handing out a numbered study package with the study substance for the daily intake at home. A single dose was 20 g, taken twice per day. After 30 days the participants were interviewed again. RESULTS: After the intake phase the disease related symptoms were found improved in both groups, indicating a strong placebo effect. However, the pain load reduction in the Caricol®-Gastro group was significantly larger (p=0.048). DISCUSSION: Due to the inherent biological activities of ingredients of papaya and of oats and their known effects (anti-inflammatory, epithelial integrity), the observed beneficial effects may be owed to the constituents synergisms to reduce chronic inflammation. We conclude, that the regular intake is a safe add on therapeutic option for patients with chronic gastritis to support standard medical care.

A 90 day chronic toxicity study of Nigerian herbal preparation DAS-77 in rats.

BACKGROUND: The herbal preparation DAS-77, used for the treatment of various ailments in Nigeria, contains the milled bark of Mangifera indica L. and root of Carica papaya L. Toxicological assessment of the preparation was carried out in this study. METHODS: In the acute toxicity study, DAS-77 was administered to mice p.o. up to 20 g/kg in divided doses and i.p. at 250-3000 mg/kg. Mortality within 24 h was recorded. In the chronic toxicity study, rats were treated p.o. for 90 days at doses of 80, 400 (therapeutic dose, TD) and 2000 mg/kg. By 90 days, animals were sacrificed and blood samples collected for hematological and biochemical analysis. Organs were harvested for weight determination, antioxidants and histopathological assessments. RESULTS: DAS-77 did not produce any lethality administered p.o. up to 20 g/kg in divided doses but the i.p. LD50 was 1122.0 mg/kg. At TD, DAS-77 produced significant (p < 0.05) reductions in body weight, food intake and K+, and increases in ovary weight, neutrophils and HDL, which were reversible. Histopathological presentations were generally normal. Effects at the other doses were comparable to those at TD except for reversible increases in antioxidants in the liver, kidney and testes, and sperm abnormality, and reductions in liver enzymes, sperm motility and count. CONCLUSIONS: Findings in this study revealed that DAS-77 is relatively safe with the potential for enhancing in vivo antioxidant activity. However, possibly reversible side-effects include electrolyte imbalance and sterility in males.