Reduced content of chloroatranol and atranol in oak moss absolute significantly reduces the elicitation potential of this fragrance material

Contact Dermatitis. 2015 Feb;72(2):75-83. doi: 10.1111/cod.12312. Epub 2014 Nov 13.

Abstract

Background: Oak moss absolute, an extract from the lichen Evernia prunastri, is a valued perfume ingredient but contains extreme allergens.

Objectives: To compare the elicitation properties of two preparations of oak moss absolute: 'classic oak moss', the historically used preparation, and 'new oak moss', with reduced contents of the major allergens atranol and chloroatranol.

Patients/materials/methods: The two preparations were compared in randomized double-blinded repeated open application tests and serial dilution patch tests in 30 oak moss-sensitive volunteers and 30 non-allergic control subjects.

Results: In both test models, new oak moss elicited significantly less allergic contact dermatitis in oak moss-sensitive subjects than classic oak moss. The control subjects did not react to either of the preparations.

Conclusions: New oak moss is still a fragrance allergen, but elicits less allergic contact dermatitis in previously oak moss-sensitized individuals, suggesting that new oak moss is less allergenic to non-sensitized individuals.

Keywords: allergic contact dermatitis; fragrances; patch test; risk assessment.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allergens* / administration & dosage
  • Benzaldehydes* / administration & dosage
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / diagnosis*
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / etiology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patch Tests / methods*
  • Perfume / adverse effects
  • Perfume / chemistry*
  • Resins, Plant* / administration & dosage
  • Resins, Plant* / adverse effects
  • Resins, Plant* / chemistry
  • Risk Assessment
  • Terpenes* / administration & dosage
  • Terpenes* / adverse effects
  • Terpenes* / chemistry

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Benzaldehydes
  • Perfume
  • Resins, Plant
  • Terpenes
  • atranol
  • chloroatranol
  • oakmoss