t211 Sweet gum

t211 Sweet gum Scientific Information

Type:

Whole Allergen

Display Name:

Sweet gum

Allergen code:

t211

Family:

Altingiaceae

Latin Name:

Liquidambar styraciflua

Other Names:

Sweet gum tree, American sweetgum, Redgum

WHO/ICD-11 code:

XM1FG7

(ICD-11 is currently under implementation by WHO and the ICD-11 codes displayed in the encyclopedia may not yet be available in all countries)

Environmental Characteristics

Worldwide distribution

Sweet gum is native to North America and to scattered locations in northeastern and central Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Sweet gum has been introduced into California as well as southwestern British Columbia (1). It is now found planted all over the world.

Medicinally, Sweet gum is known as "Copalm balsam"; the resinous gum is used extensively in Mexico and Europe as a substitute for storax. Ointments and syrups are made from it. It is also used as a perfuming agent in soap

Clinical Relevance

Asthma has not been reported (1).

In a study in Westchester County in the state of New York, out of 100 patients referred for allergic rhinitis, 65% had a positive skin prick test to at least 1 aeroallergen out of 48 in the test panel. Sweet gum was positive in 16 (2)

Molecular Aspects

No allergens from this plant have yet been characterized.

Cross-reactivity

An extensive cross-reactivity among the different individual species of the genus could be expected (3).

Compiled By

Last Reviewed- April 2022

References

Weber RW. Liquidambar styraciflua. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003;90(6):A6.
Basak P, Arayata R, Brensilver J Prevalence of specific aeroallergen sensitivity on skin prick test in patients with allergic rhinitis in Westchester County. Internet J Asthma Allergy Immunol 2008; 6(2)
L. Y. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB Uppsala Sweden. 1982.