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Allergen Encyclopedia
Table of Contents

Whole Allergen

t217 Peppertree

t217 Peppertree Scientific Information

Type:

Whole Allergen

Display Name:

Peppertree

Allergen code:

t217

Family:

Anacardiaceae

Latin Name:

Schinus molle

Other Names:

Brazil peppertree, California pepper tree, Molle, Pepper tree, Peruvian peppertree, Schinus, Peruvian mastic tree, American pepper, False pepper

Environmental Characteristics

Other topics

The Peppertree was introduced as an ornamental into Florida, USA, where it has become an invasive tree (1). The tree grows in forests and gardens and has been planted along streets and highways.

Clinical Relevance

IgE-mediated reactions

Pollens from the Peppertree can induce asthma, allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis (2)

In a study of 71 subjects of both sexes, aged from 14 to 40 years, 31% were found to be sensitized to Peppertree pollen, as measured by skin prick testing. All subjects who tested positive were sensitized to Mango tree pollen (Magnifera indica) as well (2).

Other reactions

Virtually all parts of this tree, including the trunk, leaves, and fruit, have been used in home medicines from Mexico to South America. The dried and roasted berries are used as a Pepper substitute. The essential oil from the fresh leaves of S. molle has been shown to be efficacious against a range of bacteria (3).

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, and to a certain degree among members of the family Anarcardiaceae (including Cashew nut, Mango, Pistachio nut, poison ivy and poison sumac), could be expected (4).

Cross-reactivity has been demonstrated between Mango tree pollen and Peppertree pollen (2).

Compiled By

Last reviewed:April 2022

References
  1. Williams DA, Muchugu E, Overholt WA, Cuda JP. Colonization patterns of the invasive Brazilian peppertree, Schinus terebinthifolius, in Florida. Heredity. 2007;98(5):284-93.
  2. Vargas Correa JB, Sanchez Solis L, Farfan Ale JA, Noguchi H, Moguel Banos MT, Vargas de la Pena MI. Allergological study of pollen of mango (Magnifera indica) and cross reactivity with pollen of piru (Schinus molle) [Spanish] Rev Alerg 1991;38(5):134-8
  3. Gundidza M. Antimicrobial activity of essential oil from Schinus molle Linn. The Central African journal of medicine. 1993;39(11):231-4.
  4. L. Y. Botanical relations and immunological cross-reactions in pollen allergy. 2nd ed. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB. Uppsala. Sweden. Pharmacia Diagnostics AB Uppsala Sweden. 1982.