A proving of parthenium hysterophorus, L

Abstract

Abstract Parthenium hysterophorus belongs to the family Asteracaeae (compositae), many plants of which are capable of causing allergic contact dermatitis. Parthenium hysterophorus was introduced to India in the 1950s. Its dermatitis causing tendency was first reported by Ranade and others. Fornias, Duenas and Sleight had earlier undertaken its proving on human beings as well as on a few animals; we have re-proved P. hysterophorus in Indian conditions, particularly those prevailing in the northern part of the country, and have compared our findings with those of Fornias, Duenas and Sleight. Some important characteristic symptoms such as dermatitis, eczema, itching, sides of neck, part of face, “V” of neck, front of elbows and backs of knees (antecubital and popliteal fossae), allergic rhinitis (hay fever), breathlessness (resembling asthma) have not previously been reported. We also found that P. hysterophorus causes some characteristics in mammals other than human beings. We discovered that P. hysterophorus causes diarrhoea, severe papular erythematous eruptions, breathlessness and choking which sometimes causes the death of animals.The non-occurrence of these symptoms outside India may be attributed to the climate differences and also to the susceptibility of persons. P. hysterophorus occurring here belongs to a strain which is more virulent than the form found outside India.