Anthecotulid

Anthecotulid is a linear sesquiterpene lactone which can be found in the composites Anthemis auriculata and Anthemis cotula, the stinking chamomile.
Anthecotulid is a highly potent contact allergen and is responsible for the high allergenicity of mayweed. Anthecotulide is therefore listed as a poisonous plant in some countries such as the USA. Type I sensitizations are rarer.

Anthecotulide causes clear and severe contact dermatitis even in concentrations as low as 0.1%. Anaphylactic reactions to anthecotulide are extremely rare.
Anthecotulide is present in anthemis cotula in amounts up to 1.8 %. In contrast, the allergenic potency of true camomile is rather low as its anthecotulide content is rather low (concentrations of 0.003 - 0.01 %). Experimentally, the substance has an antibacterial and anti-leishmanicidal effect.

1. Aberer W (2008) Contact allergy and medicinal plants. JDDG 6:15-24
2. Karioti A et al (2009) Trypanocidal, leishmanicidal and cytotoxic effects of anthecotulide-type linear sesquiterpene lactones from Anthemis auriculata. Phytomedicins 16:783-787.
3. Theodori R et al (2009) Linear sesquiterpene lactones from Anthemis auriculata and their antibacterial activity. J Nat Prod 69:662-664