Λεξικό .. Alnus incana (Grey alder, Speckled alder)

Alnus incana (Grey alder, Speckled alder)

Tree of the Betulaceae family producing pollen of allergenic importance which may induce hayfever, conjunctivitis, asthma in certain sensitised individuals Related species: A. incana ssp. Tenuifolia ( Thinleaf alder), A. incana ssp. Rugosa ( Speckled alder), A. rubra (Red alder or Oregon alder), A. rhombifolian ( White alder), A. glutinosa ( Black alder), A. cordata ( Italian alder), A. viridis ( Green alder).  Deciduous wind pollinated tree to 2-12m in height found in waste places, in woods and by lakes and streams up to 500 m above sea level. Native and in some areas rather common in northern and central Europe and in southern mountains, extending to Western Siberia, and the Caucasus. Alnus glance occurs in eastern N. America. It pollinates February to March in Britain and April to May in Scandinavia. The flowers appearing before the leaves. More common in Europe is Alnus glutinosa but the genus has about 30 species distributed over the northern hemisphere and the Americas [1]. Several clinical studies with birch, alder or hazel pollen extract conducted as subcutaneous immunotherapy have been published suggesting a well-tolerated and clinically effective treatment. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with tree pollen extract provided dose-dependent benefits in tree pollen-allergic children in terms of significantly reduced symptoms and medication use. The treatment is well tolerated [2].

References

1. Steinman H, Ruden SImmunoCAP, Tree pollens. Allergy: Which Allergens? Pharmacia Diagnostics AB, Upsalla, 2005.

2. Valovirta E, Jacobsen L, Ljørring C, Koivikko A, Savolainen J. Clinical efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy with tree pollen extract in children. Allergy. 2006 Oct;61(10):1177-83.