#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract

This article discusses the use of Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract in clinical trials, specifically for allergy testing. Ambrosia Artemisiifolia, commonly known as ragweed, is a significant cause of allergies in many parts of the world. The extract from its pollen is being studied to improve diagnostic methods for allergic reactions, particularly in the context of skin prick tests.

Table of Contents

What is Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract?

Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract, also known as Ragweed Pollen Extract, is a substance derived from the pollen of the ragweed plant (Ambrosia artemisiifolia). This extract is used in medical settings, particularly in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies[1]. Ragweed is a common cause of seasonal allergies, especially in late summer and fall.

Medical Use and Purpose

The primary use of Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract is in allergy testing and immunotherapy. It serves two main purposes:

  1. Diagnosis: The extract is used in skin prick tests to diagnose ragweed allergies. A small amount of the extract is placed on the skin, and if a person is allergic, a small bump or wheal will appear[1].
  2. Treatment: It can be used in allergen immunotherapy, a treatment that aims to reduce sensitivity to allergens over time. This therapy involves exposing the patient to gradually increasing amounts of the allergen to build tolerance[1].

Administration and Dosage

Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract is typically administered as a solution for skin-prick test. The specific product mentioned in the clinical trial data is “Ragweed Prick Test RX 500 µg/ml Pricktestlösung”[1]. Here are some key points about its administration:

  • It is used for transdermal use, meaning it’s applied to the skin[1].
  • The dosage is typically very small, often just a single drop (1 Gtt) for testing purposes[1].
  • The maximum daily dose and maximum total dose are both listed as 1 drop[1].
  • The treatment period is typically very short, often just a single application for diagnostic purposes[1].

Effectiveness and Clinical Trials

While the provided clinical trial data doesn’t specifically focus on Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract, it does give us insight into how such allergen extracts are studied and used. Here are some key points:

  • Allergen extracts like this are often used in immunotherapy treatments for allergies[1].
  • Clinical trials typically assess the efficacy and safety of these treatments by measuring changes in allergy symptoms and medication use[1].
  • Researchers often use scores like the Combined Symptom and Medication Score (CSMS) to evaluate the effectiveness of allergy treatments[1].
  • Other measures of effectiveness can include quality of life questionnaires, the number of symptom-free days, and changes in sensitivity to the allergen[1].

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

While specific side effects for Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract are not detailed in the provided data, allergenic extracts used in skin prick tests and immunotherapy can potentially cause reactions. Here are some general precautions:

  • Allergic Reactions: As this is an allergenic substance, there’s always a risk of allergic reactions, ranging from mild local reactions to more severe systemic reactions[1].
  • Medical Supervision: These tests and treatments should always be performed under medical supervision, typically by an allergist or immunologist[1].
  • Contraindications: People with certain health conditions, such as severe asthma, active tuberculosis, or certain heart conditions, may not be suitable candidates for allergy testing or immunotherapy[1].
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Special consideration is needed for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals[1].

It’s crucial to discuss any concerns or questions about Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract or any allergy testing and treatment with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on individual health status and medical history.

Aspect Details
Product Name Ragweed Prick Test RX 500 µg/ml Pricktestlösung
Active Substance Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract
Pharmaceutical Form Solution for Skin-Prick Test
Route of Administration Transdermal Use
Maximum Daily Dose 1 drop
Maximum Treatment Period 1 day
ATC Code V04CL (Tests for Allergic Diseases)
Marketing Authorization Holder ROXALL MEDIZIN GMBH
Authorization Country Germany (DE)

FAQ

  • What is Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract? Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract is a substance derived from the pollen of ragweed plants. It's used in allergy testing to help diagnose allergic reactions to ragweed pollen.
  • How is Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract used in clinical trials? In the clinical trial described, it's used as part of a skin prick test solution. This test helps doctors identify if a patient is allergic to ragweed pollen.
  • What is a skin prick test? A skin prick test is a method used to diagnose allergies. A small amount of a suspected allergen, like ragweed pollen extract, is placed on the skin and the skin is lightly pricked. If a person is allergic, a small bump or reaction will appear at the site.
  • Who might participate in a clinical trial using this extract? While the specific trial mentioned doesn't focus on ragweed allergies, typically participants in such trials would be adults between 18 and 65 years old who have symptoms of allergies, particularly during ragweed pollen season.
  • What are the potential benefits of this research? This research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for ragweed allergies, helping doctors more accurately identify and treat patients with these allergies. It may also contribute to the development of better treatments in the future.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Ambrosia Artemisiifolia Pollen Extract

  • Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Allergenic Extract of Olea Europaea Pollen for Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Olive Pollen Allergy

    Not recruiting

    4 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Spain

Glossary

  • Allergen: A substance that can cause an allergic reaction in some people. In this context, ragweed pollen is the allergen.
  • Skin Prick Test: A method used to diagnose allergies by placing a small amount of a suspected allergen on the skin and lightly pricking the area to see if a reaction occurs.
  • Pollen Extract: A concentrated form of pollen used for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in allergy medicine.
  • Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction that causes symptoms in the nose, such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose, often triggered by pollen.
  • Sensitization: The process by which the immune system becomes reactive to a specific allergen, like ragweed pollen.
  • IgE (Immunoglobulin E): An antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergens. High levels of specific IgE can indicate an allergy.
  • Transdermal Use: Application of a substance through the skin, as in the case of the skin prick test solution.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-allergenic-extract-of-olea-europaea-pollen-for-patients-with-moderate-to-severe-olive-pollen-allergy/