Understanding Quercus Robur Pollen Extract: A Treatment for Oak Pollen Allergy

What is Quercus Robur Pollen Extract?

Quercus Robur Pollen Extract is a substance derived from the pollen of the English oak tree (Quercus robur). It is being studied as a potential treatment for people who are allergic to oak pollen. This extract is classified as an allergen, which means it contains substances that can trigger an allergic reaction in some people.1

Medical Conditions Treated

The primary medical condition targeted by Quercus Robur Pollen Extract is allergy to Quercus robur, also known as English oak pollen allergy. This allergy can cause symptoms such as:1

• Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal passages, causing runny nose, sneezing, and congestion)
• Rhinoconjunctivitis (inflammation affecting both the nasal passages and eyes, causing additional symptoms like itchy, watery eyes)
• Asthma (a respiratory condition causing breathing difficulties)

How It Works

Quercus Robur Pollen Extract is used in a diagnostic procedure called a skin prick test. This test helps doctors determine if a person is allergic to oak pollen. Here's how it works:1

1. A small amount of the extract is placed on the skin, usually on the forearm or back.
2. The skin is then gently pricked to allow the extract to enter the outer layer of skin.
3. If a person is allergic to oak pollen, a small, raised bump (called a papule) will form on the skin within about 15-20 minutes.
4. The size of this papule is measured and compared to the reaction caused by a histamine solution, which is used as a positive control in the test.

This test helps doctors diagnose oak pollen allergy and determine its severity.

Current Clinical Trial

A Phase II clinical trial is currently being conducted to evaluate Quercus Robur Pollen Extract. The main objective of this trial is to determine the concentration of the extract that produces a skin reaction equivalent to that caused by a standard histamine solution.1

This information will help standardize the use of Quercus Robur Pollen Extract in allergy testing, making diagnoses more accurate and consistent across different medical settings.

Eligibility for Treatment

To be eligible for treatment or participation in the clinical trial, patients must meet certain criteria:1

• Have a history of inhalant allergy symptoms (such as rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, or asthma) related to Quercus robur
• Show a positive reaction to a skin prick test with oak pollen extract or have detectable levels of oak-specific IgE antibodies in their blood
• Be between 18 and 64 years old
• Be able to give informed consent

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or at risk of pregnancy are not eligible for this treatment.

How It's Administered

Quercus Robur Pollen Extract is administered as a solution for skin-prick test. The maximum daily dose is 2 drops, with a total maximum dose of 6 nanoliters. The treatment period is typically one day, as this is primarily a diagnostic tool rather than a long-term treatment.1

Precautions and Contraindications

There are several conditions and circumstances under which Quercus Robur Pollen Extract should not be used:1

• Known allergy to phenol (a preservative sometimes used in allergy extracts)
• Recent immunotherapy for allergic asthma or rhinoconjunctivitis (within the last 5 years)
• Severe symptoms that prevent discontinuation of antihistamine treatment
• History of severe reactions to skin prick tests
• Current use of beta-blocker medications
• Unstable clinical conditions (such as acute asthma or fever)
• Active skin conditions in the test area (such as urticaria, eczema, or psoriasis)
• Active herpes simplex or herpes zoster infections in the test area
• Conditions where adrenaline use is contraindicated (such as hyperthyroidism, hypertension, or heart disease)

It's important to discuss any medical conditions or medications with your healthcare provider before undergoing testing with Quercus Robur Pollen Extract.