Anaphylaxis associated with the ingestion of Goji berries (Lycium barbarum)

Goji berry (wolfberry),a member of the solanacea family,has been recently introduced in western countries and its consumption has increased rapidly. the objectives of the study were to describe the cases of 2 patients who experienced allergic symptoms after goji berry consumption,to identify the protein profi le of the extract,to analyze the allergenic profi le of individuals,and to determine cross-reactivity with other members of the solanaceae family (tomato). we describe 2 cases of allergic reaction,1 of which was an anaphylactic reaction,after goji berry ingestion. a goji berry extract was manufactured and immunochemically characterized. the patients were skin prick tested with a battery of common aeroallergens including mites,epithelia,and molds. individuals were also skin prick tested with food allergens,including goji berries. a positive skin prick test and specific immunoglobulin (ig) e to goji berry was detected in both cases. serum samples recognized a 9-kda band,probably related to lipid transfer proteins (ltps). cross-reactivity with tomato was analyzed by inhibition studies,which showed that the 9-kda band was totally inhibited by the tomato extract. this study describes the first 2 cases of allergic reaction following goji berry ingestion. ltps seem to be involved in allergic sensitization to goji berries,as evidenced by cross-reactivity with tomato. © 2011 esmon publicidad.