Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Do you have any information on Monstera deliciosa?
QUESTION:
I was perusing your site
http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/plants.html
looking for information pertaining to the toxicity of the split leaf
Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa) and came up empty handed. Do you happen to
have any information available on this plant, particular as pertains to the
sap?
ANSWER:
The sap from Philodendron species (and Monstera) contains a potent alkyl
resorcinol that can cause hypersensitivity dermatitis similar to what you have
observed in your son. Alkyl resorcinols are similar to the urushiols that cause
poison ivy sensitivity, except the two hydroxyl groups on the phenolic ring are
attached to carbons separated by one other in the resorcinols and they are on
carbons next to each other with the urushiols. As you have observed, the effect
is
similar.
Philodendron also has some oxylate crystals that can cause physical penetration
and pain when chewed or brought into contact with particularly sensitive
skin.
QUESTION:
My son was exposed to the sap when he was seven. Since then, any
encounter with any sap causes disfiguring facial swelling, rashes, throat
swelling, wheezing,
etc.
ANSWER:
Any sap? What kind of woods do you live near? Resorcinols are found in many
plants, including some grains and it would not surprise me if he was
cross-sensitized to a variety of resorcinols, or maybe even urushiol-containing
saps, but any sap? I think you need an actual medical person to sort that out for
you, perhaps a research immunologist of some
sort.
QUESTION:
My hope is to find
out what active ingredient in the monstera philodendron might have been
responsible and perhaps then we can find an allergist who will provide some
relief.
ANSWER:
Desensitization is really tricky for people that are this sensitive.