Systemic contact dermatitis induced by roots of Hosta plantaginea.

In East Asia, herbs are not only used by traditional medical practitioners but also commonly eaten by public. Compositae and Rhus are well-known antigens that can cause allergic contact dermatitis, but the other herbs are not well studied for antigenicity. Hosta plantaginea (also known as 'August lily' or 'Plantain lily') is originated from China and usually grown for ornamental purposes (Fig. 1a~c). In traditional medicine, flowers are used as oral medicines for sore throat or dysuria and sometimes topically applied for burn. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.