Background
- Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is native to the southwestern United States and may be a natural source of hypoallergenic latex because large quantities of rubber accumulated in its cells lack the latex proteins that cause allergic reactions. Preliminary tests show that guayule latex film may be an effective barrier to virus transmission, even after long-term storage.
- There is currently insufficient evidence available in humans to support the use of guayule for any indication.
References
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Carey AB, Cornish K, Schrank P, et al. Cross-reactivity of alternate plant sources of latex in subjects with systemic IgE-mediated sensitivity to Hevea brasiliensis latex. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol 1995;74(4):317-320.
View Abstract - Cornish K, Lytle CD. Viral impermeability of hypoallergenic, low protein, guayule latex films. J.Biomed.Mater.Res. 12-5-1999;47(3):434-437.
View Abstract - Pan Z, Durst F, Werck-Reichhart D, et al. The major protein of guayule rubber particles is a cytochrome P450. Characterization based on cDNA cloning and spectroscopic analysis of the solubilized enzyme and its reaction products. J.Biol.Chem. 4-14-1995;270(15):8487-8494.
View Abstract - Pan Z, Herickhoff L, Backhaus RA. Cloning, characterization, and heterologous expression of cDNAs for farnesyl diphosphate synthase from the guayule rubber plant reveals that this prenyltransferase occurs in rubber particles. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 8-1-1996;332(1):196-204.
View Abstract - Parra-Delgado H, Garcia-Pillado F, Sordo M, et al. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, cytostaticity and genotoxicity of argentatins A and B from Parthenium argentatum (Gray). Life Sci 10-14-2005;77(22):2855-2865.
View Abstract - Siler DJ, Cornish K, Hamilton RG. Absence of cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies from subjects allergic to Hevea brasiliensis latex with a new source of natural rubber latex from guayule (Parthenium argentatum). J.Allergy Clin.Immunol. 1996;98(5 Pt 1):895-902.
View Abstract