Urushiol
Urushiol
Urushiol (/ʊˈruːʃiɒl/ u-ROO-shee-ol) is an organic compound found in plants of the family Anacardiaceae, particularly in the genus Toxicodendron, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It is an oily mixture of several closely related organic compounds. Each consists of a catechol substituted in the 3 position with a hydrocarbon chain that has 15 or 17 carbon atoms. The hydrocarbon group may be saturated or unsaturated. The exact structure of the compound varies with the plant source.
Etymology
The term "urushiol" is derived from Urushi, the Japanese name for lacquer. The sap of the Chinese lacquer tree, Toxicodendron vernicifluum, contains urushiol, which on contact with the skin can cause a severe allergic reaction known as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis.
Related Terms
- Anacardiaceae: The plant family to which urushiol-producing plants belong.
- Toxicodendron: The genus of plants that produce urushiol.
- Poison Ivy: A plant species that produces urushiol.
- Poison Oak: Another plant species that produces urushiol.
- Poison Sumac: Yet another plant species that produces urushiol.
- Urushiol-induced contact dermatitis: The allergic reaction caused by contact with urushiol.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Urushiol
- Wikipedia's article - Urushiol
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