Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:
- Bet v 1, Bet v 1-fragments, Bet v 1-trimer, Betula, Betula 30c, Betula davurica Pall., Betula ermanii Cham., Betula grossa Sieb. et Zucc., Betula maximowicziana, Betula maximowicziana Regel, Betula nana, Betula nana L., Betula occidentalis, Betula pendula, Betula pendula Roth., Betula papyrifera Marsh., Betula platyphylla var. japonica, Betula platyphylla Sukatchev var. japonica (Miq.) Hara, Betula pubescens Ehrh., Betula verrucosa, Betulaceae (family), betulin, betulinic acid, birch pollen allergen (Bet v 1), downy birch, dwarf birch, Japanese white birch, lupeol, mountain birch, natural birch pollen extract, oleanolic acid, paper birch, rBet v 1, rBet v 2, rBet v 4, recombinant Betula verrucosa (rBet v 1), silver birch, white birch.
- Note: This monograph does not cover birch immunotherapy. For more information on immunotherapy, please see the Natural Standard allergy database.
Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness
Brief Background:
- Birch tree species are common throughout temperate North American, European, and Asian areas. Birch pollen is one of the most common allergens, usually in areas where exposure to high levels of birch pollen is common (1;2;3;4). The allergen may cause atopic dermatitis, contact urticaria, atopic eczema, asthma, wheezing, allergic conjunctivitis, eye redness, oral-pharyngeal itching, or rhinoconjunctivitis (5;6;7;8;9;10;11;12;13;14;15).
- There is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of birch for any indication. One low quality study shows that birch bark ointment may be beneficial for actinic keratosis (16).
- Note: Birch may be used in immunotherapy (3;14;17;18;19;20;21;22;23;24;25;26;27;28;29;30;31;32;33;34;35;36;37;38;39;40;41).
Dosing/Toxicology
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Precautions/Contraindications
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Interactions
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
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Mechanism of Action
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History
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Evidence Table
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Evidence Discussion
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Products Studied
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Author Information
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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 www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
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