Abstract
THE trichomes from the pods of Mucuna pruriens DC, which constitute cowhage, have long been known to cause intense itching, and some pain, when applied to the human skin. Broadbent1 concluded, from pharmacological and histological studies, that the itching was not a mechanical effect of the trichomes but was due to the presence of a histamine-liberating substance.
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References
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BOWDEN, K., BROWN, B. & BATTY, J. 5-Hydroxytryptamine: its Occurrence in Cowhage. Nature 174, 925–926 (1954). https://doi.org/10.1038/174925a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/174925a0
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