MULBERRY ALLERGY
Key Allergens
Mulberry are fruit in the Moraceae family of plants. Other plants in this family include fig, breadfruit and jackfruit.
The main allergy associated with black mulberries is Mor n 3, this is a Lipid Transfer Protein (LTP). LTPs are resistant to heat and are found in many types of plants. Patients suffering from a more severe allergy to cooked fruit may be sensitised to this group of proteins.
The white mulberry plant has an allergen, Mor a 2 which is associated with pollen allergies and asthma linked reactions.
Mulberry silk is a material made from the secretions of silkworms which have fed exclusively on mulberry trees. Silk allergy is associated with allergic contact dermatits, but is not related to the food allergens in mulberries.
The white mulberry plant has an allergen, Mor a 2 which is associated with pollen allergies and asthma linked reactions.
Mulberry silk is a material made from the secretions of silkworms which have fed exclusively on mulberry trees. Silk allergy is associated with allergic contact dermatits, but is not related to the food allergens in mulberries.
Food Intolerances
Mulberry is a food high in salicylates. Salicylates have the potential to cause worsening of asthma, swelling, itching and hives as well as food intolerance symptoms in people who are sensitive to salicylates.
You can read more about Food Intolerances on the dedicated Food Intolerance Page.
Associated Syndromes
You may be suffering from LTP Syndrome if you have reactions to various fruits, vegetables and nuts and your reactions continue to be severe after you have discarded the peel and have cooked the food.
Cross Reactivity
Common foods involved in LTP allergy include kiwi, strawberries, sunflower seeds, walnut, apple, mulberry, banana, pea, apricot, cherry, plum, almond, peach pomegranate, raspberry, tomato, grape, celery, peanut, asparagus, cabbage, broccoli, chestnut, lemon, tangerine, orange, hazelnut, lettuce, lentils, lupin, green bean, pear, mustard, wheat and maize.
These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
These food lists are not exhaustive, the most up to date information is on the Cross Reactivity Tool.
Resources
Websites
Science Direct - Lipid Transfer Proteins
Lipid Transfer Proteins (LTP Syndrome)
Pollen Library - White Mulberry Pollen
DermNet NZ - Textile Contact Dermatitis
Allergen Encyclopedia - Mulberry
Articles and Journals
Predicting the main pollen season of Broussonetia Papyrifera (paper mulberry) tree, 2024
Allergic reactions to genus Morus plants: a review, 2020
An IgE-Mediated Allergic Reaction Caused by Mulberry Fruit, 2015
Identification of Bet v 1‐related allergens in fig and other Moraceae fruits, 2010
Fig and mulberry cross-allergy, 2003
Partial characterization of the silk allergens in mulberry silk extract, 1996
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