DNCB and Urushiol (Poison Oak, Poison Ivy)

[W. Fred Shaw]

Two compounds that have demonstrated the ability to activate
cellular immunity through the delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)
healing response via the skin are DNCB (2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene)
and urushiol. In nature, urushiol is a group of hapten
(small molecule) compounds found in poison oak and poison
ivy -- this is what causes the delayed immune response to
poison oak or poison ivy. DNCB was developed from the structure
of Urushiol. DNCB has been used in the photographic industry for
color development.

There are differences between DNCB and urushiol that
may determine treatment choice. DNCB is a stable
compound that is soluble in acetone -- it is cheap,
easy to mix and cannot be patented. Urushiol can be
extracted in its oily form -- it is fragile and has a
short shelf life. However, the leaves of poison ivy or
poison oak can be used to elicit a DTH response.

DNCB is readily available at most AIDS Buyer's Clubs.
If you're lucky, poison oak and poison ivy are available
in your back yard.

The following posts are offered for further reading into
the research and the basis of this treatment option.

Enjoy and Have a Great Thanksgiving!

fred

See the following posts:

DNCB Overview -- 1994
DNCB Clinical Trial (Brazil) Dermatology 195:369-373 (1997)
DNCB -- Am Jour of Contact Dermatitis 1995 6(2):117-121 (Epstein)
DNCB -- NO long-term toxicity (NIH, 1977)
DNCB -- How It Works
DNCB and Immunomodulation (1994 article)
DNCB -- Brazil Study (Vancouver Abstract)
DNCB -- Viral Load Reduction (Vancouver Abstract)
DNCB U.S. Military Research -- urushiol from poison oak/ivy
DNCB, Anergy, Cancer and Immune Competence
DNCB -- National Library of Medicine Database Entry
DNFB (DNCB-like contact sensitizer)
DNCB and Lupus Remission, Lancet Vol 345, June 10, 1995
DNCB -- Leprosy and Cancer (The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 13th ed)