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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) allergenic extracts are used in clinical immunology for the diagnosis of Type I hypersensitivity. These non-standardized extracts help healthcare providers identify specific food and plant allergies through skin testing.
Name
Cucumber
Raw Name
CUCUMBER
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
4
Variant Count
4
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Cucumber
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) allergenic extracts are used in clinical immunology for the diagnosis of Type I hypersensitivity. These non-standardized extracts help healthcare providers identify specific food and plant allergies through skin testing.
Detailed information about Cucumber
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Cucumber.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) allergenic extracts belong to a specialized class of diagnostic biologicals known as Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extracts and Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extracts. In the realm of clinical immunology, these extracts are utilized primarily by allergists and immunologists to diagnose specific IgE-mediated hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions. Unlike standardized extracts (such as those for grass pollen or dust mites), which have a defined potency measured in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU), cucumber extracts are 'non-standardized,' meaning their potency is not compared to a national reference standard. Instead, they are prepared through the aqueous extraction of the specific food proteins from the raw cucumber fruit.
From a pharmacological perspective, cucumber extracts serve as a diagnostic tool rather than a therapeutic medication. They are used to elicit a controlled, localized allergic response in a clinical setting. According to the FDA-approved labeling for allergenic extracts, these products are indicated for skin prick testing (SPT) or intradermal testing to confirm a patient's sensitivity to cucumber proteins. This is particularly relevant for patients who experience symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or systemic food allergies. Interestingly, the raw data for cucumber extracts sometimes includes the classification of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone [EPC]; however, in a clinical context, the primary utility remains focused on its allergenic properties and the detection of specific IgE antibodies.
The mechanism of action for cucumber allergenic extract is centered on the Type I Hypersensitivity reaction, also known as an immediate-type allergic reaction. When the extract is introduced into the skin (epidermis or dermis), the specific proteins within the cucumber—such as profilins (Cuc s 2) or chitinases—interact with pre-sensitized IgE antibodies that are bound to the surface of mast cells and basophils.
At the molecular level, if the patient is allergic, the cucumber allergens cross-link the IgE molecules on the mast cell surface. This cross-linking triggers a process called degranulation, where the mast cell releases potent inflammatory mediators, most notably histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. Histamine acts on H1 receptors in the local vasculature, causing vasodilation (redness) and increased capillary permeability (swelling). This results in the classic 'wheal and flare' response: the 'wheal' is the raised, fluid-filled bump, and the 'flare' is the surrounding redness. By measuring the diameter of this reaction, a healthcare provider can objectively assess the likelihood of a clinical allergy.
As a diagnostic extract applied topically or intradermally in minute quantities, the pharmacokinetic profile of cucumber extract differs significantly from systemic drugs.
The primary FDA-approved use for cucumber extract is the diagnosis of cucumber-specific allergy. This is often performed in patients who report:
Cucumber allergenic extract is typically available as a sterile solution for percutaneous (skin prick) or intradermal administration. It is often supplied in 5 mL, 10 mL, or 50 mL vials. The concentration is usually expressed as a weight/volume (w/v) ratio, such as 1:10 or 1:20, representing the weight of the raw material relative to the volume of the extracting fluid (usually a buffered saline solution containing phenol as a preservative).
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Cucumber extract testing is right for your specific condition. This procedure must be performed in a clinical setting equipped to handle emergency allergic reactions.
For diagnostic purposes, the dosage of cucumber extract is not a standard 'dose' like a tablet, but rather a specific volume used during skin testing.
Cucumber allergenic extract is used in children, but the procedure must be performed by a pediatric allergist. The 'dose' (the volume of the drop) remains the same as in adults, but the number of simultaneous tests may be limited to avoid excessive discomfort or systemic absorption. There is no specific age cutoff, but testing is generally reserved for children who have shown clinical symptoms of an allergic reaction.
No dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment, as systemic absorption is minimal. However, the patient's overall health should be stable before testing.
No dosage adjustments are required for patients with hepatic impairment.
In elderly patients, skin reactivity may be diminished due to age-related changes in skin turgor and mast cell density. Healthcare providers may need to interpret smaller wheal sizes with caution or ensure that the positive control (histamine) produces a robust response to validate the test.
Cucumber extract is never self-administered. It is used exclusively by trained medical professionals.
Storage: Vials must be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). They should not be frozen. If the extract becomes cloudy or shows precipitation, it should be discarded.
As this is a one-time diagnostic procedure, 'missed doses' do not occur in the traditional sense. If a testing appointment is missed, it should be rescheduled. If a skin test result is equivocal, the doctor may choose to repeat the test at a later date or perform a blood test (Serum Specific IgE).
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts refers to the administration of too much extract or using a concentration that is too high, leading to a massive systemic reaction.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding the discontinuation of antihistamines before the test. Do not attempt to use these extracts outside of a medical facility.
The most common effects of cucumber extract testing are localized to the site of administration. These are actually the intended results of a positive test but are technically side effects of the procedure.
While extremely rare with skin prick testing, systemic reactions can occur, especially with intradermal testing.
> Warning: Stop the procedure and alert medical staff immediately if you experience any of these symptoms during or shortly after the test:
There are generally no long-term side effects associated with a single diagnostic use of cucumber extract. Unlike immunotherapy (allergy shots), which involves repeated exposure over years, diagnostic testing is a one-time event. In very rare cases, a patient might develop a small, firm nodule (granuloma) at an intradermal injection site that can persist for several weeks.
Most non-standardized allergenic extracts carry a general warning regarding the risk of Severe Systemic Reactions.
Report any unusual or persistent symptoms to your healthcare provider. If you leave the clinic and then develop hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, call emergency services (911) immediately.
Cucumber allergenic extract is a diagnostic tool with a high safety profile when used correctly, but it carries inherent risks because it is designed to trigger an immune response. It must never be used in a home setting. Patients must be screened for current health status, as those with active asthma or those currently experiencing a flare-up of their allergies are at a higher risk for a systemic reaction.
No specific FDA black box warning exists solely for 'Cucumber' extract, but it falls under the class-wide warning for all Allergenic Extracts. The warning emphasizes that these products can cause anaphylaxis and should only be administered by healthcare professionals prepared to manage such emergencies. The risk is significantly higher with intradermal testing compared to skin prick testing.
Generally, cucumber extract testing does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, if a patient experiences a vasovagal reaction (fainting) or a systemic reaction that requires medication like diphenhydramine (which causes drowsiness), they should not drive until the effects have completely worn off.
There is no direct interaction between alcohol and cucumber extract. However, alcohol can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which might theoretically increase the size of a skin test reaction or mask the early signs of a systemic reaction. It is best to avoid alcohol for 24 hours before and after the test.
There is no tapering or withdrawal associated with this diagnostic extract. The primary concern regarding 'discontinuation' is the need to stop taking antihistamines several days before the test, as these drugs will block the skin's response and lead to a false-negative result.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially heart or lung problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Cucumber extract testing.
There are no drugs that are strictly 'contraindicated' in the sense of causing a toxic chemical reaction, but certain drugs make the test dangerous or impossible to interpret:
Cucumber extract testing is itself a 'lab test' of the skin. It does not typically interfere with blood chemistry, liver function tests, or urinalysis. However, if a systemic reaction occurs and the patient is given systemic steroids, this could temporarily elevate white blood cell counts or blood glucose levels.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially any 'allergy' or 'cold' medicines.
Conditions where Cucumber extract testing must NEVER be performed:
Conditions requiring careful risk-benefit analysis:
Patients should be aware of cross-sensitivity between cucumber and other members of the Cucurbitaceae family (melons, squash) and the Ambrosia (ragweed) genus. If you have had a severe reaction to ragweed, your doctor will be more cautious when testing you with cucumber extract.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Cucumber extract testing.
FDA Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of cucumber allergenic extract in pregnant women. Clinical guidelines generally recommend avoiding skin testing during pregnancy. The primary risk is not the extract itself, but the potential for a systemic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can lead to maternal hypotension and subsequent placental insufficiency, potentially harming the fetus. Diagnostic testing should be delayed until the postpartum period unless the information is critical for immediate management.
It is not known whether the proteins in cucumber extract are excreted in human milk. However, because the amount used in skin testing is so small and the proteins are rapidly degraded locally, the risk to a nursing infant is considered negligible. Breastfeeding is not typically a contraindication for skin testing.
Cucumber extract is safe for use in children when administered by a specialist. The primary challenge is the child's ability to remain still and not scratch the test sites. In very young infants, skin reactivity is lower, and results may be less reliable. Pediatricians often prefer skin prick testing over blood tests because it provides immediate results without requiring a needle draw from a vein.
In patients over 65, the skin becomes thinner and less vascularized. The number of mast cells in the skin also decreases with age. Consequently, the wheal and flare response may be smaller than in younger patients. Doctors must ensure the histamine control is positive to avoid misinterpreting a weak reaction as a negative result. There are no specific 'geriatric' risks other than the general risk of cardiovascular stress if a systemic reaction occurs.
Patients with kidney disease can safely undergo cucumber extract testing. No dose adjustments are needed because the extract is not cleared by the kidneys in significant amounts. However, if the patient is on dialysis, testing should ideally be done on a non-dialysis day when the patient is at their baseline stability.
Liver disease does not affect the skin's immunological response to cucumber extract. No adjustments are necessary for patients with any stage of hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A, B, or C).
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your allergist if you are pregnant or have underlying heart or lung conditions.
Cucumber allergenic extract acts as an antigen. Specifically, it contains proteins that function as allergens. When these proteins are introduced into the skin of a sensitized individual, they bind to Specific IgE antibodies that are already attached to the high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI) on the surface of mast cells in the dermis. This binding causes the receptors to cluster (cross-link), which activates an intracellular signaling cascade involving tyrosine kinases (like Syk). This leads to the rapid release of pre-formed mediators from the mast cell granules—primarily histamine. Histamine then binds to H1 receptors on nearby blood vessels, causing the diagnostic 'wheal and flare.'
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Negligible (Local application) |
| Protein Binding | High (to IgE on mast cells) |
| Half-life | ~15-30 minutes (local tissue presence) |
| Tmax | 15-20 minutes (for clinical effect) |
| Metabolism | Local proteolytic degradation |
| Excretion | Not systemically excreted in significant amounts |
Cucumber extract is classified as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract. It belongs to the broader therapeutic category of Diagnostic Biologicals. Related substances include extracts for watermelon, squash, and ragweed, which are often tested alongside cucumber due to known botanical and immunological relationships.
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Cucumber
Cucumber allergenic extract is used exclusively as a diagnostic tool to identify if a person has a Type I hypersensitivity (allergy) to cucumbers. It is primarily used in skin prick testing, where a tiny amount of the extract is introduced into the skin to see if a 'wheal and flare' reaction occurs. This testing is crucial for patients who experience symptoms like itching, swelling, or hives after eating cucumbers. It also helps doctors diagnose Oral Allergy Syndrome, which is often linked to ragweed allergies. The extract is not a treatment and cannot be used to cure an allergy.
The most common side effects are localized to the site of the skin test and include itching, redness, and a raised bump known as a wheal. These symptoms are actually the signs of a positive test result and usually appear within 15 to 20 minutes of the procedure. Some patients may also experience a 'flare' or a larger area of redness surrounding the bump. These local reactions typically fade within an hour or two without treatment. Occasionally, a person might have a delayed reaction where swelling returns several hours later, but this is less common. Serious side effects like whole-body hives or trouble breathing are extremely rare during skin prick tests.
Since Cucumber extract is used for a one-time diagnostic test rather than a daily medication, there is no long-term restriction on alcohol. However, it is highly recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before and after your allergy test. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which might make a skin reaction look larger or more severe than it actually is, leading to an inaccurate diagnosis. Furthermore, alcohol can sometimes worsen the symptoms of an allergic reaction or interfere with the medications used to treat a reaction if one occurs. Always follow the specific pre-test instructions provided by your allergist.
Allergy skin testing, including the use of Cucumber extract, is generally avoided during pregnancy as a precautionary measure. While the extract itself does not cross the placenta or harm the baby directly, there is a very small risk that the test could trigger a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother. Anaphylaxis can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and a lack of oxygen flow to the fetus. Most allergists recommend waiting until after the baby is born to perform diagnostic skin tests. If an allergy diagnosis is absolutely necessary during pregnancy, a blood test (Specific IgE) is usually the safer alternative.
In the context of a diagnostic skin test, Cucumber extract works very quickly. Once the extract is pricked into the skin, the immunological response begins almost immediately at the cellular level. A visible reaction, if the patient is allergic, usually starts to appear within 5 to 10 minutes. The reaction typically reaches its 'peak' or maximum size at about 15 to 20 minutes, which is when the healthcare provider will measure the results. After the results are recorded, the swelling and itching will naturally begin to subside over the next hour.
Because Cucumber extract is used only for a one-time diagnostic procedure in a doctor's office, there is no 'stopping' the medication. It is not a daily treatment that you take at home. The concern regarding 'stopping' actually applies to your other medications before the test. You must stop taking antihistamines (like Zyrtec, Claritin, or Benadryl) several days before the test, as these will prevent the extract from working and cause a false-negative result. Never stop taking any prescribed medications, especially for heart or lung conditions, without first consulting with your doctor.
Since Cucumber extract is administered by a healthcare professional during a scheduled diagnostic appointment, you cannot 'miss a dose' in the way you might with a pill. If you miss your appointment for allergy testing, you should simply call your allergist's office to reschedule. It is important to remember that you may need to restart the 'waiting period' for stopping antihistamines if you reschedule your appointment for a much later date. There is no health risk to missing the test, other than delaying the diagnosis of your allergy.
No, Cucumber allergenic extract does not cause weight gain. It is a diagnostic protein extract used in a minute quantity (less than a drop) for a one-time skin test. It does not have the metabolic or hormonal effects associated with medications that cause weight gain, such as certain steroids or antidepressants. Even if you were to have a positive reaction to the test, the localized swelling is temporary and does not affect your body weight or fat distribution. You can proceed with the test without any concerns regarding your weight.
Cucumber extract can be used while you are on most medications, but some drugs will interfere with the accuracy of the test. Antihistamines are the most important ones to avoid, as they block the very reaction the doctor is looking for. Other drugs, like beta-blockers used for heart disease, can make the test riskier because they interfere with the emergency treatment of an allergic reaction. Always provide your allergist with a complete list of your current medications, including over-the-counter supplements, so they can determine if it is safe and effective to perform the test.
The concept of 'generic' vs. 'brand name' is a bit different for allergenic extracts. Cucumber extract is a biological product produced by several different specialized laboratories (such as Greer Laboratories or HollisterStier). While they are not usually referred to as 'generics,' these extracts are essentially equivalent in their diagnostic use. Because they are 'non-standardized,' there may be slight variations in protein concentration between different manufacturers, but they all serve the same clinical purpose of identifying a cucumber allergy.