Inactivation of the Irritant Toxicants of Poison Ivy and Related Compounds by Tyrosinase

Abstract
The action of mushroom tyrosinase on the oxidation of the irritant principles of poison ivy and on related toxic compounds has been demonstrated by measuring oxygen consumption, color change, decrease in phenolic groups and reduction in dermatitis-producing properties of these compounds on human and guinea-pig skin. The action of tyrosinase on poison ivy toxicants occurs both in vitro and on the human skin.