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Case report: Management of phytolacca americana " dragon berries " poisoning

Year 2025, Volume: 64 Issue: 1, 166 - 168, 12.03.2025
https://doi.org/10.19161/etd.1499061

Abstract

Phytolacca americana, commonly known as "Phytolacca" in our country, is a toxic plant. A 43 year old male patient presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and chest pain after consuming tea made from this plant. Examination and tests revealed elevated lactate, C reactive protein, and white blood cells. Supportive treatment was administered, leading to symptom improvement. The literature indicates that all parts of this plant are toxic to humans and mammals, highlighting the importance of early recognition and supportive care. The FDA advises against the use of this plant.

Ethical Statement

Ethics Committee approval is not required as it is a case report. Informed consent has been received from the patient. Authors declared no conflict of interest. Authors declared no financial support

References

  • Özbucak T, Sağlam A. Phytolacca americana L. bitkisinin farklı habitatlardaki azot ve fosfor makro element değerlerinin karşılaştırılması. Ordu Univ Bilim Teknol Derg. 2021;11(2):113-123.
  • Fahmy NM, El-Shazly M, Farag MA, Ahmed AMA, Kamel MS. Chemical exploration of different extracts from Phytolacca americana leaves and their potential utilization for global health problems: in silico and network pharmacology validation. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2024:1-21.
  • Valle E, Vergnano D, Nebbia C. Suspected pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) poisoning as the cause of progressive cachexia in a Shetland pony. J Equine Vet Sci. 2016;42:82-87.
  • Woolum JA, Spiller HA, Casavant MJ, Chounthirath T, Smith GA. Human exposures to Phytolacca americana in Kentucky. Toxicon. 2022;220:106962.
  • Jaeckle KA, Freemon FR. Pokeweed poisoning. South Med J. 1981;74(5):639-40.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Warning letter [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2024]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/duncans-botanical-products-inc-519077-05082017

Vaka sunumu: Phytolacca americana " şekerci boyası" zehirlenmesinin yönetimi

Year 2025, Volume: 64 Issue: 1, 166 - 168, 12.03.2025
https://doi.org/10.19161/etd.1499061

Abstract

Ülkemizde yaygın olarak "Şekerci Boyası" olarak bilinen Phytolacca americana zehirli bir bitkidir. 43 yaşında erkek hasta bu bitkiden yapılan çayı tükettikten sonra karın ağrısı, bulantı, kusma ve göğüs ağrısı şikayetiyle acil servise başvurdu. Muayene ve testler yüksek laktat, C reaktif protein ve beyaz kan hücrelerini ortaya çıkardı. Destek tedavisi uygulandı ve semptomlarda iyileşme sağlandı. Literatürde bu bitkinin tüm kısımlarının insanlar ve memeliler için toksik olduğu belirtiliyor ve bu da erken teşhis ve destekleyici bakımın önemini vurguluyor. FDA bu bitkinin kullanımına karşı tavsiyede bulunuyor.

Ethical Statement

Olgu sunumu olduğundan etik kurul onayına gerek yoktur. Hastadan bilgilendirilmiş onam alındı. Yazarlar çıkar çatışması olmadığını beyan ederler. Yazarlar herhangi bir mali destek bildirmediklerini belirtirler

References

  • Özbucak T, Sağlam A. Phytolacca americana L. bitkisinin farklı habitatlardaki azot ve fosfor makro element değerlerinin karşılaştırılması. Ordu Univ Bilim Teknol Derg. 2021;11(2):113-123.
  • Fahmy NM, El-Shazly M, Farag MA, Ahmed AMA, Kamel MS. Chemical exploration of different extracts from Phytolacca americana leaves and their potential utilization for global health problems: in silico and network pharmacology validation. J Biomol Struct Dyn. 2024:1-21.
  • Valle E, Vergnano D, Nebbia C. Suspected pokeweed (Phytolacca americana L.) poisoning as the cause of progressive cachexia in a Shetland pony. J Equine Vet Sci. 2016;42:82-87.
  • Woolum JA, Spiller HA, Casavant MJ, Chounthirath T, Smith GA. Human exposures to Phytolacca americana in Kentucky. Toxicon. 2022;220:106962.
  • Jaeckle KA, Freemon FR. Pokeweed poisoning. South Med J. 1981;74(5):639-40.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Warning letter [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2024]. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/inspections-compliance-enforcement-and-criminal-investigations/warning-letters/duncans-botanical-products-inc-519077-05082017
There are 6 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Emergency Medicine
Journal Section Case Reports
Authors

Ökkeş Zortuk 0000-0001-6776-2702

Onur Pekmez 0009-0000-6188-6827

Publication Date March 12, 2025
Submission Date June 10, 2024
Acceptance Date September 30, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2025Volume: 64 Issue: 1

Cite

Vancouver Zortuk Ö, Pekmez O. Case report: Management of phytolacca americana " dragon berries " poisoning. EJM. 2025;64(1):166-8.