A RARE PEDIATRIC CASE OF CHRONIC ARSENIC POISONING FROM AYURVEDIC MEDICATION

Mandyam Dhati Ravi,George Mathew Panachiyil,Tirin Babu,Juny Sebastian

doi:10.22159/ajpcr.2020.v13i6.37437

Mandyam Dhati Ravi, George Mathew Panachiyil + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22159/ajpcr.2020.v13i6.37437

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Abstract

Ayurveda is an indigenous system of medicine becoming more popular around the world in recent years. In various Ayurvedic formulations, the arsenical compounds are intentionally added as the main active ingredients or as an auxiliary agent to assist the efficacy of herbal drugs. The chronic arsenic poisoning following the use of Ayurvedic medication is reported rarely in the literature. This report describes a rare pediatric case of chronic arsenic poisoning from Ayurvedic medication in a 15-year-old girl. She was a known case of seizure disorder and was on treatment with Ayurvedic medication for 1 year. The generalized hyperpigmentation and thickening of soles were noticed in the girl 7 months after taking the herbal tablet. The plasma-coupled atomic absorption spectroscopy of herbal tablet was performed in a laboratory and the result showed 4.3 mg of arsenic present in each herbal tablet. The patient was advised to stop the Ayurvedic medication and as an alternate drug, tablet levetiracetam (250 mg, twice a day) was started for the treatment of seizure disorder. During the follow-up, her cutaneous manifestations improved and is doing well.

Highlights

Ayurveda is an Indian traditional system of medicine and is based on herbal products preparations [1]
In various Ayurvedic formulations, the arsenical compounds are intentionally added as the main active ingredients or as an auxiliary agent to assist the efficacy of herbal drugs [6]
She complained of the generalized hyperpigmentation and thickening of soles for 3 months. She was a known case of seizure disorder and was on treatment with Ayurvedic medication for 1 year

Summary

Introduction

Ayurveda is an Indian traditional system of medicine and is based on herbal products preparations [1]. These elements are used purposefully, as Ayurvedic tradition holds that lead, mercury, copper, gold, iron, silver, tin, and zinc may aid to restore good health and normal function to the human body [2]. There has been increased number of case reports being published of toxic metals poisoning such as lead, mercury, and arsenic after the use of Ayurveda remedies which created a negative impact on the public for the use of Ayurvedic medicine [3]. The arsenical compounds have a remarkable history of pharmacological utilities and traditional practices [3].

Results

Conclusion