Retrospective study of cases of poisoning by Essential oils in Morocco

Abstract

Medicinal plants and more particularly essential oils are widely used all around the world and the population is increasingly exposed to frequent and sometimes serious side effects due to the inappropriate use of essential oils. In Morocco where the practice of aromatherapy is growing, there are no epidemiological studies on essential oils poisonings cases so far. To describe the cases of poisonings by essential oils in Morocco, based on the data available in the Poison-Control Center of Morocco (CAPM). We conducted a retrospective study of all cases of poisoning by essential oils reported to the Poison-Control Centre of Morocco over a period of 11 years (from 2011 to 2022). Between 2011 and 2022, 7 cases of poisoning by essential oils were reported to the CAPM. The cases concern toddlers (2 cases), children (1 case), and adults (4 cases) of female gender and the essential oils were used for a therapeutic purpose. Most of the intoxication cases were grade 1 and the clinical evolution was favorable in all 7 cases. Five plants are involved in the poisoning cases with the most involved plant being Lavandula officinalis with 3 cases. These cases of poisoning all seem to be linked to misuse and a lack of knowledge of patients about essential oils. Essential oils are highly active products which should be used with caution to avoid toxicity. In Morocco, the use of essential oils for therapeutic purposes should be supervised by qualified health professionals and an aroma-vigilance system should be put in place to allow rapid notification and management of essential oil poisoning cases.