Abstract
Background: Data on the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine is scarce, especially with regard to allergy skin testing. Our objective was to determine the relevancy of patch testing in the exploration of the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine. Material and Methods: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology of the Hospital Institute of Social Hygiene of Dakar over a one-year period. Patch tests were given to patients with cutaneous side effects related to the exclusive use of herbal medicine. The plants recovered were turned into macerates and powders and mixed with Vaseline at concentrations of 5%, 20%, and 30%. Results: Patch tests were given to 31 of the 53 patients included. They were positive in 11 patients (35.48%). Positive patients displayed systemic eczema (n = 7/15 of cases), Stevens–Johnson syndrome (n = 2/3), contact eczema (n = 1/1), and fixed pigmented erythema (n = 1/2). Positive tests were obtained for 11 medicinal plants identified: Jatropha chevalieri (n = 2), Terminalia avicennoïde (n = 2), Detarium microcarpum, Acacia seyal, Acacia albida, Acacia italic, Sesamum indicum, Mangifera indica, Momordica charantia, Nauclea latifolia, and Anogeisius leiocarpus (in one case each). There was no statistically significant relationship between the type of cutaneous side effect and the test result (p = 0.388) and between the nature of the plant used and the test result (p = 0.402). Conclusion: In view of their high rates of positivity, patch tests could prove promising in the exploration of the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine.
Highlights
Despite scientific advances in modern medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the African population continues to use traditional medicine in primary health care [1]
We conducted this study in order to determine the frequency of positive patch tests in cutaneous adverse effects related to herbal medicine and to search for a link between test results and the type of cutaneous reaction or the variety of medicinal plant administered
Once again, the high frequency and diversity of cutaneous reactions attributable exclusively to herbal medicine
Summary
Despite scientific advances in modern medicine, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the African population continues to use traditional medicine in primary health care [1]. Patch testing plays a major role in the diagnostic approach to cutaneous adverse drug reactions caused by conventional drugs, often establishing a causal link between drug intake and the occurrence of cutaneous adverse events. Their sensitivity can reach 70% depending on the type of cutaneous reaction and the nature of the drug involved [3,4]. We conducted this study in order to determine the frequency of positive patch tests in cutaneous adverse effects related to herbal medicine and to search for a link between test results and the type of cutaneous reaction or the variety of medicinal plant administered. Patch tests were given to patients with cutaneous side effects related to the exclusive use of herbal medicine. Conclusion: In view of their high rates of positivity, patch tests could prove promising in the exploration of the cutaneous side effects of herbal medicine
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