"Herbal remedy is natural and safe"--truth or myth?

J Assoc Physicians India. 2013 Nov;61(11):848-50.

Abstract

Neem oil is often used externally as a traditional medicine in India. Its ingestion, even in small doses produces toxic effects like severe metabolic acidosis, seizures, renal failure and encephalopathy. Management is supportive and prognosis is generally good but fatalities may occur. Herein we report an unusual case of neem oil toxicity in a previously normal adult.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acidosis / chemically induced*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced
  • Adult
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Glycerides / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Terpenes / poisoning*
  • Vomiting / chemically induced

Substances

  • Glycerides
  • Terpenes
  • neem oil