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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
07:42
Quantification of the Potential Impact of Glyphosate-Based Products on Microbiomes
Published on: January 10, 2022
Glyphosate-surfactant herbicide-induced reversible encephalopathy
R C Malhotra1, D K Ghia, D J Cordato
1Department of Neurology, Liverpool Health Service, Level 1 CSB Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool BC, New South Wales 1871, Australia.
Summary
Glyphosate-surfactant herbicide ingestion can cause severe poisoning, including prolonged, reversible brain dysfunction. This case highlights the significant central nervous system toxicity of such exposures.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Glyphosate-surfactant (GlySH) herbicides, like "Round-up", are widely used and have been implicated in suicide attempts.
- Commercial formulations contain glyphosate and surfactants, with reported toxic effects including gastrointestinal distress, organ impairment, and pulmonary edema.
Observation:
- Limited data exist on the specific central nervous system (CNS) effects of "Round-up" toxicity.
- A case study involved a 71-year-old male who ingested GlySH in a suicide attempt.
Findings:
- The patient developed a prolonged encephalopathy, indicating acute CNS toxicity.
- The neurological symptoms were reversible, suggesting a non-permanent effect on the brain.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for significant, yet potentially reversible, neurological damage from GlySH herbicide ingestion.
- Further research is warranted to fully understand the CNS effects and mechanisms of toxicity.
- Clinical vigilance for encephalopathy is crucial in patients with significant herbicide exposure.
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