A Case Report of Allergic Contact Dermatitis due to Mandragora Radix

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Toxicology
• Ethnobotany

Background:

• Mandragora Radix (M. Radix) is a plant with historical medicinal uses.
• Potential adverse effects of topical herbal applications are not always well-documented.
• Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is an immune-mediated skin reaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of allergic contact dermatitis caused by topical Mandragora Radix sap.
• To document the clinical presentation and diagnostic process for M. Radix-induced ACD.
• To contribute to the understanding of adverse reactions to herbal remedies.

Main Methods:

• A case report of an 82-year-old male patient.
• Clinical observation of skin lesions (rash, burning, itching).
• Dermatological examination revealing erythematous, edematous, and scaly plaques.
• Open application test with M. Radix sap.

Main Results:

• The patient developed symptoms 4 days after applying M. Radix sap.
• Skin lesions were characteristic of allergic contact dermatitis.
• The open application test confirmed M. Radix as the causative agent.
• This represents the second reported case of M. Radix-induced allergic contact dermatitis.

Conclusions:

• Topical application of Mandragora Radix sap can induce allergic contact dermatitis.
• Healthcare providers should consider herbal remedies as potential causes of skin reactions.
• Further investigation into the allergenic potential of M. Radix is warranted.