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Peganum Harmala (Aspand) Intoxication; a Case Report.
Rezvan Sadr Mohammadi1, Reza Bidaki2, Fazlollah Mirdrikvand3
1Department of Psychology, Kar Higher Education Institute, Rafsanjan, Iran.
Emergency (Tehran, Iran)
|June 9, 2016
Summary
Peganum harmala (Aspand) has reported pharmacological effects, but self-treatment for constipation led to intoxication. This case highlights potential dangers of using Aspand without medical guidance.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Peganum harmala (Aspand) is traditionally associated with various pharmacological activities, including sedative, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiprotozoal properties.
- Some individuals explore its use for managing organic or psychiatric conditions.
- A patient with chronic constipation, dissatisfied with conventional treatments, opted for comminuted Aspand.
Observation:
- The patient ingested comminuted Peganum harmala (Aspand) to self-treat long-standing constipation.
- Intoxication symptoms emerged approximately two hours post-ingestion.
Findings:
- The observed intoxication symptoms included blurred vision, phonophobia, a sensation of floating, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- This adverse event underscores the potential toxicity of Peganum harmala when used inappropriately.
Implications:
- This case emphasizes the critical need for professional medical supervision when considering herbal remedies like Peganum harmala.
- It highlights the risks associated with self-medication and the importance of understanding potential toxic effects.
- Further research into the safe and effective therapeutic applications of Peganum harmala is warranted.
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