[M'khinza-related intoxication: about two observations]

Dysphania ambrosioides or anserine, known in Morocco as M'Khinza, is a plant belonging to family Chenopodiaceae. In Morocco, it is used for its therapeutic properties including, in particular, antipyretic properties. However, it can be toxic if it is incorrectly calibrated. We report two cases of poisoning whose data were collected in the Pediatric Emergency Department in Rabat. The study involved a 5-month old infant and a 10 year old girl with, respectively, toxic encephalopathy and severe dehydration associated with acute gastroenteritis after the ingestion of undetermined doses of infusion of this plant used as antipyretic. They both died in less than 12 hours. This study highlights the importance of considering M'Khinza-induced neurotoxicity and enterotoxicity in order to reach a correct diagnosis, the role of information and the need to fight against harmful consumption. Research on traditional pharmacopoeia should be encouraged in order to identify the therapeutic properties and to formalize, streamline and codify prescriptions.