Coma and neuropathy after ingestion of herbal laxative containing podophyllin

Abstract

A case of poisoning caused by an excessive dose of herbal laxative tablets is reported. The patient's symptoms included coma and prolonged peripheral neuropathy. The clinical features were characteristic of podophyllin poisoning. Podophyllin was a component of the laxative tablets, but the container gave no indication of their potential toxicity. Methods of reducing the risk of inadvertent poisoning by herbal remedies are suggested.