The risk of natural medicines: a case of arsenic exposure

Valewska G. Wallis Gómez^a, Liliana Mangione Cardarella^b, Sara López López^c, Sonia Alemán Rodríguez^c

^aUnidad de Cuidados Paliativos Pediátricos. Servicio de Pediatría. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. España.
^bServicio de Urgencias Pediátricas. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. España.
^cServicio de Pediatría. Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Insular Materno-Infantil. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. España.

Correspondence: VG Wallis. E-mail: vwalgom@gobiernodecanarias.org

Reference of this article: Wallis Gómez VG, Mangione Cardarella L, López López S, Alemán Rodríguez S. The risk of natural medicines: a case of arsenic exposure . Rev Pediatr Aten Primaria. 2022;24:e313-e317.

Published in Internet: 11-10-2022 - Visits: 6508

Abstract

Arsenic is a chemical element that belongs to the group of metalloids or semi-metals, present in air, water and soil in organic or inorganic form. Arsenic poisoning can be acute (fewer than 14 days’ exposure), chronic (arsenicosis, more than 6 months) or subchronic. Ayurveda is a traditional medical system in which medicines are divided into herbal and rasashastra, combining herbs, metals, minerals and gems. Experts assert that they are safe when properly prepared and administered. However, multiple cases of heavy metal poisoning related to their use have been reported. We present a clinical case of subchronic arsenic poisoning secondary to sustained intake of ayurvedic medicine.

Keywords

● Arsenic poisoning ● Ayurvedic medicine ● Traditional medicine

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