Abstract | BACKGROUND: Hepatic and neurologic injury developed in two infants after ingestion of mint tea. Examination of the mint plants, from which the teas were brewed, indicated that they contained the toxic agent pennyroyal oil. METHODS: RESULTS: CONCLUSION:
Pennyroyal oil is a highly toxic agent that may cause both hepatic and neurologic injury if ingested. A potential source of pennyroyal oil is certain mint teas mistakenly used as home remedies to treat minor ailments and colic in infants. Physicians should consider pennyroyal oil poisoning as a possible cause of hepatic and neurologic injury in infants, particularly if the infants may have been given home-brewed mint teas.
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Authors | J A Bakerink, S M Gospe Jr, R J Dimand, M W Eldridge |
Journal | Pediatrics
(Pediatrics)
Vol. 98
Issue 5
Pg. 944-7
(Nov 1996)
ISSN: 0031-4005 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8909490
(Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
- Cyclohexanones
- Monoterpenes
- Oils, Volatile
- Terpenes
- Menthol
- menthofuran
- pulegone
- pennyroyal oil
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Topics |
- Beverages
(poisoning)
- Brain Diseases
(chemically induced)
- Brain Edema
(chemically induced)
- Cyclohexane Monoterpenes
- Cyclohexanones
(poisoning)
- Epilepsy
(chemically induced)
- Humans
- Infant
- Liver Failure, Acute
(chemically induced)
- Male
- Menthol
(analogs & derivatives, poisoning)
- Monoterpenes
- Multiple Organ Failure
(chemically induced)
- Necrosis
- Oils, Volatile
(poisoning)
- Terpenes
(poisoning)
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