Journal of International Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Peganum harmala, or Harmel, is one of traditional plants very used for diverse virtues, however a lot of people ignores side effects which are mortal especially in absence of antidote. The objective of this work is to illustrate the gravity of this plant to make sensitive the practitioners and the parents of its side effects.

It is about a clinical case about an infant hospitalized in neonatal resuscitation of child's hospital in Rabat in April 2012.

It is about a 5-month-old infant who was admitted for shock with a respiratory distress syndrome. He had presented 4 days before its admission a cough with a bronchial congestion. The mom consulted at a ferraga (tradionnal practitioner) who prescribed him a cocktail of oil and Harmel.

The examination in its admission revealed a sleepy infant, who presents an irregular breath, with a score of silverman quoted in 4, the time of recoloring was lengthened in 5 sec, with oedemas of lower limbs.

A thoracic radiography showed a cardiomegalia with an CTI (cardiothoracic index): 0.72 with a hilaire overload, the echocardiography made was normal. A biological checkup objectified a hepatic cytolysis with liver insufficiency and a renal insufficiency.

He was been ventilated, put under with antibiotics treatment ATB, and diuretics.

The evolution 2 days later was marked by a clear improvement: Regression of hepatomegalia, and cardiomegalia, oedemas have decreased we were able to extube 3 days later. The checkup of control made 2 in the 2nd day of admission showed an improvement of the hepatic and renal function.

The poisoning in Harmel is an incident which is not rare especially in our country where the traditional medicine is still of current practice, and if this plant is known by its multiple virtues, we should not forget its even mortal and fatal side effects of which it is necessary to prevent the population.