A rare chemical burn due to Ranunculus arvensis: three case reports

Ann Saudi Med. 2016 Jan-Feb;36(1):89-91. doi: 10.5144/0256-4947.2016.89.

Abstract

Ranunculus arvensis, a plant that is a member of Ranunculaceae family, generally used for local treatment of joint pain, muscle pain, burns, lacerations, edema, abscess drainage, hemorrhoids, and warts among the population. In this case report, we presented three patients who developed chemical skin burns after using R. arvensis plant locally for knee pain. The destructive effect of the plant has been reported previously to be more in fresh plants and less in dried plants. Although protoanemonin, which is considered as the main toxic substance, was reported to be absent in dried or boiled plants, the plant was boiled, cooled, and wrapped over the region with pain in our cases. Therefore, we thought that protoanemonin may be considered to be heat resistant. Also, the burn management proceeded up to surgery by using the flap technique in one of our patients in contrast to the cases found in published reports who were treated by antibiotics and dressings.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Arthralgia / drug therapy
  • Burns, Chemical / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Knee Injuries / chemically induced*
  • Knee Joint
  • Middle Aged
  • Phytotherapy / adverse effects*
  • Plant Preparations / adverse effects*
  • Ranunculus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Plant Preparations