Colocynth toxicity. A possible cause of bloody diarrhea

Authors

• Sarosh A. Khan, PO Box 5073, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (7) 5424648. Fax. +966 (7) 5421932. E-mail: saroshahmed{at}yahoo.com
• Hamdi H. Shelleh, Department of Dermatology, Najran General Hospital, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Abdul R. Bhat, Department of General Medicine, Najran General Hospital, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Khalid S. Bhat, Primary Health Care Center Bir Askar, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Five cases of toxicity due to consumption of an uncommon wild fruit called Colocynth are described. These cases were seen over a period of 2 years. Severe bouts of bloody diarrhea were encountered in these patients. The plant, its ingredients, the medicinal and other uses, features of toxicity and the management is discussed. Doctors are advised to be aware of this uncommon clinical problem.

Article Type

Case Report

First Page

904

Last Page

906

Recommended Citation

Khan, Sarosh A.; Shelleh, Hamdi H.; Bhat, Abdul R.; and Bhat, Khalid S. (2003) "Colocynth toxicity. A possible cause of bloody diarrhea," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 24: Iss. 8, Article 21.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2140