[Hemolytic anemia after voluntary ingestion of henna (Lawsonia inermis) decoction by a young girl with G6PD deficiency]

Med Trop (Mars). 2011 Jun;71(3):292-4.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Henna (Lawsonia inermis) is a shrub bearing leaves that are crushed and used for cosmetic purposes in Asia and Africa. In several countries, henna decoction is ingested as a traditional drug to induce abortion. One component of Henna, known as Lawsone, can induce hemolysis in G6PD-deficient patients after cutaneous exposure or ingestion. The purpose of this report is to describe a case of severe hemolytic anemia after voluntary ingestion of Henna decoction to induce abortion. This complication led to diagnosis of partial moderate G6PD-deficiency in the 17-year-old patient living in Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. This report emphasizes the life-threatening hazards associated with some plant extracts used as traditional medicines.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced
  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / chemically induced*
  • Comoros
  • Female
  • Glucosephosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lawsonia Plant / adverse effects*
  • Plant Leaves / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy