Symptomatic hypokalemia associated with use of Llantén (“Plantago major”)

Málaga G.; Herrera-Añazco P. · Revista Habanera de Ciencias Medicas (2020)

Resumen

Introduction: The use of medicinal plants is associated with the belief of the absence of adverse effects.; Objective: To report a possible association between the use of Plantago major and hypokalemia Case presentation: Thirty-eight-year-old female patient with numbness and weakness in her limbs due to hypokalemia (2.94 meq/l) associated with the use of Llantén (Plantago major), a medicinal plant of widespread use and global distribution. Potassium was normalized and symptoms subsided after discontinuation of Llantén. Conclusion: Possible adverse effects of the use of commonly used medicinal plants must always be considered.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia; Universidad Señor de Sipán