title: Luffa echinata: healer plant or potential killer.
abstract: Bristly luffa (Luffa echinata), a member of the cucurbitaceae family is an Ayurvedic medicinal plant, which has been used in the traditional system of medicine for variety of symptoms. The active constituents like cucurbitacin, saponin, echinatin, β-Sitosterol, oleanolic acid and flavonoids have important pathophysiological effects on human body. However, there is no earlier published report of any toxicity on humans. We report a case of a 50-year-old gentleman, who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding, deranged liver function and shock following consumption of dried fruits of Luffa echinata soaked overnight in water. He had antral gastritis and duodenal erosions on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and was managed conservatively and recovered completely.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Giri
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Lokesh
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sahu
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gupta
mesh_terms: D061605:Administration, Intravenous; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000188:drug therapy; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal; D005638:Fruit; D005756:Gastritis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D029776:Luffa / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000633:toxicity; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014812:Vitamin K / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts; D054328:Proton Pump Inhibitors; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D014812:Vitamin K