Logo American Journal of Case Reports

Call: 1.631.629.4328
Mon-Fri 10 am - 2 pm EST

Contact Us

Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports Logo American Journal of Case Reports

24 April 2008

Upper airway edema due to nasal aspiration of undiluted juice of ecbalium elaterium: report of three cases

Ioannis Kokkonouzis, Georgios Antoniou, Stefanos Varvaressos, Georgios Κonstantopoulos, Vasiliki Ntouli, Panagiota Vergou, Valsamoula Myridaki

Am J Case Rep 2008; 9:255-258 :: ID: 855040

Abstract

Background: Ecbalium elaterium, also known as squirting cucumber, is a very well known, among the peoples of the Eastern Mediterranean zone, gherkin-like fruit used ever since the antiquity as a traditional cure for a number of diseases including constipation, rheumatic diseases, sinusitis or even malignancies.
Case Report: We present three cases of uvular edema due to nasal aspiration of undiluted juice produced from the plant Ecbalium elaterium. All of our patients were treated with oxygen administration, intravenous antihistamines, methylprednisolone and subcutaneous administration of epinephrine and they have been discharged, after a 24-hour period of close observation, in their prior state of health.
Conclusions: Despite its toxic effect, which can guide to severe allergic reactions or even death, Ecbalium elaterium has also been attributed some interesting properties such as anti-inflammatory and solid tumor-inhibiting. Yet, it must be clarified and established through major series the exact amount, the diluted concentration and the route of administration so this juice so freely given from mother nature to become a useful tool in the management of inflammatory diseases.

Keywords: nasal aspiration, Ecbalium Elaterium, uvular edema, Sinusitis

Add Comment 0 Comments

In Press

Case report  Brazil

Image-Guided Cervicotomy and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Reinnervation in Zone II Glass Neck Trauma: A Case R...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.954178  

Case report  USA

When Infection Mimics Vasculitis: Hydralazine-Induced ANCA-Associated Crescentic Glomerulonephritis in the ...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.954110  

Case report  China

Treatment of External Auditory Canal Hemangioma by Surgical Excision and Flap Reconstruction: 2 Case Reports

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.953469  

Case report  Japan

Parenchymal Injury Caused by Complete Migration of a Bone of Japanese Horse Mackerel Within the Pancreatic ...

Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.954338  

Most Viewed Current Articles

07 Dec 2021 : Case report  USA 27,175,550

Edwardsiella tarda: A Classic Presentation of a Rare Fatal Infection, with Possible New Background Risk Fac...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934347

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934347

06 Dec 2021 : Case report  Brazil 180,013

Lipedema Can Be Treated Non-Surgically: A Report of 5 Cases

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.934406

Am J Case Rep 2021; 22:e934406

21 Jun 2024 : Case report  China (mainland) 123,725

Intracranial Parasitic Fetus in a Living Infant: A Case Study with Surgical Intervention and Prognosis Anal...

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371

Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371

0:00

08 May 2026 : Case report  USA 93,594

Cutaneous Allodynia Associated With GLP-1RA Tirzepatide for Weight Management: A Case Series

DOI :10.12659/AJCR.952158

Am J Case Rep 2026; 27:e952158

0:00

Your Privacy

We use cookies to ensure the functionality of our website, to personalize content and advertising, to provide social media features, and to analyze our traffic. If you allow us to do so, we also inform our social media, advertising and analysis partners about your use of our website, You can decise for yourself which categories you you want to deny or allow. Please note that based on your settings not all functionalities of the site are available. View our privacy policy.

American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923
American Journal of Case Reports eISSN: 1941-5923