Severe Hypoglycemia Secondary to Acute Poisoning by Tradescantia spathacea

Abstract

Introduction: Scientific literature documents a high incidence of acute plant poisoning in animals. However, such cases are recorded less frequently in humans, accounting for 1 to 2 % of all cases of acute poisoning.
Objective: To present a clinical case of severe hypoglycemia secondary to acute poisoning by Tradescantia spathacea (zapatón) in a health district.
Case report: An adult female patient presented with confusion, marked drowsiness, disorientation, and profuse diaphoresis; she reported consuming an infusion of the Tradescantia spathacea plant (locally known as zapatón) three to five times daily during the fifteen days prior to the consultation. She received a diagnosis of severe hypoglycemia secondary to acute poisoning by Tradescantia spathacea. Treatment involved stabilizing vital functions and correcting the severe hypoglycemia with dextrose administration; the patient was monitored until recovery and subsequently referred to secondary care. The health team conducted follow-ups at 7 and 30 days, respectively, and no further episodes of hypoglycemia were observed after she stopped consuming the Tradescantia spathacea infusion.
Conclusions: This clinical case highlights the dangers of self-medication with hypoglycemic medicinal plants in diabetic patients due to the risk of interaction between the plant and the medication.