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.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )