Calotropis procera induced ocular toxicity, manifestations and management – an observational study

  • Dr. Nidhi Pandey Associate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur, CG, India
  • Dr. Vijaya Sahu Asosciate Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur, CG, India
Keywords: Calotropis Procera, Keratitis, Latex, Striate Keratopathy

Abstract

Introduction: Calotropis procera produces copious amounts of latex, which possesses several pharmacological properties. It produces severe inflammatory response on local application and its accidental instillation in the eye is associated with significant ocular morbidity. This is an observational study to assess the ocular toxicity of the latex of Calotropis procera and its management.

Methods: 34 patients presenting to the ophthalmology department of a tertiary care centre of central India with exposure to the latex of Calotropis procera, were included in the study.

Results: The main symptoms reported were burning, watering and discomfort. Corneal edema with striate keratopathy was found to be a universal manifestation with or without epithelial lesions and intraocular inflammation.The keratopathy showed good response to topical corticosteroids.

Conclusion: Exposure to the latex of Calotropis procera is associated with significant ocular morbidity. The typical manifestation of striate keratopathy resolves with topical steroids. Simple health education in the form of hand washing, and avoiding eye contact and eye rubbing while plucking the flowers and leaves of Calotropis can prevent this injury.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Mascolo N, Sharma R, Jain SC, Capasso F. Ethnopharmacology of Calotropis procera flowers. J Ethnopharmacol. 1988 Feb-Mar;22(2):211-21. [PubMed]

2. Tomar VP, Agarwal PK, Agarwal BL. Toxic iridocyclitis caused by Calotropis. J All India Ophthalmol Soc. 1970 Apr;18(1):15-6. [PubMed]

3. Arya S, Kumar VL. Antiinflammatory efficacy of extracts of latex of Calotropis procera against different mediators of inflammation. Mediators Inflamm. 2005 Aug 31;2005(4):228-32.

4. Alencar NM1, Oliveira JS, Mesquita RO et al. Pro- and anti-infl ammatory activities of the latex from Calotropis procera (Ait) R.Br. are triggered by compounds fractionated by dialysis. Inflamm Res. 2006 Dec;55(12):559-64. [PubMed]

5. Kumar VL, Shivkar MY. Involvement of prostaglandins in inflammation induced by latex of Calotropis procera. Mediators Inflamm. 2004 Jun;13(3):151-5. [PubMed]

6. Shivkar YM, Kumar VL. Histamine mediates the pro-inflammatory effect of latex of Calotropis procera in rats. Mediators Inflamm. 2003 Oct;12(5):299-302. [PubMed]

7. Al-Mezaine HS, Al-Rajhi AA, Al-Assiri A, Wagoner MD. Calotropis procera (ushaar) keratitis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2005 Jan;139(1):199-202. [PubMed]

8. Dewan S,Sangraula H, Kumar VL. Preliminary studies on the analgesic activity of Calotropis procera. J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Nov;73(1-2):307-11. [PubMed]

9. Pandey N, Chandraker AK, Garg ML, Patel SS. Calotropis procera induced keratitis. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 Jan-Feb;57(1):58-60. [PubMed]

10. Basak SK, Bhaumik A, Mohanta A, Singhal P. Ocular toxicity by latex of Calotropis procera . Indian J Ophthalmol. 2009 May-Jun;57(3):232-4. doi: 10.4103/0301-4738.49402. [PubMed]

11. Waikar S, Srivastava VK. Calotropis induced ocular toxicity. Med J Armed Forces India. 2015 Jan;71(1):92-4. doi: 10.1016/j.mjafi.2012.08.017. Epub 2012 Oct 23. [PubMed]

12. Lakhtakia S, Dwivedi PC, Choudhary P, Chalisgaonkar C, Rahud J. Ocular toxicity of Calotropis- missing links. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2010 Mar-Apr;58(2):169; author reply 169. doi: 10.4103/0301-4738.60074.
Calotropis procera induced ocular toxicity, manifestations and management – an observational study
CITATION
DOI: 10.17511/ijmrr.2015.i8.151
Published: 2015-09-30
How to Cite
1.
Pandey N, Sahu V. Calotropis procera induced ocular toxicity, manifestations and management – an observational study. Int J Med Res Rev [Internet]. 2015Sep.30 [cited 2024Mar.29];3(8):805-9. Available from: https://ijmrr.medresearch.in/index.php/ijmrr/article/view/326
Section
Original Article