Don't Use Pennyroyal

Pennyroyal is a widely available herb that some pregnant women use to induce abortion. This case series of four patients and literature review of 18 reported cases of pennyroyal ingestion describes its toxic effects.

All but one of the cases were in adult women. Most used pennyroyal as an abortifacient, although a few used it to induce menses. The most common preparation was pennyroyal oil, but tablets, tea, and other forms were also used. Though doses were often small (as little as 7.5 ml of oil), gastrointestinal and CNS symptoms usually developed within one to two hours after ingestion. Five women had seizures, and four died. Autopsy showed centrilobular hepatic injury in three women, and one also had renal damage.