# Case Report: Severe lead poisoning due to exposure to ayurvedic herbal medicine

## TL;DR

A 4-year-old boy suffered severe lead poisoning from an ayurvedic herbal medicine, highlighting the health risks of heavy metal contamination in such products.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the risk of lead poisoning from contaminated ayurvedic herbal supplements and emphasizes the need for better regulation and education.

## Key findings

- A 4-year-old boy had a blood lead level of 123 μg/dl due to ayurvedic herbal medicine.
- Chelation therapy successfully reduced symptoms and blood lead levels.
- The case underscores the health risks of heavy metal contamination in ayurvedic products.

## Abstract

Lead is an environmental toxin that may cause severe damage to vital organs including the brain, kidneys, liver, and bones. Children are particularly susceptible due to higher rates of gastrointestinal absorption and detrimental effects of lead on their developing nervous systems.

This report highlights the case of a 4-year-old boy with severe lead poisoning resulting from prolonged exposure to ayurvedic herbal supplements.

The child was initially admitted with anemia, arterial hypertension, abdominal pain, and mild neurological impairment. His blood smear revealed pronounced basophilic stippling of erythrocytes. His venous blood lead level (BLL) was markedly elevated at 123 μg/dl. Detailed review of his history uncovered that he had been ingesting an ayurvedic herbal medicine for asthma. He received chelation therapy with 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid and calcium disodium EDTA, resulting in rapid resolution of symptoms and gradually decreasing BLLs.

The case is a striking example of the significant health risks due to heavy metal contamination in ayurveda products. Better strategies to control the composition of ayurvedic products and educate families about their possible heavy metal contamination are essential to reduce the risk of lead poisoning.