Autopsy case: Vitiligo death from self-medication by Ammi visnaga poisoning

Abstract

We report a fatal case of Ammi visnaga poisoning at Tangier’s Forensic Medicine Department.

An 18-year-old woman self-medicated with Ammi visnaga powder to treat her vitiligo. She experienced a wide range of symptoms and rapid clinical deterioration with a fatal outcome. The autopsy revealed lesions consistent with cutaneous vitiligo, necrosis of the liver, kidneys, lungs and pancreas. Toxicological and histological analysis confirmed chronic inflammation and acute systemic damage, highlighting Ammi visnaga’s potential toxicity. Its bioactive components vary, with the toxic dose estimated at 1 g per kg. This case demonstrates that prolonged consumption of herbal remedies like Ammi visnaga can be dangerous and indeed fatal. Raising public awareness on the dangers of self-medication and need for medical supervision and education on the dosage and side effects of Ammi visnaga is essential. The marketing of these products by non-professionals should be restricted.