A rare case of diffuse penile phytocontact dermatitis caused by common greenbrier

Abstract

Penis size has always been a considerable concern to a lot of men. Many men look for ways to increase their penile size, ranging from oral medication, stretch apparatus, injections, and surgery, to traditional methods. Smilax rotundifolia, also known as daun bungkus or common greenbrier in the western hemisphere, is a local herb most found in the West Papua region of Indonesia. This plant has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes but has recently gained fame as a novel penis enlargement. However, these claims have not been scientifically proven. A 25-year-old male presented with an ill-defined erythematous patch with multiple geographic erosion and diffuse edema after using a local herb called S. rotundifolia, also known as daun bungkus or common greenbrier. The patient was treated with an oral antihistamine, topical corticosteroids, and antibiotics. The condition improved within 2 weeks. S. rotundifulia, also known as daun bungkus, is a local herb from Papua, Indonesia, believed to have penis-enlargement properties. Research is still scarce on the active ingredients in this plant, and one study suggests that it contains triterpenoid saponin and saponin steroid. The active ingredients in this plant may be responsible for the development of contact dermatitis. Due to the popularity of this plant as an alternative penis augmentation product, it is important for practitioners to be aware of this product and its adverse effects. Further studies are also needed to examine the active ingredients in this plant.