Acute Renal Failure Following Poisoning by Juniper Tar (Cade Oil)

Abstract

Introduction: Juniper tar "Cade oil" is distilled from the branches of Juniperus oxycedrus. Despite its known toxicity and which is linked to a phenol content, this oil continues to be used in traditional medicine. Materials and methods: We report the case of severe systemic toxicity after local administration of cade oil in an infant. Observation: This is a 12 month old infant; the youngest of three siblings from a well-followed pregnancy, vaginal delivery, well vaccinated according to the national immunization program, with no particular pathological history. Hospitalized in the pediatric resuscitation department for respiratory and neurological distress following poisoning with cade oil, applied locally to the wrists, elbows forehead and head. Conclusion: Juniper tar (cade oil) is one of the essential oils most used in traditional Moroccan medicine. Several cases of intoxication have been recognized in the literature.