Which herb may cause a pruritic rash as a side effect?

• A. Podophyllum peltatum
• B. Piscidia erythrina
• C. Panax quinquefolius
• D. Lomatium dissectum

Answer: (D)

A pruritic rash as a side effect is most classically seen with Lomatium dissectum because it can trigger a photodermatitis reaction in sun-exposed skin. This herb contains photoreactive compounds that, after exposure to sunlight, lead to an inflammatory, itchy eruption often described as the “Lomatium rash.” The rash typically appears days after starting the remedy, commonly on exposed areas like the forearms or hands, and tends to improve after stopping the herb. While other herbs in the list can have various adverse effects, they are not as tightly associated with this specific photosensitive pruritic eruption.