Severe uvular edema and resulting hypoxemia due to single use of Ecballium elaterium extract.

Background: Ecballium elaterium (also known as squirting cucumber in the Mediterranean countries) is a weedy plant that belongs to the Cucurbitacea family. The roots and juice of its fruits were used traditionally against a wide range of diseases and symptoms, since it was known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The use of the extract, though, has been linked to allergic reactions and toxic effects.