Bay leaf phytodermatitis

Erythema multiforme‐like allergic contact dermatitis from bay leaves in a home‐made natural remedy

“…We reviewed the English literature regarding allergic CD to bay leaf-based products from 2000 to 2023 and identified 10 cases in 10 publications [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] (Table S1). Seven were female.…”

Bay Leaf

“…In the clinical trials conducted to date, no notable adverse effects were reported after oral bay leaf treatment in the amounts and durations studied. There is some anecdotal clinical evidence of systemic, allergic dermatitis after ingestion of foods containing bay leaves, 70,71 and contact dermatitis cases were described in early reports from Europe 72–78 . In mice, a high dose of aqueous extract of bay leaves administered orally for 3 weeks (667 mg/kg per day) demonstrated no major clinical or behavioral changes other than mild liver inflammation 79 .…”

Bay Leaf

“…There is some anecdotal clinical evidence of systemic, allergic dermatitis after ingestion of foods containing bay leaves, 70,71 and contact dermatitis cases were described in early reports from Europe. [72][73][74][75][76][77][78] In mice, a high dose of aqueous extract of bay leaves administered orally for 3 weeks (667 mg/kg per day) demonstrated no major clinical or behavioral changes other than mild liver inflammation. 79 Laurel leaf oil is considered generally recognized as safe for customary food uses by the Food and Drug Administration (21 CFR 121.101).…”