Side effects of cade oil in Morocco: An analysis of reports in the Moroccan herbal products database from 2004 to 2012

Cade oil is a dark, faintly aromatic oil which is distilled from the branches and wood of Juniperus oxycedrus. Although this oil is known to have toxic effects related to its content of phenols, cade oil continues to be used in folk medicine. Because of this use, a determination of the safety and possible side effects of cade oil is required. The safety of cade oil is discussed based on the experience of the Moroccan pharmacovigilance herbal products database, and supported by literature. The data on the adverse effects of cade oil suggests that it could have life-threatening effects which can occur following topical exposure, ingestion or inhalation. Phenol’s adverse effects involve a wide variety of organ systems such as the gastro-intestinal system, central and peripheral nervous systems, cardiovascular, liver and biliary systems, the urinary tract, skin and appendages, respiratory system. Platelet function, bleeding and clotting, vision, metabolism, and white cell and reticuloendothelial system function are also affected.