Poisoning case probed

June 18, 2012

The Department of Health is investigating a case of aconitum alkaloid poisoning which occurred after the consumption of Chinese herbs.
 
A 52-year-old man fell ill on June 7 after consuming self-prescribed Chinese herbal medicines. He was hospitalised and later discharged on June 8.
 
He tested positive for two rare and poisonous aconitum alkaloids, yunaconitine and crassicauline A.
 
Based on the self-prescribed herbal formula used by the patient, none of the Chinese herbs should contain yunaconitine and crassicauline A. The investigation is continuing.
 
The department advised people not to self-prescribe Chinese herbs, and to purchase Chinese medicines from credible sources.