Woman ill from Chinese herbs

November 23, 2012

The Department of Health is investigating a confirmed case of solanaceous alkaloid poisoning from the consumption of Chinese herbs.
 
The Hospital Authority notified the department today that a 31-year-old woman fell ill on November 15 after consuming Chinese herbal medicines for a cough.
 
The medicines were dispensed and prepared by a licensed Chinese medicines retailer, Ho Fai Ginseng Dried Marine Product Hong, in Sheung Shui.
 
She was treated in a public hospital and was discharged.
 
Test results found the presence of solanaceous alkaloids in the herbal broth.
 
The department’s inspectors did not find gross contamination of Chinese herbs at the retail shop today. Samples were taken for testing.
 
Solanaceous alkaloids can cause blurred vision, dry mouth, dizziness and confusion, and death in severe cases.
 
People who have herbs from the retailer should stop using them, and seek medical advice if they feel unwell.