Alert issued on Chinese medicine

August 08, 2011

The Department of Health today warned people not to consume Chinese herbal powder Radix Aucklandiae (batch no.BU.201106), imported from the Mainland by Premier Concentrated Chinese Herbs, which has been contaminated by atropine.
 
A 28-year-old woman was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on July 24 with palpitations, numbness and dizziness, after consuming the powder prescribed by Cheung Kwok-ning Chinese Medicine Clinic in Kwai Chung. She was discharged on July 25.
 
Laboratory analysis on the powder found tropane alkaloids, including atropine.
 
Radix Aucklandiae is a Chinese herb commonly used for relieving abdominal pain and improving digestion.
 
Tropane alkaloids cause blurred vision, dry mouth, dizziness and confusion. They can lead to death in severe cases.
 
The department has instructed Premier Concentrated Chinese Herbs to recall the batch. The company has set up an enquiry hotline at 2764 2057. The clinic has been instructed to contact patients who have been prescribed the powder.