Noxious herbs land senior in hospital

May 31, 2013

The Department of Health is investigating a case of suspected aconitum alkaloid poisoning affecting a 79-year-old man who had consumed Chinese herbs.
 
The patient developed generalised numbness on May 22 after consuming some herbal medicine, without consulting any Chinese medicine practitioner. He sought treatment from the accident and emergency department of a hospital on the same day.
 
His symptoms were diagnosed to be compatible with aconitum alkaloid poisoning. He was discharged on May 23 after treatment.
 
The herbs taken by the patient included processed Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii and processed Radix Aconiti. Both contain aconitum alkaloids which can be toxic and should first be decocted before oral consumption.
 
If used improperly, they can cause discomfort like numbness of the mouth and limbs, nausea, vomiting and peripheral weakness, and can even lead to life-threatening conditions such as breathing difficulties and cardiac arrhythmia.
 
The department urges the public to consult medical practitioners before taking Chinese herbs and to purchase them from credible sources.