Aconitine poisoning following the ingestion of Chinese herbal medicines : a report of eight cases

摘要: Background:Traditional Chinese medicines often contain ‘chuanwu’ and ‘caowu’, the roots of certain Aconitum species which are thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect in many conditions. Excessive amounts these materials, diterpene alkaloids particularly aconitine, can produce toxic effects occasional fatalities. Aims:This study was conducted document adverse related herbal resulted hospital admission determine outcome patients. Methods:A retrospective survey patients admitted Prince Wales Hospital, Hong Kong with suspected from containing chuanwu or caowu over a two year period 1989 1991. Results:Eight were identified features mild moderate intoxication including nausea vomiting, paraesthesiae numbness mouth extremities, hypotension ventricular extrasystoles. The management aconitine poisoning is essentially supportive in-hospital observation ECG monitoring should be continued for at least 24 hours because risk cardiovascular collapse arrhythmias. medical profession general public alerted potential toxicity herbs their usage controlled by legislation as it some other countries. (Aust NZ J Med 1993; 23: 268–271.)