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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) yesterday (May 9) investigated a suspected aconitine poisoning case involving a 36-year-old-woman.
A CHP spokesman said that the investigation was conducted upon receiving a report from the Hospital Authority that the woman was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital after developing symptoms and signs of aconitine poisoning including perioral and limb numbness, dizziness and syncope on May 7. The patient is now in stable condition.
Investigation revealed that the woman had taken some Chinese herbal medicine two hours prior to the onset of symptoms.
The Chinese herbal medicines were obtained from a public Chinese medicine clinic. The Department of Health has inspected the clinic and the preliminary investigation does not suggest labelling problem or mixing of herbs. Samples have been collected for analysis. The investigation continues.
Aconitine, a kind of plant consitituent, was found in a number of herbs which mainly include Radix Aconiti Brachypodi or Radix Aconiti Szechenyiani, and the raw and processed forms of Radix Aconiti Coreani, Radix Aconiti, Radix Aconiti Lateralis and Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii.
The spokesman said: "Members of the public are advised to follow their Chinese medicine practitioners' instructions for preparation and consumption of any Chinese herbal medicines. They should seek medical attention promptly if they develop adverse reactions after taking herbal medicines."
"If patients have any questions about their herbs at hand, they should consult their attending Chinese medicine practitioner," he said.
Ends/Monday, May 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 00:30
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