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The Department of Health (DH) today (June 10) announced a death case which is related to aconitum alkaloid poisoning after consumption of a type of herb.
A DH spokesman said that the incident was referred by the Hospital Authority (HA). The patient was a 40-year-old Nepalese man who had a history of self-consumption of a kind of herb called "Bikhama" for relief of stomach ache for about two years without consulting healthcare professionals. He developed headache and dizziness shortly after the consumption on June 4. Later, his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment and died on the same day. As he had a history of consumption of the above herb, herbal poisoning was hence suspected clinically.
"The clinical diagnosis of aconitum alkaloid poisoning was proven after HA's laboratory testing on the patient's urine and the herbal remnants found multiple poisonous aconitum alkaloids, including indaconitine and pseudaconitine. Preliminary investigations revealed that the patient obtained the herb from a Nepalese friend who obtained it from Nepal. According to information, 'Bikhama' is produced in Nepal and is not a traditional Chinese or Western medicine. The DH's investigation is continuing," the spokesman added.
"Herbal medicines known to contain alkaloid constituents can be toxic. In general, if consumed orally, they should first be decocted. If used improperly, aconitum alkaloids can cause discomfort like numbness of the mouth and limbs, nausea, vomiting and peripheral weakness, and even lead to life-threatening breathing difficulties and cardiac arrhythmia," the spokesman warned.
So far, DH has not received any other report of related adverse incidents. Members of the public are advised against self-prescription of herbs or drugs and should consult a health-care professional regarding consumption of herbs or drugs. In addition, they should purchase medicines from credible sources.
Ends/Monday, June 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 21:13
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