[3,5-dimethoxyfenol--marker intoxication with Taxus baccata].

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Plant Chemistry

Background:

• Autopsy findings for fatal yew (Taxus baccata) intoxication are often nonspecific.
• Traditional detection methods rely on identifying plant residues, which are absent when yew decoction is consumed.

Observation:

• This study details the detection and quantification of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol in two fatal yew intoxication cases.
• The analytical method involved liquid/liquid and solid-phase extraction, followed by methylation or acetylation and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis.

Findings:

• 3,5-dimethoxyphenol was successfully identified and quantified in the blood of both deceased individuals, with concentrations of 82 ng/ml and 417 ng/ml.
• The compound was also detected in gastric contents and urine samples from both cases, confirming its presence in biological material.

Implications:

• The presence of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol serves as a reliable biomarker for yew intoxication, particularly when plant residues are not found.
• This analytical approach enhances the accuracy of diagnosing fatal yew poisoning in forensic investigations.