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Fatal kavalactone intoxication by suicidal intravenous injection
Raimo A Ketola1, Jenni Viinamäki1, Ilpo Rasanen1
1University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.O. Box 40, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
Forensic Science International
|February 17, 2015
Summary
High concentrations of kavalactones and ethanol were detected in post-mortem blood samples. This case was classified as suicide via intravenous injection of kavalactones and alcohol.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Kava (Piper methysticum) extracts contain kavalactones, traditionally used for anxiolytic and sedative effects.
- European sales of kava extracts were restricted in 2002 due to reported cases of severe hepatotoxicity.
Observation:
- A deceased individual was found with evidence of intravenous injection.
- An injection needle and syringe containing a yellowish liquid were discovered near the victim.
- Post-mortem analysis revealed high concentrations of kavalactones and ethanol in femoral blood.
Findings:
- No other cause of death was identified during the medico-legal investigation.
- The detected kavalactone and ethanol levels suggest intravenous administration.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential method of suicide involving kavalactone and ethanol injection.
- It underscores the importance of considering novel routes of administration in forensic toxicology.
- Further research may be warranted on the acute toxicity of intravenously administered kavalactones.