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Herbal poisoning caused by adulterants or erroneous substitutes
1Department of Biology and Chinese Medicinal Material Research Center, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT.
The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Six patients experienced herbal poisoning due to adulterated or substituted herbs like Podophyllum emodi and Datura metel. Analysis of samples is crucial for diagnosing herbal poisoning cases.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacognosy
- Toxicology
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
Background:
- Herbal remedies are widely used, but potential toxicity from adulterants or misidentification poses a public health risk.
- Ensuring the safety and efficacy of herbal medicines requires rigorous quality control and accurate identification.
Observation:
- Six cases of herbal poisoning were reported across Hong Kong, Taipei, and Kuala Lumpur.
- The identified sources of poisoning included Podophyllum emodi (adulterant) and Datura metel (erroneous substitute).
Findings:
- Pharmacognostical and chemical analyses are essential for confirming the cause of herbal poisoning.
- Correlating the amount of herbs consumed with the detected toxin levels helps substantiate the diagnosis.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should collect prescriptions, herbal residues, and samples for analysis in suspected herbal poisoning cases.
- Accurate identification and quality control of herbal products are vital to prevent adverse events and ensure patient safety.