8 Apr 2008
The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (DH) is investigating a poisoning case involving a 77-year-old man who took an herbal formula with Radix Aconiti and Radix Aconite Kusnezoffii.
The patient, who suffered from gouty arthritis, developed poisoning symptoms including shortness of breath and peri-oral numbness after taking herbal formula (named “乳香定痛丸”) according to the recommendations from a book (“星輝醫療保健系列９──痛風症治療與護理”) on April 4. He immediately attended Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment and once required intensive care. His condition improved subsequently and was discharged today (April 8).
A DH spokesman said initial investigation revealed the recommended formula contained excessive processed Radix Aconiti and processed Radix Aconite Kusnezoffii.
Radix Aconiti and Radix Aconite Kusnezoffii are toxic Chinese herbal medicines for pain relief. The unprocessed forms are for external use in general. Processed Radix Aconiti and processed Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii can be taken orally only after prolonged decoction.
The toxic metabolites of processed Radix Aconiti and processed Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii are aconitine, mesaconitine and hypaconitine. Over-dosage of processed Radix Aconiti and processed Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii can cause intoxication and the symptoms include numbness over mouth, limbs and the body, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, weak pulses and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it may be fatal.
Further investigation of the case is ongoing.
The spokesman called on members of the public to observe the following advice when taking Chinese medicine:
- When purchasing Chinese medicines, they should understand their own health problems and the relevance and nature of the medicines to be bought. Advice from Chinese medicine practitioners should be sought if there is any doubt; and
- To follow their Chinese medicine practitioners' instructions for preparation and consumption of any Chinese herbal products and do not adjust the dose and preparatory method by themselves.
He urged members of the public to stop further consumption and seek medical advice as soon as possible if there is any discomfort after taking the herbal medicines.