Aconite: a lethal Chinese herb

Ann Emerg Med. 1992 Mar;21(3):309-11. doi: 10.1016/s0196-0644(05)80894-7.

Abstract

Physicians and the public often assume that herbal preparations are harmless. Aconite is a Chinese herb used as an analgesic by homeopaths; its chief effects are on the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. The first two reported cases of aconite poisoning in Australia are described.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aconitum / poisoning*
  • Adult
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / methods
  • Charcoal / therapeutic use
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / poisoning*
  • Electrocardiography
  • Emergency Medicine / methods*
  • Heart Arrest / chemically induced
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Poisoning / complications
  • Poisoning / etiology
  • Poisoning / therapy*

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Charcoal