Acute cholinergic syndrome following ingestion of contaminated herbal extract. Issue 11 (27th October 2008)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hsieh, M-J; Yen, Z-S; Chen, S-C; Fang, C-C
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 25:Issue 11(2008)
• Page Start: 781
• Page End: 782
• Publication Date: 2008-10-27
• Subjects: Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2008.060889
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : Herbal preparations are becoming more and more popular and increasingly used in the USA. Herbs are from natural plants and therefore often considered to be harmless compared with western medicines. Nevertheless, as the use of herbal remedies has risen, so has the incidence of acute and chronic herbal intoxication. The case history is presented of a 68-year-old man who presented with an acute cholinergic syndrome soon after ingesting a herbal preparation containing Flemingia macrophylla and ginseng. His red blood cell acetylcholinesterase activity dropped to 50% of the normal reference range. He was treated successfully with atropine and supportive care. It was thought that contamination with pesticides, such as organophosphate residue, was the probable cause. This case highlights the need to be more aware of the possibility of acute pesticide intoxication in herbal users, even when only small amounts are consumed.