Journal Published Online: 01 March 1999
Volume 44, Issue 2

Another Death Due to Ingestion of

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

Deaths attributed to ingestion of Nicotiana glauca are extremely rare. We report here a case where a 43-year-old man was found dead after apparently drinking a water extract of Nicotiana glauca. The primary alkaloid in the plant is anabasine. Toxicological analysis by capillary gas chromatography showed the deceased had a blood anabasine concentration of 2.2 mg/L. Clinically, the features of poisoning are nicotine-like and if death occurs it results from respiratory paralysis. The case further supports the view that, in the human, anabasine is considerably more toxic than nicotine.

Author Information

Sims, DN
Forensic Science Centre, Adelaide, Australia
James, R
Forensic Science Centre, Adelaide, Australia
Christensen, T
State Herbarium, Adelaide Botanic Gardens, Adelaide, Australia
Pages: 3
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Stock #: JFS14484J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14484J