On 24/12, a 61-year-old man was hospitalized at Cao Bang General Hospital after experiencing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and numbness in his limbs, mouth, and tongue, along with heart palpitations – classic symptoms of aconitum tuber poisoning. These symptoms developed about one hour after he consumed soup made from the tuber.

Medical staff treated the patient using the standard emergency protocol for aconitum tuber poisoning, closely monitoring for cardiovascular and neurological complications. The patient's condition has since stabilized.

Doctor treating the patient. *Photo: Hospital provided*

Aconitum tuber, also known as o dau, u tau, gau tau, or cu gau rung, is a plant found growing wild or cultivated in northern border regions of Vietnam, including Cao Bang, Ha Giang, and Lao Cai. The tuber is actually the root of the aconite plant. Its primary toxic component is aconitine, a substance that causes tongue numbness, along with other alkaloids. Even a very small amount of these toxins can be fatal.

People often use aconitum tuber to make medicinal wine or prepare food, unaware of how to properly remove its toxins. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, nausea, numbness in the lips, tongue, hands, feet, or the entire body, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and heart arrhythmia. In severe cases, victims may experience convulsions, respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, or even death.

Doctors advise extreme caution when using any products containing aconitum tuber. Do not prepare aconitum tuber as food unless you are certain how to remove its toxins. Drinking wine made from aconitum tuber is highly dangerous and can lead to fatal poisoning. Any aconitum tuber wine used for topical massage must be clearly labeled, stored carefully, and kept out of reach of children.

If symptoms of poisoning appear, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility. Do not self-monitor at home or attempt treatment with traditional remedies.

Thuy Quynh