On 17/3, a 61-year-old man from Phu Tho province was hospitalized at Cam Khe Regional Medical Center after experiencing poisoning symptoms. The symptoms appeared shortly after he ate a root harvested from his garden. Doctors, after reviewing his medical history and identifying a sample of the plant, confirmed the cause of poisoning was the "thuong luc" root. Fortunately, he had consumed only a small amount, limiting the severity of his condition.

Image of the "thuong luc" (pokeweed) root provided by the family. *Photo: Doctor provided*

Doctor Pham Anh Hung, Head of the Department of Traditional Medicine and Rehabilitation, explained that "thuong luc" (pokeweed) contains the toxin Phytolaccatoxin in all its parts. The plant is known for its bitter taste. Ingesting large quantities of this toxin can lead to severe symptoms including numb lips, abdominal pain, sweating, dilated pupils, increased phlegm and mucus, a drop in blood pressure, and convulsions. Without prompt medical intervention, victims risk falling into a coma and may die.

In light of this incident, medical experts urge the public to strictly avoid consuming unfamiliar plants or animals. They also advise against self-administering traditional herbal remedies without direct guidance from a qualified medical practitioner. If unusual symptoms manifest after eating or drinking, families should retain any leftover food to aid in investigating the cause and immediately transport the affected individual to the nearest medical facility.

Thuy An