Fatal poisoning from Nicotiana glauca leaves: identification of anabasine by gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry

J Forensic Sci. 2000 May;45(3):736-41.

Abstract

Death of a worker occurred after ingestion of unknown amounts of Nicotiana glauca G leaves. The leaves were cooked after having been mistakenly considered to be spices of a type which grow in Thailand. After ingestion, two Thai workers collapsed, one with asystolia. Resuscitation efforts were successful only for one of the victims. A GC/MS method was used for the identification of anabasine as the main constituent in the leaves, food extract, blood, and the urine of the deceased. Lacking a standard, it was necessary to interpret the GC/MS spectrum to identify anabasine and establish its presence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anabasine / analysis*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Forensic Medicine / methods
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Insecticides / analysis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nicotiana / poisoning*
  • Plants, Toxic*

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Anabasine