What’s aconite? More on the toxin suspected in food poisoning at a Markham restaurant

A day after the public learned a toxin called aconite was suspected in approximately a dozen food poisoning cases connected to a Markham restaurant, questions have been raised about what exactly the plant is and the potentially serious health effects it can have.

CityNews is taking a closer look at aconite and what we know so far about the food poisoning cases.

What is aconite?

Aconite (aconitum napellus) is a type of poisonous herb that’s sometimes referred to as monkshood or wolfsbane. It is a bluish or purplish herb in the buttercup family of plants.

According to the National Capital Poison Center, every part of the plant contains toxic alkaloids and aconitine is the most worrisome of all.

“[Aconitum napellus] is native to western and central Europe where it is considered one of the most poisonous plants,” the centre’s website said.

“Aconitine poisoning is rare in North America. When it does occur, it is generally due to confusion with an edible plant or unintentional ingestion by children. However, with the increasing popularity and availability of herbal medicines containing [aconitum napellus], aconitine poisoning could occur more frequently.

Although it was used in ancient times for hunting by applying it to spears and arrows, it has been used in Asia as part of herbal medicine treatments. The centre said it’s been used in the treatment of joint and muscle pain as well as for other ailments, but noted those are just claims.

The raw plants are considered most poisonous and typically are only used as herbs after being boiled or steamed in an effort to reduce toxicity.

Earlier in 2022, aconite was detected in sand ginger powder used in a meal’s preparation requiring some to be treated at a hospital.

What can happen if you ingest aconite?

Officials at the National Capital Poison Center noted symptoms can show up minutes after being ingested to a few hours later. They said it can lead to “life-threatening” rhythm changes to one’s heart (faster or slower), numbness, tingling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and/or diarrhea. In the most severe cases, there can also be fatal respiratory paralysis and heart rhythm abnormalities.

“There is a very low margin of safety between therapeutic and toxic doses of aconitine,” officials said.

As for treatment, there is no known specific antidote to the toxins. They said treatment is often for symptoms and acts in a “supportive” capacity.

A Singapore Medical Journal article examined an accidental overdose of acotine. It highlighted the case of a 34-year-old patient who used it as part of a Chinese herbal preparation recipe found on the internet to treat pain. The article said he brewed a broth for two hours and drank some of it.

“Twenty minutes after drinking, the patient felt his limbs swelling up and numbness spread throughout his body,” it said.

The article said he eventually had to be admitted to the ICU and needed CPR. However, they said he improved and was discharged a week later.

The centre encouraged not making someone vomit if they have ingested aconite. Seeking immediate medical attention has been encouraged.

While calling 911 or a health care provider might be necessary, Ontario also has a 24-hour poison centre that can be reached at 1-800-268-9017.

When and where did the food poisonings happen in Markham?

Dr. Barry Pakes, York Region’s medical officer of health, told Breakfast Television during an interview Tuesday morning that officials are aware of around 12 people getting ill after dining at Delight Restaurant and BBQ near Markham Road and Castlemore Avenue. He said only a small fraction were classified as being seriously affected.

While Pakes said laboratory testing is still underway, officials believe it stemmed from “aconite or something like aconite.” He said aconite can be accidentally included in spices or herbal remedies.

“I don’t believe this is intentional but that is something for others to figure out,” he said.

“This seems very much like a one-off incident as far as we can tell. That restaurant is collaborating and cooperating with us, so I wouldn’t want to besmirch their name or anyone else.”

Pakes said most of those affected became ill “fairly quickly” after visiting the restaurant on Sunday and that most of those impacted are recovering.

Officials said the restaurant was temporarily ordered closed and the suspected items possibly contaminated with aconite were removed.