Thai man hospitalised after toxic plant drink to quit alcohol

A man in Maha Sarakham was hospitalised after consuming a concoction made from a toxic plant, intended by his wife to help him quit drinking. He experienced severe symptoms, including confusion and stiffness, prompting immediate medical attention.

The incident occurred yesterday, August 27, at noon when emergency services were called to a home in Nong Kha village, Tha Tum subdistrict, in the northeast of Thailand. Thongdaeng, a 62 year old man, was found in a state of extreme confusion and physical rigidity after drinking a concoction made from Datura metel, known locally as makuea baa. His 52 year old wife, Ratree, had prepared the drink in an attempt to help him quit his long-standing alcohol habit.

Ratree, who suffers from a stroke-related condition, was advised by a neighbour to use the plant, believed to help reduce alcohol cravings. She obtained the plant from a neighbouring village and began administering it to her husband yesterday morning. By early afternoon, Thongdaeng exhibited symptoms of severe poisoning, including difficulty speaking, rigid extremities, and a red, flushed appearance.

Emergency medical volunteer Sunisa Duangkamchan reported that they received a call from the 1669 emergency centre in Maha Sarakham to assist a patient displaying symptoms of extreme fatigue and confusion. Upon arrival, they found Thongdaeng in a highly disoriented state, with red eyes and skin, and displaying behaviours similar to those of a stroke victim. After initial first aid, he was transferred to Maha Sarakham Hospital for urgent care.

Thongdaeng’s sister-in-law, Bunlom, recounted that Ratree, desperate to help her husband quit drinking, had followed the neighbour’s advice without considering the potential dangers. She recalled Ratree explaining that a child from the neighbouring village had collected the plant, thinking it could help with Thongdaeng’s alcoholism. Ratree began giving Thongdaeng the brew at 9am yesterday. By around 1pm, his condition had deteriorated significantly, leading Bunlom to call for emergency services.

Hospital staff quickly identified the symptoms of poisoning and inquired about Thongdaeng’s recent consumption. Upon learning about the Datura metel brew, they ordered the removal of the plant to prevent further incidents. Fortunately, Thongdaeng’s condition has since stabilised, and doctors expect he will be discharged from the hospital today.

Plant poisoning

In a warning issued by the Emergency Medicine Department of Maha Sarakham Hospital on social media, the public was cautioned about the severe toxicity of Datura metel, also known as makuea baa. The plant contains potent anticholinergic substances such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which can cause serious neurological and cardiac issues.

Symptoms of poisoning include dry mouth, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, confusion, and hallucinations. Severe cases may lead to seizures or unconsciousness, reported KhaoSod.

The department advised against inducing vomiting in poisoning cases due to the risk of inhaling toxic substances. They stressed the importance of immediate hospitalisation and, if the patient is unconscious and not breathing, performing CPR. If the patient is still conscious, they should drink water to dilute the toxins.