ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Fatal Poisoning from Nicotiana Glauca Leaves: Identification of Anabasine by Gas-Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
Mizrachi, N
Forensic Chemists, Analytical Laboratory, Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters,

Levy, S
Forensic Chemists, Analytical Laboratory, Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters,

Goren, Z
Forensic Chemists, Analytical Laboratory, Division of Identification & Forensic Science, Israel Police Headquarters,

(Received 19 March 1999; accepted 29 July 1999)

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.

Keywords:
forensic science, nicotiana glauca, tobacco tree, poisoning, fatal poisoning, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry (GC/MS)

Paper ID: JFS14761J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14761J
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