Journal Published Online: 01 January 1991
Volume 36, Issue 1

Hmong Folk Remedies: Limited Acetylation of Opium by Aspirin and Acetaminophen

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The traditional folk medicine of the Hmong and other Southeast Asian refugees has accompanied them during their immigration to this country over the past two decades. In two recent cases involving Hmong defendants, unknown solids, resembling charcoal in consistency and purported to be “backache remedies,” were analyzed and found to be complex mixtures of aspirin, acetaminophen, caffeine, and partly acetylated opium. In particular, significant amounts of acetylacetaminophen, 3-O-acetylmorphine, 6-O-acetylcodeine, 6-O-acetylmorphine, and heroin were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Heating approximately equal weights of solid opium, aspirin, and acetaminophen at 130°C for several hours produced a mixture of compounds showing a similar acetylation pattern.

Author Information

Martin Smith, R
Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Laboratory, Madison, WI
Nelsen, LA
Wisconsin Department of Justice Crime Laboratory, Madison, WI
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13030J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13030J