Poison Hemlock

By: Joe Beck III and Tayler Termeer

Conium maculatum

• A member of the parsley family• Up to 6 ft tall and has purple spots on the

stem

• Grows on fertile soils across the U.S.• In 2008, 63362 plant exposures were reported

to the American Association of Poison Control Centers National Poison Data System.

Toxicity and Effects of Hemlock

• Coniine and related pyridine-type alkaloids are present in the root, young plants and seeds. As plants mature, the foliage loses alkaloid content, but the seeds accumulate the alkaloid.

• The clinical course is rapid, and animals may be found dead or die within a few hours. Initial consumption may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, salivation, emesis and diarrhea. Rapidly developing neurologic signs include muscle tremors, muscular weakness, dim vision, convulsions and coma. Death results from respiratory failure. Frequent urination and defecation may also occur.

Treatment Steps

1. Secure Airway2. Use GI Decontaminates3. Treat seizures with barbiturates and

antiemetics.4. Give IV fluids for dehydration.5. Provide ventilatory support.

Socrates Case

• Died in 329 B.C from the plant in prison. He was condemned to die and chose to drink the poisonous juice to commit suicide.

• Poisonous cicutoxin caused convulsions and death.

• “I drink therefore, I’m not.” -Socrates

David Westerlund Case

• Bellingham, Washington. Age 35• Didn’t know hemlock was in his garden.• Shortly after he ate it and began to feel

tremors run through his body.• He spent four hours in the ER and had a full

recovery.

Sakha Keo Case

• Tacoma, Washington. Age 55• She put hemlock in her salad thinking it was

some other herb.• Her small body mass made her vulnerable.• It was the last decision she ever made.

Jesus and Native American Notes

• Hemlock is also thought to be given to Christ along with vinegar and myrrh when he was crucified.

• Native Americans once used hemlock toxins to poison the tips of their arrows.

Works Cited

• http://www.toptenz.net/10-popular-poisons.php

• http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/poison/plants/pppoiso.htm

• http://msuextension.org/publications/AgandNaturalResources/MT200013AG.pdf

• http://www.king5.com/news/local/Hemlock-may-have-caused-Tacoma-womans-death-93292179.html