Argemone Oil Poisoning - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Argemone oil is a yellowish-brown, thick oil extracted from the seeds of the plants from argemone genus. This genus of plant is commonly known as the prickly poppy, and is found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This oil is used in traditional medicine as well as in some industrial applications, such as the production of soap and lubricants. However, this oil is toxic and should not be consumed. It contains toxic alkaloids such as sanguinarine and dihydrosanguinarine. These alkaloids can cause poisoning if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Due to its toxic nature, the use of argemone oil as a food ingredient is prohibited in many countries.

What Are the Symptoms of Argemone Oil Poisoning?

Symptoms of argemone oil poisoning can vary depending on the amount of oil consumed and the individual's sensitivity, but they generally appear within a few hours of the exposure. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Stomach Pain: The poison can cause stomach cramps and pain, which can be severe in some cases.

• Vomiting and Diarrhea: The poison can cause nausea and vomiting, which may lead to diarrhea.

• Dizziness and Confusion: The poison affects the central nervous system, leading to dizziness, confusion, and disorientation.

• Hallucinations: The poison can also cause visual and auditory hallucinations.

• Eye Irritation: Oil exposure to the eye can cause severe eye irritation and redness, with possible conjunctivitis and corneal opacity.

• Respiratory Symptoms: Inhalation of the oil can cause respiratory symptoms such as cough, breathing difficulties, and chest tightness.

The poison can lead to convulsions, coma, and even death in severe cases. Symptoms usually appear within a few hours of exposure, and the severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of oil consumed and the individual's sensitivity.

What Are the Causes of Argemone Oil Poisoning?

Argemone oil poisoning is mainly caused by the consumption or inhalation of the oil or products derived from the argemone Mexicana plant. There are various ways in which this can occur, such as:

• Ingestion: Consuming foods or liquids contaminated with argemone oil, such as mustard oil adulterated with the oil, is one of the most common causes of poisoning.

• Inhalation: Breathing in fumes from the argemone oil or products made from the plant can also cause poisoning, especially if the oil is heated or used in a closed space.

• Skin Contact: Touching the plant or products made from it, can cause skin irritation, especially if the skin is sensitive.

• Traditional Medicine: Consuming or applying traditional medicines containing argemone oil them to the skin.

• Eye Exposure: In case of eye exposure, it can cause severe eye irritation and redness, with possible conjunctivitis and corneal opacity.

• Adulteration: Argemone oil is used as an adulterant in mustard oil, which can cause poisoning when the adulterated oil is consumed.

It is important to note that people with certain health conditions, such as liver or kidney disease, may be more susceptible to agemone oil poisoning. Also, pregnant women and children are at a higher risk of developing complications from exposure to the oil.

How To Prevent Argemone Oil Poisoning?

Prevention is the key to avoid argemone oil poisoning. The best way to prevent argemone oil poisoning is to avoid using any products made from the argemone plant or oil. In areas where this plant grows, educating the public about the dangers of using the oil or consuming foods contaminated with it is essential.

Consumers should be aware of the risk of argemone oil poisoning, and should take precautions to avoid using products containing the oil. Care should be taken to not touch the plant, especially if they have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions. Also, avoid using traditional medicines containing argemone oil unless recommended and prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

How To Diagnose Argemone Oil Poisoning?

Diagnosis of argemone oil poisoning can be challenging, as the symptoms may be non-specific and can mimic those of other illnesses. However, a combination of clinical symptoms, exposure history, and laboratory testing can help in making a diagnosis.

• Clinical Symptoms: Common symptoms of argemone oil poisoning include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and anemia. Some people may also experience skin rashes, blisters, and other skin irritations.

• Exposure History: A detailed history of exposure to argemone oil or products that may contain it such as adulterated mustard oil can help in diagnosis.

• Laboratory Testing: Laboratory testing can help confirm diagnosis of argemone oil poisoning. This can include blood tests to check for signs of liver and kidney damage, as well as tests to detect the presence of argemone oil in the blood or urine.

What Are the Tests to Detect Argemone Oil Poisoning?

Argemone oil adulteration in edible oils can be detected through several laboratory tests:

• Nitric Acid Test: In this test, 5 ml of oil is mixed with an equal volume of nitric acid. If argemone oil is present, the acid layer turns yellow, orange-yellow, or crimson, depending on the concentration. While this test can detect concentrations higher than 0.25 percent, it also has a significant false-positive rate. Therefore, a positive result must be verified.

• Ferric Chloride Test: To conduct the Ferric Chloride Test, mix 2 ml of oil and 2 ml of concentrated hydrochloric acid and heat the mixture in a water bath at 33.5 to 35°C for 2 minutes. Next, add 8 ml of ethyl alcohol and heat the mixture in the water bath for another minute. Finally, add 2 ml of ferric chloride and heat the mixture in the water bath for 10 minutes. The presence of argemone oil will result in the formation of an orange-red precipitate.

• Cupric Acetate Test: This test can detect argemone oil by the formation of green color.

• Paper Chromatographic Method: This is the most sensitive method and can detect down 0.0001 percent argemone oil adulteration.

How Is Argemone Oil Poisoning Treated?

• To effectively treat argemone oil poisoning, the first step is to stop using the contaminated cooking oil. This is critical in preventing further exposure and potential health risks.

• To manage the symptoms, bed rest with leg elevation and a diet rich in protein is helpful. Additionally, supplements of calcium, antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E), thiamine, and other B vitamins are often used. Some studies have suggested using corticosteroids and antihistamines like promethazine; however, their efficiency is not well-established.

• Heart failure is managed through bed rest, salt restriction, digitalis, and diuretics.

• Pneumonia is treated with appropriate antibiotics.

• In cases of renal failure, dialysis therapy may be necessary.

• Glaucoma may require surgical intervention but often responds to medical management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, argemone oil poisoning is a severe condition that occurs from consuming products containing the oil or from exposure to products adulterated with the oil. It can cause various symptoms like abdominal pain and vomiting to jaundice and anemia, and can be fatal if not treated promptly. To prevent argemone oil poisoning, avoid consuming products containing the oil. Being mindful of possible contamination is crucial when dealing with food products derived from plants belonging to the argemone genus. Treatment may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, and providing supportive care such as oxygen and IV fluids. Laboratory tests can confirm the diagnosis and detect the presence of argemone oil in the body.