Presenter Information
Erica Maney, BA: Forensic Science and Law Program
Jennifer Hammers, D.O. Cyril H. Wecht and Pathology Associates
Abstract
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), the infamous plant responsible for the death of Socrates, is toxic to humans and animals. In cases where hemlock led to death, the cause of death is usually associated with respiratory arrest, muscle paralysis or complications of acute renal failure. While the entire plant is toxic, the most dangerous part is the seeds, which contain the highest alkaloid concentration. It contains eight piperidine alkaloids, with the most potent one being coniine. Coniine is a neurotoxin that disrupts the function of the peripheral nervous system, causing respiratory paralysis. Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypertension, tachycardia, tremor, and temperature increase. Symptoms progress toward central nervous system depression, coma, muscular weakness and/or paralysis, with respiratory distress. The concentration of alkaloids found in each plant varies depending on age of plant, season, and precipitation. No antidote specifically exists for hemlock, creating a need for more research.
This case involved a middle aged (5 feet 10 inches, 176 pounds) Caucasian male who committed suicide by ingesting hemlock. The decedent had a history of suicidal ideations, as evidenced most recently by suicidal text messages found on his phone. His text messages revealed that he had recently attempted suicide by hemlock ingestion but had been unsuccessful. He also had a history of tobacco use, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder.
An analytical method was created and optimized using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to identify if hemlock was present within the liquid that was collected from the scene and within the biological fluids collected during the decedent’s autopsy.
School
Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
Advisor
Dr. Pamela Marshall
Submission Type
Poster
Included in
A Case Study of Suicide by Hemlock Intoxication
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), the infamous plant responsible for the death of Socrates, is toxic to humans and animals. In cases where hemlock led to death, the cause of death is usually associated with respiratory arrest, muscle paralysis or complications of acute renal failure. While the entire plant is toxic, the most dangerous part is the seeds, which contain the highest alkaloid concentration. It contains eight piperidine alkaloids, with the most potent one being coniine. Coniine is a neurotoxin that disrupts the function of the peripheral nervous system, causing respiratory paralysis. Initial symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, hypertension, tachycardia, tremor, and temperature increase. Symptoms progress toward central nervous system depression, coma, muscular weakness and/or paralysis, with respiratory distress. The concentration of alkaloids found in each plant varies depending on age of plant, season, and precipitation. No antidote specifically exists for hemlock, creating a need for more research.
This case involved a middle aged (5 feet 10 inches, 176 pounds) Caucasian male who committed suicide by ingesting hemlock. The decedent had a history of suicidal ideations, as evidenced most recently by suicidal text messages found on his phone. His text messages revealed that he had recently attempted suicide by hemlock ingestion but had been unsuccessful. He also had a history of tobacco use, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder.
An analytical method was created and optimized using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) in order to identify if hemlock was present within the liquid that was collected from the scene and within the biological fluids collected during the decedent’s autopsy.