Poisoning by Sikimitoxin

Abstract

Chinese Bastard Anise, Mang T'sao, commonly known under the colloquial name T'zu Ta Liao, and identified as the fruit of Illicum religiosum, Sieb., has long been known to be poisonous. It is chiefly used as a condiment in preparing Chinese meat dishes. Fatal poisoning by these seeds is not an uncommon occurrence. 1 The chemical nature of its toxic principle was first investigated by Eykman 2 who, working with the Japanese anise, or sikimi-no-ki, also identified as Illicum religiosum, Sieb., isolated from the seeds a crystalline body which he named “Sikimin” and claimed for it a powerful toxic action. 12.5 mgm. of Sikimin killed a young dog in 3 hours. This crystalline body or sikimin, has never since been isolated by other workers; crude seeds, or aqueous extracts, being generally employed for the physiological study of this poisonous plant. 3 , 4 , 5

In a recent chemical study of Mang T'sao, the writer isolated from the seeds an amorphous poisonous principle with definite chemical and physical characters. Given to cats, 0.2 mgm. of this amorphous substance per kilogram of body weight was found to be fatal, less than 0.1 mgm. of substance per kilogram of body weight was sufficient to produce the same poisoning symptoms as those produced by the crude seeds, i. e., salivation, vomiting defecation, convulsion and death. The name “Sikimitoxin” is suggested for the new toxic principle to distinguish it from Eykman's Sikimin from which it differs in its physical and chemical properties, and also in its much higher toxicity.

Properties of Sikimitoxin. It is a feebly acid nitrogen-free body and occurs as a white amorphous powder without definite melting point. When slowly heated, it sinters at 63° C., then gradually increases its volume as the temperature rises, and finally becomes a clear liquid at 135° C.