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Development of an Aptamer-based Lateral Flow Device for Point-of-care Detection of Toxic Chinese Medicine Herbs (ALPTH Project)
Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong
Summary
Aconitine and related alkaloids are potent cardiotoxins and neurotoxins found in the Aconitum species used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), such as 'Chuanwu', 'Caowu' and 'Fuzi'. They pose significant health risks when used inappropriately without professional supervision. Patients with acute aconite poisoning often present with a combination of cardiovascular, neurological, and gastrointestinal toxicities, which can occur after an overdose, inadequate processing of the aconite roots, erroneous use of tincture preparations, and contamination or substitution of other herbs with aconite roots. Timely diagnosis of aconite poisoning remains challenging due to the long laboratory turnaround time. The aim of this study is to develop an aptamer-based lateral flow device (LFD) for point-of-care detection of aconitine and its metabolites (benzoylaconine and aconine) and evaluate its diagnostic performance.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2025-10-15
Completion Date
2026-12-31
Last Updated
2026-03-11
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Locations (2)
Accident and Emergency Department, Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Accident and Emergency Department, United Christian Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong