When ingested unripe, ackee produces vomiting and fatal cases of poisoning. The toxic health effects are produced by hypoglycins A and B, which have a potent hypoglycemic effect causing the clinical symptoms and death. The most toxic is hypoglycin A, which is found in the unripe arils.

What happens if you eat ackee raw?

Eating ill-prepared ackee can cause “Jamaican vomiting sickness,” a condition caused by the toxin hypoglycin A, which interferes with the body's processing of sugar, sending victims into a state of hypoglycemia so extreme that it can result in coma or death.

How is ackee poisoning treated?

The mainstay of treatment in ackee fruit poisoning is to maintain a normal blood glucose level. Antiemetics are usually indicated to control the vomiting. Administer activated charcoal as soon as possible after ingestion. Treat convulsions with benzodiazepines.