Poisoned after Dinner: Dolma with Datura Stramonium

Abstract

SUMMARYDatura stramonium, which is also known as Thorn Apple or Jimson Weed, is an alkaloid containing plant that is entirely toxic. The active toxic constituents of the plant are atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. It has been abused worldwide for hundreds of years because of its hallucinogenic properties. Previous reports have shown that herbal medication overdose and accidental food contamination are ways it can cause poisoning. Herein we present a family that had three of its members poisoned after eating a traditional meal “dolma” made of datura flowers. None had fatal complications and all were discharged healthy. Datura stromonium may be used accidentally as a food ingredient. Since its poisonous effects are not known, people should be informed and warned about the effects of this plant.

A Single‐Center Experience on Outcomes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Patients With Cirrhosis

“…The liver, renal, and cerebral toxicity of Devil's weed and the cytotoxicity of bitter oleander, guava, and passion fruit leaf extracts consumed by patients in our study are well described . It was interesting to note that the liver biopsies of those consuming Malabar nut tree (or vasaka) extracts demonstrated autoimmune hepatitis‐like histologic features, probably because of the presence of quinazoline alkaloids, phytosteroids, chalcones, triterpenoids, and flavonoids with possible immunomodulatory properties .…”

Datura stramonium poisoning: a case report and review of the literature

“…Usual symptoms are sinus tachycardia, hyperthermia, dry mouth-skin, or redding of skin, sluggish intestinal sounds, urinary retention, visual defect, drowsiness, speech disorder, agitation, disorientation, and hallucination. The symptoms generally occur within 1-4 hours and may continue 24-48 hours depending on gastric depletion [1]. Respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse may have been observed in severe forms.…”

“…Many people use Datura in herbal medication to manage common illnesses such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, flu symptoms and pain [4]. Especially by teenagers it is widely used for its hallucination properties, and the favored way is smoking its leaves [1].…”

“…Datura stramonium seeds are flat, disk-shaped, brown, nearly three millimeters in diameter, and appear similar to tomato seeds [1]. All parts of the plant contain a variety of alkaloids including atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine having hallucinogenic and anticholinergic effects [2,3].…”

Anticholinergic syndrome induced by toxic plants

“…[4][5][6] Intoxication can occur as a result of accidental ingestion, especially regarding children poisoning. [7,8] However, the majority of the reported cases, concern intoxication following deliberate use of halluciniogenic substances or overdose in medical use. [9][10][11][12] The high concentration of these plants in tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscine, induces a pronounced anticholinergic toxicity, characterized by both central and peripheral nervous system clinical manifestations.…”