Poisoned after Dinner: Dolma with Datura Stramonium

SUMMARY: Datura 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 hallucinogeni...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nezihat Rana DISEL, Mustafa YILMAZ, Zeynep KEKEC, Meryem KARANLIK
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2015-03-01
Series:Turkish Journal of Emergency Medicine
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452247316600122
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Summary:SUMMARY: Datura 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. Key words: Anticholinergic effects, Datura stramonium, plant poisoning, rhabdomyolysis
ISSN:2452-2473