Poisoned after Dinner: Dolma with Datura Stramonium

DİŞEL N. R., Yilmaz M., KEKEÇ Z., Karanlik M.

TURKISH JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE, vol.15, no.1, pp.51-55, 2015 (ESCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 15 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2015
  • Doi Number: 10.5505/1304.7361.2015.70894
  • Journal Name: TURKISH JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
  • Journal Indexes: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.51-55
  • Keywords: Anticholinergic effects, Datura stramonium, plant poisoning, rhabdomyolysis, JIMSON WEED DATURA, ANGELS TRUMPET, INGESTION, INTOXICATION, LEAVES
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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.