Datura stramonium, commonly known as jimsonweed or Devil’s trumpet, belongs to the Solanaceae family and has a long history of medicinal and toxicological importance. This plant contains potent tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine, contributing to its toxic effects. The mechanism of toxicity involves the antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to a range of symptoms from hallucinations to anticholinergic effects [
1,
2].
Datura stramonium has been utilized for its medicinal properties, including antiepileptic, anti-asthmatic, analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antimicrobial effects. In Ayurvedic medicine,
Datura stramonium has been used as a remedy for ulcers, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism, gout, fever, asthma, bronchitis, and toothache [
1]. However, its toxic properties have been well-documented, with cases of poisoning resulting in symptoms like visual and auditory hallucinations, confusion, agitation, mydriasis, tachycardia, and hyperthermia. The lethal dose of
Datura stramonium has not been precisely defined due to variations in alkaloid content; however, the ingestion of even small amounts can lead to severe toxicity [
3,
4].
Despite its toxic nature, the consumption of
Datura stramonium seeds and leaves for recreational purposes is unfortunately practiced, particularly among young individuals seeking altered states of consciousness.
Datura is sometimes combined with tobacco to create a potent mixture for inhalation or smoking, which can lead to various psychoactive effects. When compared to other hallucinogens like LSD or psilocybin, this mixture may present heightened potential dangers. The plant’s psychoactive effects are attributed to alkaloids like atropine and scopolamine. The consumption of
Datura stramonium poses significant dangers due to its unpredictable potency and potential for severe toxicity. Cases of acute poisoning can result in a range of symptoms such as painful photophobia, delirium, hyperthermia, tachycardia, mydriasis, and organ toxicity, affecting multiple organ systems, including the gastrointestinal, neurological, and renal systems. The plant’s toxic effects can lead to complications such as acute renal failure, biliary obstruction, cardiovascular issues, and central nervous system disturbances. Additionally, the delayed onset of symptoms coupled with the plant’s long duration of action can complicate diagnosis and management [
1,
2,
3,
4,
5].
The recreational consumption of Datura stramonium, while often perceived as an alluring exploration of altered consciousness, presents a significant toxicological challenge and poses significant and well-documented dangers that cannot be overlooked. As evidenced by its complex toxicological profile, the plant’s potent tropane alkaloids can lead to a myriad of severe effects, ranging from alarming psychotic episodes to life-threatening organ failure. The alarming trends of its increasing recreational use serve as a poignant warning sign for society. Understanding its toxic potential is crucial for both medical management and public awareness. Future directions should focus on standardizing treatment protocols and enhancing preventive measures to reduce the incidence of Datura stramonium poisoning.
Author Contributions
Conceptualization, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., C.A.D., and E.-A.M.; methodology, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., E.-A.M., N.Ș.M., and O.A.I.; software, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., E.-A.M., N.Ș.M., and O.A.I.; validation, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., and E.-A.M.; formal analysis, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., E.-A.M., N.Ș.M., and O.A.I.; investigation, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., and E.-A.M.; resources, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., E.-A.M., N.Ș.M., and O.A.I.; data curation, A.-R.J., and E.-A.M.; writing—original draft preparation, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., and E.-A.M.; writing—review and editing, D.-M.H., A.-R.J., E.-A.M., N.Ș.M., O.A.I., and C.A.D.; visualization, E.-A.M., and C.A.D.; project administration, E.-A.M., and C.A.D.; funding acquisition, C.A.D. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding
This research received no external funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement
Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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