Datura is a genus of highly toxic flowering plants, commonly known as Jimsonweed, Thorn Apple, or Devil’s Trumpet. Found globally, these plants are recognizable by their large, trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny seed capsules. All species contain potent compounds that affect the human nervous system, raising concerns about the safety of touching them.
Dermal Exposure: Is Touching Datura Dangerous?
Systemic poisoning—the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream—is not a common outcome of touching Datura with intact skin. The tropane alkaloids responsible for the plant’s toxicity are not efficiently absorbed through the skin’s protective outer layers. Casually brushing against a Datura plant is unlikely to cause a severe reaction.
Localized reactions can occur, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin or when the plant’s sap is involved. Direct contact with the plant’s juices may cause mild skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
If sap or residue gets into cuts, open wounds, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), the risk of absorption increases significantly. The greatest hazard lies in unconsciously touching the face or rubbing the eyes after handling the plant, bypassing the skin’s barrier. Always wash hands thoroughly after any contact with Datura to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure to sensitive tissues.
The Primary Toxicity Pathway: Ingestion and Alkaloids
The true danger of Datura is realized through ingestion, which is the primary toxicity pathway. Every part of the plant—leaves, stems, flowers, and roots—contains toxic compounds. The highest concentration of toxins is typically found in the seeds, encased within the spiny fruit.
The poisonous nature of Datura is due to potent tropane alkaloids, specifically atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds are classified as anticholinergics, meaning they block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. This interference disrupts normal nerve signaling, leading to severe physiological effects.
The concentration of these alkaloids is highly variable, depending on the plant’s age, species, and environmental factors. This variability makes consuming the plant for psychoactive effects hazardous, as the difference between a high dose and a fatal dose can be very small. Ingestion of even a small amount of plant material can quickly lead to severe poisoning, known as anticholinergic syndrome.
Clinical Effects and Emergency Response
Ingestion of Datura causes the anticholinergic toxidrome, a distinct set of physical and neurological symptoms. Onset usually occurs within 30 to 60 minutes, but effects can persist for 24 to 48 hours or longer because the alkaloids delay stomach emptying. This prolonged duration increases the risk of complications.
The effects are often summarized by the classic mnemonic: “hot as a hare, blind as a bat, dry as a bone, red as a beet, and mad as a hatter.” Physical signs include rapid heart rate (tachycardia), elevated body temperature (hyperthermia), and flushed, dry skin, as the alkaloids inhibit sweating. The eyes are dramatically affected, with severely dilated pupils (mydriasis) leading to blurred vision and sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Neurological effects can be profound, including confusion, disorientation, agitation, and hallucinations. In severe cases, the person may experience delirium, bizarre behavior, seizures, and coma. Other serious complications include urinary retention and rhabdomyolysis (muscle tissue breakdown) which can lead to kidney failure.
If Datura ingestion is suspected, immediate emergency action is necessary due to the potential for life-threatening complications. Call the Poison Help hotline or local emergency services right away. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give the person anything by mouth unless specifically instructed to do so by a medical professional.
In a hospital setting, treatment focuses on supportive care and decontamination. This includes stabilizing the airway, breathing, and circulation, controlling hyperthermia with cooling measures, and administering intravenous fluids. In severe cases with central nervous system effects, the antidote physostigmine may be administered, as it can reverse both central and peripheral anticholinergic effects.