Datura, often known by common names such as Jimsonweed, Devil’s Trumpet, or Thornapple, is a plant found widely across various environments. It features large, trumpet-shaped flowers that can range in color from white to yellow, pink, or purple, and distinct spiky seed pods. Despite its striking appearance and fragrant blossoms, Datura harbors significant danger due to its toxicity. It thrives as an aggressive invasive weed in temperate and tropical climates, frequently appearing in fields, along roadsides, and in other disturbed habitats.
All Parts Are Toxic
Every part of the Datura plant contains potent natural chemical compounds known as tropane alkaloids, making the entire plant poisonous. These include scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine. The concentration of these toxins can fluctuate depending on factors such as the plant’s age, its specific growing conditions, and even the particular part of the plant. While all parts are toxic, the seeds and flowers, and sometimes the leaves, are frequently noted for their particularly high concentrations of these alkaloids.
Seeds often contain the highest levels of these toxic compounds. Even after the plant material has been dried, its toxicity persists because tropane alkaloids remain stable through drying and heat treatments. Dried Datura material should be handled with the same caution as fresh plant parts.
Recognizing Datura Poisoning
Symptoms of Datura poisoning can manifest quickly, within 30 to 60 minutes after exposure, though onset can be delayed up to four hours. Neurological effects are common and include vivid, often frightening hallucinations, delirium, and states of confusion, agitation, or disorientation. Individuals may also exhibit bizarre or violent behavior, experience amnesia, or enter a state of psychosis.
Physical signs frequently observed include extreme dry mouth and skin, significantly dilated pupils, and blurred vision, which can last for several days. A rapid heartbeat, elevated body temperature, flushed skin, and difficulty urinating are also characteristic symptoms. In severe cases, Datura poisoning can lead to seizures, coma, respiratory depression, or cardiac arrhythmias. Symptoms can persist for 24 to 48 hours, with some cases lasting two weeks or longer.
Immediate Steps for Exposure
If Datura exposure is suspected, contact emergency medical services or a poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. Remove any visible plant material from the mouth or skin to prevent further toxin absorption.
Affected skin areas should be thoroughly washed with soap and water. While awaiting medical help, keep the person as calm as possible, as agitation is a common symptom of poisoning. If safe, bringing a plant sample to the hospital can aid medical personnel in identifying the toxic agent and guiding treatment. Hospitals can administer medications to counteract the toxins.