Mass intoxication with Datura innoxia--case series and confirmation by analytical toxicology

Anticholinergic plants contain a variety of alkaloids that are toxic if ingested. Datura innoxia belongs to the family of Solanaceae and contains two main toxic alkaloids, atropine and scopolamine.

In this study we report the case series of seven individuals who were admitted to two different hospitals of Athens with an anticholinergic syndrome. All symptoms manifested after consumption of cooked vegetables (blites).

The investigation of the cases revealed that among the vegetables there was also Datura innoxia, which has a similar appearance to blites. Urine and plasma samples of the seven patients, as well as a sample of cooked vegetables, were analyzed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Atropine and scopolamine were confirmed in all urine and vegetable samples, but not in plasma probably because of the delay in sample collection. The urine samples of all patients contained atropine in concentrations between 67.1 and 691.7 ng/mL, while urine concentrations of scopolamine ranged from 32.4 to 186.4 ng/mL. The concentrations of atropine and scopolamine in the cooked vegetables were found to be 0.8 and 1.2 microg/g, respectively.

All patients recovered completely, although some required mechanical ventilation. The investigation and the presentation of this case series illustrate not only mass intoxication with D. innoxia, but also the utility of analytical toxicology. It also illustrates the dangers of collection of vegetables in the wild.