Accidental foodborne poisoning by atropine and scopolamine: a fatal case report

Tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine are naturally occurring compounds found in various plants of the Solanaceae family, notably Datura species. Although widely used in clinical settings, their potent anticholinergic properties can lead to severe toxic effects. Fatalities involving these substances remain rare, particularly in accidental contexts. Here, the authors report the case of a 58-year-old male who died following the accidental consumption of a meal suspected to have been contaminated with plant material containing tropane alkaloids. At autopsy, blackish vomitus containing unidentified vegetal fragments was observed, and toxicological analyses highlited significant concentrations of both atropine and scopolamine in all postmortem matrices, including femoral and cardiac blood, urine, vitreous humor, and gastric content. No other xenobiotics were detected. This case, consistent with previous toxicological and pathological findings, represents the first documented fatality involving accidental ingestion of tropane alkaloids in a presumed foodborne context. It underscores the potential risks associated with the foraging or handling of toxic plants and underscores the need for greater public health awareness and preventive education.