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Datura stramonium: a fatal poisoning
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Death resulted from ingesting Datura stramonium (jimsonweed). Mass spectral analysis of the patient's urine confirmed the presence of scopolamine and atropine, toxic alkaloids found in this plant.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Forensic Science
Background:
- Datura stramonium, commonly known as jimsonweed, is a plant notorious for its psychoactive and toxic properties.
- Ingestion of Datura stramonium can lead to severe anticholinergic poisoning, with potentially fatal outcomes.
Observation:
- A case report details the death of a 20-year-old male following the ingestion of Datura stramonium.
- The patient exhibited symptoms consistent with severe poisoning after consuming the plant.
Findings:
- Mass spectral data analysis of the deceased individual's urine extracts was performed.
- The analysis positively identified the molecular and fragment ions corresponding to scopolamine and atropine.
Implications:
- This case highlights the lethal potential of Datura stramonium ingestion.
- Confirmation of scopolamine and atropine in biological samples is crucial for diagnosing and understanding Datura stramonium toxicity in forensic and clinical toxicology.