Related Experiment Videos
Anticholinergic intoxication with commercially available thorn apple tea
P Coremans1, G Lambrecht, P Schepens
1University of Antwerp, Belgium.
Journal of Toxicology. Clinical Toxicology
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Adolescents experienced acute psychosis and anticholinergic symptoms after drinking thorn apple tea. Prompt conservative treatment led to complete recovery from atropine intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Adolescent Medicine
Background:
- Anticholinergic toxicity can present with diverse neurological and peripheral symptoms.
- Datura stramonium (thorn apple) contains potent anticholinergic alkaloids like atropine.
- Accidental or intentional ingestion ofDatura stramonium poses a risk, particularly in adolescents.
Observation:
- Two adolescent patients presented with acute psychosis and peripheral anticholinergic signs.
- Clinical presentation mimicked other psychiatric emergencies but suggested toxicological etiology.
- Physical examination revealed characteristic peripheral manifestations of anticholinergic toxidrome.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of atropine intoxication was confirmed.
- The source of intoxication was identified as tea prepared from Datura stramonium.
- Laboratory investigations supported the diagnosis of anticholinergic poisoning.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering toxicological causes in adolescent psychosis.
- Underscores the dangers of herbal remedies containing toxic alkaloids.
- Emphasizes the efficacy of conservative management for Datura stramonium intoxication.