Fatal poisoning from ingestion of Datura stramonium seeds

Vet Hum Toxicol. 2004 Apr;46(2):81-2.

Abstract

A 19-y old male who intentionally ingested an unknown quantity of Datura stramonium seeds to experience its hallucinogenic effects was found dead. Hyoscyamine and scopolamine were detected in postmortem blood and urine. Blood concentrations of hyoscyamine and scopolamine were 1.1 and 0.2 microg/mL, respectively; in urine only hyoscyamine at 14.2 microg/mL was found. This fatality presents the highest blood concentrations ever reported and confirms that death was due to Datura Stramonium seed ingestion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Datura stramonium / poisoning*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Poisoning / diagnosis*
  • Poisoning / pathology
  • Seeds / poisoning
  • Substance-Related Disorders