Toxic traditions: Unveiling the psychiatric and neurological dangers of datura poisoning.

Datura stramonium poisoning, caused by tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, poses significant public health risks. In India, the plant's traditional and ceremonial use leads to accidental overdoses and chronic misuse, especially among vulnerable populations like children. Psychiatric symptoms include vivid hallucinations, agitation, and delirium, which can mimic psychosis and lead to self-harm. A multi-pronged approach is needed, including enhanced clinical awareness, public education, and regulatory policies to prevent exposure. Collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities are essential for prompt treatment and prevention. Future research should focus on pharmaceutical treatments to aid chronic users and prevent long-term cognitive effects.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Datura stramonium poisoning, triggered by the plant's tropane alkaloids, including atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, can pose substantial public health concerns. Historically used in traditional and ceremonial contexts in India, Datura ingestion leads to acute and potentially fatal central nervous system and gastrointestinal symptoms. The psychiatric manifestations of toxicity, such as vivid hallucinations, agitation, and delirium, can lead to self-harming behavior and complicate clinical diagnosis by mimicking other neurological and mental disorders like psychosis. In India, these dangers are amplified by the plant's deep roots in cultural and religious practices, often resulting in accidental overdoses and chronic misuse, particularly among vulnerable populations like children. There is a need for a multi-pronged approach to address this issue, including enhanced clinical awareness, widespread public education, and regulatory policies to prevent both accidental and deliberate exposure. There is a need for collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities to ensure prompt treatment and effective prevention strategies. Future research should focus on potential pharmaceutical treatments to help chronic users recover and prevent long-term cognitive effects.