Authors:

Mateusz Wlodarczyk

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Purpose: Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) is a poisonous flowering plant in the Daturae tribe of the nightshade family Solanaceae. It has become widely naturalized as a wild herb across most warm and temperate regions worldwide. All parts of Datura plants contain dangerous levels of the tropane alkaloids, classified as deliriants or anticholinergics. This study investigates the neurophysiology of Jimson Weed poisoning in a boy secondary to deliberate ingestion. Methods: A 15-year-old boy was brought to the ED by his mother, who said he may have ingested a wild plant. He demonstrated bizarre behavior, mumbling and hallucinations. Vital Signs (VS) were obtained, and Physical Examination (PE), Neurological Examination (NE) and laboratory workups were done. Appropriate medical management was given. Results: VS were T 37.2°C (98.9°F), BP 117/72 mm Hg, HR 103/min, and RR 24/min. PE demonstrated that he was awake, alert, but restless with agnosia. Mucous membranes were dry, and bowel sounds were decreased. Pupils were dilated, symmetric, and minimally reactive to light, but NE was otherwise within normal limits. Blood glucose, complete blood count, chemistry panel, and urinalysis were normal. Rapid toxicology screen was negative for alcohol and common psychoactive drugs. The plant specimen was positively identified as Datura stramonium. The patient suffered from depression of the parasympathetic nervous system involving cranial autonomic ganglia and enteric ganglia of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Conclusion: Jimson Weed is a plant best known among adolescents and young adults for its hallucinogenic properties. The active ingredient in Jimson weed is a cholinergic blocker acting at synapses between autonomic neurons and target organs. Understanding and recognizing the classic signs and symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication can help clinicians evaluate patients presenting with Jimson Weed poisoning resulting in rapid life-saving treatment with physostigmine. † Presenting Undergrad Author; ‡ Contributing Undergrad Author; * Undergrad Acknowledgment Keywords: Jimson Weed; Sympathetic Nervous System; Toxicology; Neurology; Anticholinergic

Source:

Purdue University / 2025

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Co-authors:

Mateusz Wlodarczyk