Observations placeholder
Child eats datura seeds
Identifier
005235
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
A description of the experience
Saudi Med J 2005 Jan;26(1):118-21. Hallucinogenic plant poisoning in children. Al-Shaikh AM Sablay ZM. Department of Pediatrics, Armed Forces Hospital Southern Region, PO Box 101, Khamis Mushayt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. asheik@health.net.sa
Datura is a hallucinogenic plant found in urban or rural areas in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia KSA. It grows wildly in many parts of the country. Its taste and shape makes it unattractive to both man and animals, though deliberate use by young adults for its hallucinogenic effects have been widely reported for the past 30 years.
Datura contains 3 main toxic alkaloids: atropine, scopolamine and hyoscamine. Consumption of any part of the plant can result in severe anticholinergic toxicity.
Clinical symptoms are those seen in atropine poisoning, particularly mydriasis and hallucinations. Children have a special susceptibility to atropine toxicity; even small amount may produce central nervous system manifestations. Hospitalization is required for agitation and combative behavior although symptomatic treatment is usually sufficient.
We report a case of acute Datura stramonium intoxication in a 6-year-old boy from Khamis Mushayt, KSA, who presented with restlessness, hallucinations and mydriasis 8 hours after ingesting the seeds of Datura plant.
PMID: 15756367