Quantitative analysis of tropane alkaloids in biological materials by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A simple and rapid method for quantitation of tropane alkaloids in biological materials has been developed using an Extrelut column with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological materials (serum and urine) were mixed with a borate buffer and then applied to an Extrelut column. The adsorbed tropane alkaloids were eluted with dichloromethane before a GC-MS analysis.

Accidental mydriasis from exposure to Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens).

Purpose: To report clinical findings after accidental instillation into the eye of sap from Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens).

Methods: We report findings on seven patients who developed sudden onset of unilateral mydriasis. At least three of them also had ipsilateral cycloplegia and one developed transient tachycardia.

[Cholinergic syndrome with unconsciousness in amanita poisoning].

History And Admission Findings: A 41-year-old patient was found in his flat in a state of coma. After emergency treatment his vital signs were stable and he was transferred to an acute hospital with possible cannabis intoxication. The patient, a hobby gardener, was previously well and had an adversion to the use of any chemical substances.

[Angel trumpet: a poisonous garden plant as a new addictive drug?].

Background And Objective: Angel's trumpet (Species Brugmansia) is widely used as a garden plant because it is easily kept and the luxuriance of its flowering. Belonging to the Family Solanacea it contains a large amount of alkaloids (parasympatholytics). Because of its hallucinogenic action, its leaves and flowers are increasingly used by young people as a substitute for the hallucinogen LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide).

A lysosomal storage disease induced by Ipomoea carnea in goats in Mozambique.

A novel plant-induced lysosomal storage disease was observed in goats from a village in Mozambique. Affected animals were ataxic, with head tremors and nystagmus. Because of a lack of suitable feed, the animals consumed an exotic hedge plant growing in the village that was identified as Ipomoea carnea (shrubby morning glory, Convolvulaceae).

Antidotal effect of glucoside extracted from Astragalus membranaceus on dimethoate intoxication in guinea pigs.

Therapeutic effect of the glucoside extracted from the root of Astragalus Membranaceus (AM) was studied in guinea pigs intoxicated with 600 mg/kg doses of Dimethoate (D). Four groups of guinea pigs, each consisting of two males and two females, were treated with (a) D, (b) D + Atropine, and (c) D + AM, (d) D + Atropine + AM. The survival time of the animals increased from an average of 70 minutes without AM to an average of 235 minutes with AM.

[Scopolica carniolica Jacq. tea].

We report a case of plant-poisoning of a young man following the consumption of a self-brewed infusion made of a solanaceous plant, to which he was seduced by his friends. He developed anticholinergic symptoms such as optical hallucinations, confusion, mydriasis and tachycardia. 14 hours after admission the patient was discharged from hospital in good health.

[Mydriasis, tachycardia].

We report a case of plant poisoning with atropa belladonna. A student took the berries because of the hallucinogen effects. In this case report we describe the symptoms and the therapy of poisoning with atropa belladonna.

Plasma and urine concentrations of atropine after the ingestion of cooked deadly nightshade berries.

Background: Adult intoxications due to ingestion of deadly nightshade berries is uncommon.

Case Reports: Collective intoxication of eight persons occurred after accidental ingestion of ripened Atropa belladonna berries. Three of the four adults displayed delirious states with visual hallucinations; one patient fell into a coma and required mechanical ventilation.

Anticholinergic poisoning associated with herbal tea.

An outbreak of cholinergic poisoning occurred in New York City during a 3-day period. Seven individuals from three families of South American origin were affected. Signs and symptoms of illness included dry skin, hyperthermia, tachycardia, dilated pupils, agitation, and hallucinations.

Toxicity of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) to mice.

The effects of feeding high and low doses of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) to mice were investigated. Bindweed contains several alkaloids, including pseudotropine, and lesser amounts of tropine, tropinone, and meso-cuscohygrine. Mice fed bindweed exclusively died or were euthanized after 4-7 d and had severe hepatic necrosis and gastritis with ulceration or erosions.

Identification of the glycosidase inhibitors swainsonine and calystegine B2 in Weir vine (Ipomoea sp. Q6 [aff. calobra]) and correlation with toxicity.

The polyhydroxy alkaloid glycosidase inhibitors swainsonine [1] and calystegine B2 [6] have been identified as constituents of the seeds of the Australian plant Ipomoea sp. Q6 [aff. calobra] (Weir vine) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and by their biological activity as inhibitors of specific glycosidases.

Anticholinergic poisoning associated with an herbal tea--New York City, 1994.

Inadvertent anticholinergic poisoning can result from consumption of foods contaminated with plants that contain belladonna alkaloids. During March 1994, the New York City Department of Health (NYCDOH) investigated seven cases of anticholinergic poisoning in members of three families; three of the seven ill persons required emergency treatment for characteristic manifestations. For all cases, manifestations occurred within 2 hours after drinking tea made from leaves purchased commercially and labeled as Paraguay tea--an herbal tea derived from the plant llex paraguariensis, which is native to South America.

Datura stramonium poisoning. Identification of tropane alkaloids in urine by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

A case of acute poisoning by ingestion of Datura stramonium infusion is reported. The patient presented with a typical anticholinergic syndrome (dryness of mouth, mydriasis, flushing, tachycardia, agitation, hallucinations) and was treated with symptomatic and supportive measures. The presence of tropane belladona alkaloids in a urine sample was demonstrated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Poisoning by the use of Datura leaves in a homemade toothpaste.

Datura stramonium and related species are relatively common causes of atropine-like poisoning by ingestion or inhalation. Toxic absorption after mucosal application is evident in 24 h of atropinism sustained by a woman who used a toothpaste mixed with the leaves and flowers of Datura sp., table salt, vinegar and an alcoholic beverage.

Jimson weed toxicity: management of anticholinergic plant ingestion.

Jimson weed is a hallucinogenic plant that is common in rural areas. Consumption of any part of the plant can result in severe anticholinergic toxicity. The clinical presentation of jimson weed toxicity is similar to that seen in cases of atropine poisoning.

Atropine intoxication from the ingestion and smoking of jimson weed (Datura stramonium).

Anticholinergic effects occur due to jimson weed intoxication. The most common intoxication involves teenagers desiring mind-altering properties from the plant. We report 4 cases of jimson weed intoxication due to ingestion and inhalation (smoking) of jimson weed.

Scopolamine poisoning from homemade 'moon flower' wine.

LH, a 76-year-old Caucasian male, ingested 3 teaspoons (15 mL) of a homemade wine over a 1-h period and became ill. Approximately 1.5 h later, he was taken to the emergency room of a local hospital with symptoms of respiratory distress and weakness.

[Atropine poisoning by Mandragora autumnalis. A report of 15 cases].

Anticholinergic syndrome (AS) due to accidental poisoning is exceptional. Mandragora contains a high concentration of atropine, hiosciamine and scopolamine. We have evaluated 15 patients with AS due to poisoning by Mandragora autumnalis, distributed in two family groups.