Dhatura poisoning

What are the toxic alkaloids present in Dhatura?

• Hyoscyamine

• Hyoscine (Scopolamine)

• Atropine (traces)
  Collectively known as Belladonna Alkaloids.

How do Dhatura alkaloids affect the body?

• CNS: Initial stimulation → excitement, restlessness → large doses cause delirium, coma.

• Peripheral: Anticholinergic effects → parasympathetic paralysis by blocking muscarinic receptors.

How is the active principle of Dhatura excreted?

• Excreted unchanged in urine almost immediately; excretion completes in 10–20 hours.

• Urine is best preserved for toxicological testing.

What are the characteristic symptoms of Dhatura poisoning?

1. Dryness of mouth/throat

2. Difficulty in talking

3. Dysphagia

4. Dilated cutaneous blood vessels

5. Dilated pupils

6. Dry, hot skin

7. Dysuria

8. Drunken gait

9. Delirium

10. Drowsiness → coma

What are the classic mnemonics used to describe Dhatura poisoning symptoms?

• Dry as a bone – Dry mouth

• Red as a beet – Flushed face

• Blind as a bat – Dilated pupils, visual disturbance

• Hot as a hare – Raised temperature

• Mad as a wet hen – Delirium

What is the fatal dose and fatal period of Dhatura?

• Fatal dose: 50–100 seeds

• Fatal period: ~24 hours

How is Dhatura poisoning treated?

• Gastric lavage with tannic acid solution

• Pilocarpine (5–15 mg) or Prostigmine (0.5–1 mg)—limited efficacy in severe cases

• Short-acting barbiturates for delirium

• Light diet + Purgation for 3–4 days

What are the postmortem features of Dhatura poisoning?

• Asphyxial signs

• Dhatura seeds in stomach/intestines, resistant to putrefaction

• GI congestion

• Alkaloids detectable in vomitus and surrounding soil

What are the medicolegal uses and concerns related to Dhatura?

• Used as stupefying poison (road poison) for robbery, rarely for kidnapping/rape

• Mixed with food, tea, incense, or given as candy

• Used by quacks or accidentally consumed (mistaken for edible seeds)

• Occasionally added to liquor or majun (sweetmeat)

• Notorious Hyoscine poisoning case: Dr. Crippen (1910, UK)