Subject(s)
Brain/pathology , Coma/chemically induced , Lectins/poisoning , Plant Lectins , Adult , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , MaleABSTRACT
During last 5 years only single cases of poisoning with plants containing psychoactive substances, especially Datura stramonium, were treated in the Department of Clinical Toxicology in Kraków. In autumn 1999, during 1 month, 7 patients, aged from 14 to 27 years (mean 18 years) poisoned with Datura stramonium were treated. On admission in all patients central and peripheral anticholinergic symptoms were stated. Four of them ingested seeds, three of them chewed seeds and leaves. Only one ingested Datura seeds in suicidal attempts. In the group, only one--20-years-old--previously abused amphetamine and smoked marihuana. For the remaining 5 boys (14-18 years-old), it was the first experience with psychoactive substances. All were successfully treated, in 5 patients physostigmine was used, in dose ranged from 2 to 6 mg, with no adverse effects. Seasonal accessibility of natural psychoactive products may be the first, easy, free step of addiction.
Subject(s)
Lectins/poisoning , Plant Lectins , Self-Injurious Behavior , Adolescent , Adult , Humans , MaleABSTRACT
During recent years, numerous new and exotic fruits have become available in Denmark. However, some of these may be potentially hazardous if incorrectly prepared. Some leguminous plants, in particular, contain considerable amounts of toxic lectins. The authors report two persons who developed severe symptoms of poisoning including diarrhoea, vomiting, muscular pain, rhabdomyolysis and toxic myocarditis after consuming raw and insufficiently cooked kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). Meticulous instructions about handling should accompany the sale of potentially hazardous vegetables such as these.
