With its large funnel-shaped flowers, serrated leaves and thorny fruits, the thorn apple is definitely an eye-catcher. Despite everything, it is poisonous to humans as well as pets and farm animals.
Notification requirement or not?
Even if Datura is a highly poisonous plant, it is not one of the species that are subject to mandatory reporting. It could even be grown in the home garden, but consider this carefully, especially if you have young children and / or have pets. If you want to remove the thorn apple from the garden and prevent it from spreading, you should protect yourself accordingly. Incidentally, you can dispose of it on the compost, because the poisonous alkaloids it contains decompose while the plant dries up.
Toxicity
Even if the term "apple" suggests otherwise, the thorn apple is highly poisonous in all parts of the plant and in no way suitable for consumption. It is not without reason that it is also referred to as sleeping, madness and witch's herb or devil's apple. All of the around 20 species worldwide are poisonous,
whereas in Central Europe mainly the common or White thorn apple (Datura stramonium) occurs. Consuming even the smallest amounts of the plant can be life-threatening.
Effective ingredients
The high toxicity is based on the so-called tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. These highly effective alkaloids form the plants to protect themselves from predators. It is also found in many other nightshade plants such as deadly nightshade and henbane, which is related to the thorn apple. They are found in all parts of the plant. The highest concentration is in the roots and seeds. In addition, this plant contains other toxic substances in smaller quantities, but no less dangerous.
Tip: The use of leaves and seeds as intoxicants is also often discussed. Here too, due to the high toxicity and the poor controllability, even a low dose can be strong
Cause symptoms of intoxication.Symptoms of poisoning
Poisoning by the thorn apple is not to be trifled with.
With people
As already mentioned, consumption or accidental consumption of tiny amounts of plant material or seeds can have fatal consequences, which in the worst case can be fatal. The abuse of this plant as a drug can also quickly lead to addiction. The signs of poisoning can vary greatly depending on the dosage and the person. Most of them are neurological in nature or affect the cardiovascular system.
- Skin irritation, increased temperature
- dry mouth, thirst
- Sensitivity to light, dilated pupils
- Visual and balance disorders
- Restlessness, increased pulse, increased excitement
- Swallowing and speech disorders
- Blockage of the urinary tract (bladder obstruction)
- Nausea, vomiting
- Muscle twitching, cramps, movement disorders
- Arrhythmias, unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis
- Clouding of consciousness and / or hallucinations
- Confusion, delusion
- Anxiety, panic attacks, loss of control
- Weeping fits, paranoia, fear of death
- Aggression, argument, fits of rage, coma
The first symptoms appear between five minutes and an hour after the poisoning. They can last up to two days and in the worst case lead to death as a result of respiratory paralysis. Cultivation of this plant in the home garden is therefore by no means recommended.
Tip: Simultaneous consumption of alcohol can make poisoning worse. In small children, just biting a leaf can cause symptoms of poisoning combined with a rise in temperature.
With pets and farm animals
Not only for humans, but also for our beloved pets, this plant is highly toxic, especially the flowers and seeds. Even if most animals are less sensitive to alkaloids, poisoning is possible. It can manifest itself in drowsiness, cramps, restlessness and visual disturbances. Datura is poisonous to farm animals both fresh and when dried. If an animal shows these or similar symptoms or has obviously nibbled on the plant, a veterinarian should be consulted as soon as possible.
First aid
If there is poisoning or if it is only suspected, there is a risk to life, which requires immediate intensive medical care by a doctor. Home remedies of any kind are not indicated here. Therefore, at the first signs or suspicion of thorn apple poisoning, you should consult a doctor or a clinic as soon as possible. If there is no clinic nearby, the emergency doctor must be called. If in doubt, you should also contact the poison control center. Until a doctor arrives, the affected person should be observed and vital body functions constantly monitored.
Tip: If animals show symptoms of poisoning, they should be presented to a veterinarian immediately.