[Feed refusal in fattening bulls because of maize silage contamination by Jimson weed (Datura stramonium)]. / Futterverweigerung bei Mastbullen durch eine Kontamination der Maissilage mit Gewöhnlichem Stechapfel (Datura stramonium).

A sudden decrease in feed intake (within 24 hours) without an impaired general condition occurred on a bull-rearing and -fattening farm in western Germany in December 2017. One day later, some of the bulls displayed signs of ruminal tympany (free gas bloat) and the reduction in feed intake became more severe. The maize silage was recognized as the cause of the observed symptoms, because clinical signs first appeared after taking the silage from a different localization within the bunker silo. Maize in this particular section was harvested from a separate area previously affected by wind damage (numerous bent maize plants), where no crop protection (herbicide application) was performed. Fruits and seeds of Jimson weed were identified in the incriminated maize silage samples. Following replacement of the contaminated parts of the maize silage with non-contaminated material and treatment of the clinically affected animals (anti-tympanic medication plus live yeast preparation), the feed intake returned to the normal level and the affected animals recovered within 6 days. The cause of the symptoms was probably the anti-nutritive properties of Datura stramonium that affect the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Chronic non-fatal Datura abuse in a patient of paranoid schizophrenia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: A range of psychoactive substances used by patients suffering from schizophrenia varies and may include those which are fatal and may cause serious toxicity leading to death. We here present a case report of a patient suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, who was abusing Datura stramonium over a prolonged period. CASE SUMMARY: A 32 year old male presented with aggressive behaviour, irritability for 6 years and regular intake of Datura seeds for 3 years. After taking detailed history and mental status examination (MSE), diagnoses of paranoid schizophrenia and mental and behavioral disorder due to use of hallucinogen were made. He had shown improvement on standard treatment with antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: D. stramonium is recognized among emerging new psychoactive substances being used across the world. Among various theories we discuss self-medication hypothesis as a mediating factor for this case. Though D. stramonium is notorious for its life threatening sequelae, clinicians should be aware of its chronic abuse as self-medication.

La psicosis del estramonio y los poderes públicos / Jimson weed psychosis and public authorities

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Alucinaciones y agitación en un encuentro de adolescentes / Hallucinations and agitation in a meeting of adolescents

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Dos casos de intoxicación por contaminación de maíz con Datura stramonium en ganado vacuno / Two cases of poisoning by Datura stramonium contaminated corn in cattle

Recientemente hemos observado dos intoxicaciones en ganado vacuno lechero, en granjas de Cataluña, debidas a la ingestión de estramonio (Datura stramonium). La planta había sido en ambos casos erróneamente recolectada junto con el maíz empleado para la alimentación de los animales. El cuadro fue leve y, básicamente, cursó con problemas digestivos y descenso en la producción lechera, y remitió con la retirada del alimento contaminado. Debido a factores ambientales y económicos, el problema podría estar en aumento(AU)

Recently, two poisoning episodes produced by Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) consumption have been observed in dairy cattle farms from Catalonia. The plant was mistakenly gathered, in both cases, together with corn used for animal feed. The set of symptoms were slight, basically gastrointestinal disorders and decrease of milk production, and animal recovery was observed as soon as the contaminated feed was removed. This problematic situation could be increasing in prevalence due to environmental and economic factors(AU)

Mydriasis from Datura wrightii.

A 4-year-old girl had painless, uniocular mydriasis after picking flowers. Pharmacologic testing with 1% pilocarpine confirmed the probability that an atropine-like agent had been instilled in the affected eye. The flowers were identified as Datura wrightii and contained scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine on thin-layer chromatography.

Herbal intoxication. Psychoactive effects from herbal cigarettes, tea, and capsules.

Herbal preparations, designed to be smoked or ingested for "health and happiness", are promoted as legal hallucinogens, euphoriants, and marihuana substitutes. A total of 25 psychoactive substances have been identified in these products, and a number of intoxications have resulted from their short- or long-term use. Physicians should be alerted to the nature of these effects when taking drug histories, and their possible role in the causation of medical complaints should be considered.