Poisonous Datura fruits don't prevent COVID-19

Yesterday the local news papers have reported cases of datura poisoning (1,4). Eleven people in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district were hospitalised on Tuesday after consuming a ‘home-made remedy’ for COVID-19 which they had come across on TikTok. They had seen a video which suggested that eating ‘ummetha kaya’ (local language)-- the fruit of the poisonous Datura plant -- can prevent one from contracting COVID-19. 

The incident occurred in Aalapalli Kotthur village, in Baireddypalli mandal of Chittoor district. 

The TikTok video suggested that the spiky fruit – which resembles the now ubiquitous image of SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19 – can be used to treat the disease. Eventhough nobody from the region tested positive till now, these innocent people took the step out of the fear of the COVID-19 disease.

Corona virus : Image credit shutterstock

The patients experienced atropinization – which is poisoning caused by atropine. The poisoning from the fruit led to increased heart rate, rise in body temperature, dryness in the mouth, and a pricking sensation in the skin.

After the treatment  the family members are now out of danger and were discharged from the hospital.

This is what misinformation can do!

So let us learn right things about Datura.

Datura stramonium, which is also known as Thorn Apple or Jimson Weed, is an alkaloid containing plant that is entirely toxic. All parts of the nightshade family plant,  have been used in magic or religious ritual in various places around the world for millennia (3). However, every part of this plant is toxic, and it leads to numerous unintentional poisoning deaths every year.

Datura plant with flowers

(Images source: Google images)

Datura fruits

The active toxic constituents of the datura plant are atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. It has been abused worldwide for hundreds of years because of its hallucinogenic properties, mainly delirium. Previous reports have shown that herbal medication overdose and accidental food contamination are ways it can cause poisoning (2,3).  

All parts of the plant are toxic, poisoning may occur after consuming any part of the plant. The classical symptoms of poisoning are tachycardia (condition that makes your heart beat more than 100 times per minute), hyperthermia ( heat-related conditions characterized by an abnormally high body temperature), dryness of skin and mucous membranes, reddening of skin, visual defect, pupil dialation, speech disorder, high BP, a decrease in intestinal sounds, muscle cramps and spasms, urinary retension, agitation, anxiety, depression, fatigue, confusion,delirium, disorientation and hallucination (2,3). The symptoms generally occur 1-4 hours after ingestion and may continue 24-48 hours depending on gastric depletion and amount of poisonous substances taken.

How individual chemical components of these plants are sued in herbal drugs and their side effects (3).

• Atropine: This is an anticholinergic, which reduces secretions, and it is used as a prescription medicine for several conditions, including excessive mucous production, excessive saliva production, spasms in the gut (including in the bladder or intestines), colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcers, Parkinson’s disease, heart disorders, and episodes of laughing or crying associated with brain tumors. Common side effects associated with taking atropine include headaches, dizziness, blurry vision, large pupils, nasal congestion, nausea, constipation, bloating, heartburn, changes to taste, and trouble urinating. In people with pre-existing conditions or certain chronic illnesses, atropine may cause irregular or rapid heartbeat, rash, flushing, fever, eye pain, or trouble urinating.
• Hyoscyamine: Like atropine, this drug can be used to control symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. It reduces the motion of the stomach and intestines, along with the secretion of stomach acids. Hyoscyamine can control peptic ulcers, colic, diverticulitis, IBS, pancreatitis, and some heart conditions. It may also be prescribed to reduce rhinitis, or chronic runny nose, and excessive saliva production. The drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, blurry vision, dry mouth, constipation, sensitivity to light, trouble urinating, or a flushing warm sensation on the skin. Serious side effects include skin rashes, eye pain, rapid or irregular heart rate, or diarrhea.
• Scopolamine: When used as a medication, this prescription substance can help to control the effects of motion sickness, like nausea and vomiting. Scopolamine is most often prescribed as a patch, which lasts for three days. General side effects include drowsiness, disorientation, blurry vision, confusion, dry mouth, rash, trouble urinating, and hallucinations. Serious side effects from the drug may include rapid pulse, eye pain, and dizziness. It is possible to overdose on scopolamine.

When combined in a drug, or taken as raw products of the plant all three of these chemicals can cause serious harm.

So, once again we want to stress that there is no preventive medicine for COVID19. Please don't blindly believe all that you read, hear, watch on social media. Consult a qualified medical doctor or a scientist who can guide you correctly before following any 'advice' you get. 

I am disheartened because sci-com is not reaching places it should actually reach like misinformation is doing. All scientists and science communicators should consider this point and try to work more efficiently.

References:

1. https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/11-ap-hospitalised-after-foll...

2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452247316600122

3. https://sunrisehouse.com/herbal-drugs/datura/

4. https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/home-remedy-to-prevent-covi...