Datura and Brugmansia plants related antimuscarinic toxicity: an analysis of poisoning cases reported to the Taiwan poison control center

Comparative chloroplast genomes provided insights into the evolution and species identification on the Datureae plants

Generally, chloroplast genomes of angiosperms are always highly conserved but carry a certain number of variation among species. In this study, chloroplast genomes of 13 species from Datureae tribe that are of importance both in ornamental gardening and medicinal usage were studied. In addition, seven chloroplast genomes from Datureae together with two from Solanaceae species retrieved from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) were integrated into this study. The chloroplast genomes ranged in size from 154,686 to 155,979 and from 155,497 to 155,919 bp for species of Datura and Brugmansia, respectively. As to Datura and Brugmansia, a total of 128 and 132 genes were identified, in which 83 and 87 protein coding genes were identified, respectively; Furthermore, 37 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes were both identified in Datura and Brugmansia. Repeats analysis indicated that the number and type varied among species for Simple sequence repeat (SSR), long repeats, and tandem repeats ranged in number from 53 to 59, 98 to 99, and 22 to 30, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the plastid genomes supported the monophyletic relationship among Datura and Brugmansia and Trompettia, and a refined phylogenic relationships among each individual was resolved. In addition, a species-specific marker was designed based on variation spot that resulted from a comparative analysis of chloroplast genomes and verified as effective maker for identification of D. stramonium and D. stramonium var. inermis. Interestingly, we found that 31 genes were likely to be under positive selection, including genes encoding ATP protein subunits, photosystem protein subunit, ribosome protein subunits, NAD(P)H dehydrogenase complex subunits, and clpP, petB, rbcL, rpoCl, ycf4, and cemA genes. These genes may function as key roles in the adaption to diverse environment during evolution. The diversification of Datureae members was dated back to the late Oligocene periods. These chloroplast genomes are useful genetic resources for taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution for Datureae.

Datura metel stramonium exacerbates behavioral deficits, medial prefrontal cortex, and hippocampal neurotoxicity in mice via redox imbalance

BACKGROUND

Datura metel (DM) stramonium is a medicinal plant often abused by Nigerians due to its psychostimulatory properties. Hallucinations, confusion, agitation, aggressiveness, anxiety, and restlessness are reported amongst DM users. Earlier studies suggest that DM induces neurotoxicity and affect brain physiology. However, the exact neurological effects of DM extract in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampal morphology have not been elucidated. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that oral exposure to DM extract exerts a neurotoxic effect by increasing oxidative stress in the mPFC and the hippocampus and induces behavioral deficits in mice.

RESULTS

DM methanolic extract exposure significantly increased MDA and NO levels and reduced SOD, GSH, GPx and CAT activities in mice brains. In addition, our results showed that DM exposure produced cognitive deficits, anxiety, and depressive-like behaviour in mice following oral exposure for 28 days. Moreover, the mPFC and hippocampus showed neurodegenerative features, loss of dendritic and axonal arborization, a dose-dependent decrease in neuronal cell bodies' length, width, area, and perimeter, and a dose-dependent increase in the distance between neuronal cell bodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral exposure to DM in mice induces behavioural deficits, mPFC and hippocampal neuronal degenerations via redox imbalance in the brain of mice. These observations confirm the neurotoxicity of DM extracts and raises concerns on the safety and potential adverse effects of DM in humans.

Therapeutic Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Brugmansia suaveolens Bercht. & J. Presl

Brugmansia suaveolens Bercht. & J. Presl has been widely used due to the presence of different bioactive compounds. This review summarizes the latest advances and perspectives of the B. suaveolens plant species; it is a systematic literature review on aspects of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology as therapeutic potential. In addition, 120 compounds are described, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, amino acids, aromatics, and aliphatics. As for the therapeutic potential, it is described in extracts and compounds in the antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anticoagulant, and analgesic aspects, as well as the effects on the central nervous system. The toxicity of the genus stands out, especially the potential for organ toxicity. Therefore, this review evidenced the knowledge related to the traditional use based on the scientific research of Brugmansia suaveolens, highlighting an overview of bioactive compounds and biological and toxicological activities in order to provide a scientific basis for future studies on the value of this species for the development of new natural products.

Datura poisoning in a family: Case series and literature review

Datura spp. is a potentially poisonous plant that is widely spread and is simply accessible, which can yield poisoning with a central and peripheral anticholinergic effect. We reported cases of family poisoning caused by the herbal tea with refreshing effects that were identified as Datura spp.

Datura spp. and many other complementary medicine products are potentially poisonous or could cause adverse effects or interact with prescribed medications. The herbal medicine business is not well regulated and has the potential to cause significant harm. Physicians must routinely gain a history of the use of herbal products.

Review on the genus Brugmansia: Traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Brugmansia belongs to the Solanaceae family and contains approximately 7-8 species distributed in America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. The genus Brugmansia plants are used in the traditional medicine of different parts of the world for the treatment of inflammations, rheumatic arthritis, wounds, skin infections, headache, asthma, colic, aches, and so on.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review study that focuses on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity, and traditional uses of Brugmansia species in order to understand the link between the traditional uses, phytochemistry, and modern therapeutic uses, and provide a scientific fundamental for further research in the phytochemical and pharmacological activities of their species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information reported in this study was retrieved from the scientific database such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Springer, CNKI, Wiley, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar, up until May 2020. The key search word was "Brugmansia." Additionally, information was derived by search on the reference lists of included articles and Ph.D. dissertations.

RESULTS

As traditional uses, Brugmansia species are used against a wide range of diseases such as body pain, inflammatory conditions, skin infection, wound, and other diseases. Also, these species are used as a hallucinogen, protection from evil, and magical rituals. Phytochemical investigations have led to reporting approximately 189 chemical compounds in this genus. Among these components, tropane alkaloids, terpenes, and flavonoids are the most representative components of Brugmansia species. The plant extracts and chemical constituents of Brugmansia species exhibit a broad spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-asthmatic, antinociceptive, antiprotozoal activities, and so on.

CONCLUSION

This review summarized and analyzed the information of traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of the genus Brugmansia plants, which show their species have interesting chemical constituents with different biological activities. The traditional uses of some species from this genus have been estimated by pharmacological activities, such as the anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antiasthma, antinociceptive, anti-addictive, and antiprotozoal activity. However, the traditional uses of many species have not been confirmed, also the secondary metabolites of the many species have not yet been determined and have never been pharmacologically estimated. Considerably more research is needed to assert the ethnopharmacological uses, determine the chemical constituents, toxicity, and pharmacological activities of the genus Brugmansia species. The present review will be helpful for further research in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Brugmansia species.

Physostigmine should be used more readily for antimuscarinic toxicity: PRO

Physostigmine is the preferred treatment for antimuscarinic toxicity. Its use has a clear biological rationale and is supported by extensive clinical use which demonstrated effectiveness and safety.

Rapid Identification of Common Poisonous Plants in China Using DNA Barcodes

Toxic plants have been a major threat to public health in China. However, identification and tracing of poisoned species with traditional methods are unreliable due to the destruction of plant morphology by cooking and chewing. DNA barcoding is independent of environmental factors and morphological limitations, making it a powerful tool to accurately identify species. In our study, a total of 83 materials from 26 genera and 31 species of 13 families were collected and 13 plant materials were subjected to simulated gastric fluid digestion. Four markers (rbcL, trnH-psbA, matK, and ITS) were amplified and sequenced for all untreated and mock-digested samples. The effectiveness of DNA barcoding for the identification of toxic plants was assessed using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) method, PWG-Distance method, and Tree-Building (NJ) method. Except for the matK region, the amplification success rate of the remaining three regions was high, but the sequencing of trnH-psbA and ITS was less satisfactory. Meanwhile, matK was prone to be more difficult to amplify and sequence because of simulated gastric fluid. Among the three methods applied, BLAST method showed lower recognition rates, while PWG-Distance and Tree-Building methods showed little difference in recognition rates. Overall, ITS had the highest recognition rate among individual loci. Among the combined loci, rbcL + ITS had the highest species recognition rate. However, the ITS region may not be suitable for DNA analysis of gastric contents and the combination of loci does not significantly improve species resolution. In addition, identification of species to the genus level is sufficient to aid in the clinical management of most poisoning events. Considering primer versatility, DNA sequence quality, species identification ability, experimental cost and speed of analysis, we recommend rbcL as the best single marker for clinical identification and also suggest the BLAST method for analysis. Our current results suggest that DNA barcoding can rapidly identify and trace toxic species and has great potential for clinical applications. In addition, we suggest the creation of a proprietary database containing morphological, toxicological and molecular information to better apply DNA barcoding technology in clinical diagnostics.

Pharmacologic Similarities and Differences Among Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens constitute a unique class of substances that cause changes in the user's thoughts, perceptions, and mood through various mechanisms of action. Although the serotonergic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine have been termed the classical hallucinogens, many hallucinogens elicit their actions through other mechanisms such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid receptor agonism, or inhibition of the reuptake of monoamines including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The aim of this article is to compare the pharmacologic similarities and differences among substances within the hallucinogen class and their impact on physical and psychiatric effects. Potential toxicities, including life-threatening and long-term effects, will be reviewed.

Chemical Compounds, Pharmacological and Toxicological Activity of Brugmansia suaveolens: A Review

This study investigates updated information in different search engines on the distribution, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae) using the extracts or chemical compounds at present. This plant has been used in traditional medicine in different cultures as a hallucinatory, analgesic, aphrodisiac, nematicide, sleep inducer, and muscle relaxant, as well as a treatment for rheumatism, asthma, and inflammation. The flowers, fruits, stems, and roots of the plant are used, and different chemical compounds have been identified, such as alkaloids, volatile compounds (mainly terpenes), coumarins, flavonoids, steroids, and hydrocarbons. The concentration of the different compounds varies according to the biotic and abiotic factors to which the plant is exposed. The toxic effect of the plant is mainly attributed to atropine and scopolamine, their averages in the flowers are 0.79 ± 0.03 and 0.72 ± 0.05 mg/g of dry plant, respectively. Pharmacological studies have shown that an aqueous extract exhibits the antinociceptive effect, at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg i.p. in mice. On the other hand, the ethanolic extract at 1000 mg/L, showed a nematocidal activity in vitro of 64% against Meloidogyne incognita in 72 h. Likewise, it showed a 100% larvicidal activity at 12.5 mg/L against Ancylostoma spp. In another study, the lethal activity of shrimp in brine from an ethanolic extract showed an LC₅₀ of 106 µg/mL at double serial concentrations of 1000-0 (µg/mL). Although there are pharmacological and phytochemical studies in the plant, they are still scarce, which has potential for the examination of the biological activity of the more than one hundred compounds that have been reported, many of which have not been evaluated.