The three main toxic agents produced by the plant are atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. These are found in all parts of the plant including the roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds. Jimson Weed is ingested in a variety of ways. It is boiled to form a drinkable tea, the seeds or portions of the plant are ingested directly, or a paste is ingested that is made from the roots and leaves. All have been found to produce symptoms of anticholinergic overdose that include xerostomia, mydriasis, flushing, tachycardia, tachypnea, restlessness, ataxia, psychological disturbances including psychoses, coma, seizures and death.
Treatment is with physostigmine and supportive case.
Most patients survive with no sequelae except for an amnestic period immediately after ingestion that lasts until consciousness is regained. Laboratory data of those who have ingested Jimson Weed have been reported to show an elevation of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. There may also be a prolongation of the prothrombin time. Because atropine and hyoscyamine are optical isomers they can not be distinguished from one another by their mass spectra. Due to Jimson Seed Ingestion.