Over 20 kids treated for moonflower poisoning

Published Jun 25, 2003

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The Karl Bremer hospital in Cape Town has treated over 20 children this year poisoned by drinking "black tea" made from the boiled juice of the "moonflower" plant, police said on Wednesday.

Police Inspector Erica Cooke said the summer blooming plant, botanical name Datura cornigera, was not indigenous but originated in South America and was highly toxic. The moonflower's active ingredients were hyoscyamine and scopolamine and a lethal dose would be measured only in milligrams.

Some symptoms of moonflower poisoning were dizziness, dilated pupils, impaired vision, rapid heartbeat, nausea and constipation. Seizures and convulsion could occur and in high doses circulatory failure was followed by coma and death.

Cooke said the symptoms presented for about two days after ingestion, but forensic tests showed the poison remained in the liver and stomach for up to two weeks.

Cooke said parents should be aware of the dangers of the moonflower, and anyone showing symptoms of poisoning must be taken to hospital immediately. - Sapa

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