A case of Dhatura fruits and seeds being sold as edible items on online platforms has come to light in Karnataka. After investigation, officials took action against the food licenses of Amazon, Swiggy, Instamart and BigBasket and directed to remove such listings. Datura is a poisonous plant, hence selling it as a food item can become a big threat to people’s health.
Such poisonous elements are found in Dhatura, which can have serious effects on the body and mind. Consuming it can cause problems like dry mouth, dilated pupils of eyes, rapid heartbeat, confusion, restlessness and confusion. Consuming excessive amounts can cause seizures, unconsciousness, difficulty in breathing and even danger to life.
What is Datura?
Datura is a poisonous plant, which is also called Thorn Apple in English. Its flowers often appear trumpet-like, while the fruit has a thorny coating and many seeds inside. Many people consider it to be a common plant due to its religious and traditional use, but this does not mean that it can be eaten at home or used in any recipe. Raw Datura fruits, seeds, leaves and flowers can be dangerous for the body.
Why is Datura poisonous?
Toxic chemicals like atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine are found in Datura. Their quantity may change according to the part of the plant and its condition. This is the reason why it is difficult to estimate how much quantity of a fruit or seed will prove poisonous.
Disadvantages of eating Datura?
Eating Datura can cause many types of problems in the body. Its signs can be excessive dryness of the mouth and skin, dilated pupils of the eyes, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, increased body temperature and difficulty in urination. In severe cases, there may be confusion, unconsciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing, coma and even death.
What to do if you accidentally eat Datura?
If a person has accidentally eaten the fruit or seeds of Datura, do not wait considering it to be a normal occurrence. Seek medical help immediately, even if no symptoms appear initially. Take the person to the nearest hospital and do not try to induce vomiting or try any home remedies without consulting a doctor. The National Poison Information Center of AIIMS also advises not to wait for symptoms to appear after consuming poisonous things and not to seek self-treatment.