Current Issue
Poisoning by Brugmansia arborea (L.) Steud.: Plant characterization and toxicological profile
Former toxicologist at the National Poison Center (CNI) - 'Prof. Alejandro Posadas' National Hospital, El Palomar, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Guest lecturer of the First Chair of Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Abstract
Poisoning by Brugmansia arborea constitutes an underestimated public health issue, especially in regions where the plant is widely accessible. This species contains high concentrations of tropane alkaloids, primarily responsible for inducing an anticholinergic toxidrome with potentially severe clinical manifestations. A narrative review was conducted using a targeted search of the scientific literature on the toxicological, pharmacological, clinical, and ethnobotanical aspects of Brugmansia arborea. Sources included peer-reviewed articles, academic books, and case reports published in English and Spanish between 1976 and 2024. Enhanced understanding of B. arborea toxicity and its toxic effects is essential to improve diagnosis, clinical management, and prevention strategies.