Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium L.) poisoning in horse

Abstract

Jimsonweed is a toxic plant of concern to horses. Horses instinctively avoid jimsonweed due to its unpleasant smell and taste. However, horses can become intoxicated due to the plant being mixed with silage and hay. Jimsonweed is poisonous to other animal species including sheep, goat, pig, and dog. Tropane alkaloids are the primary active constituents of Datura stramonium. The main tropane alkaloids of concern are atropine (including its two enantiomers: S- and Rhyoscyamine), and scopolamine. These tropane alkaloids are anticholinergic, which means that they block the mechanism of action of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. The tropane alkaloids affects both the central and peripheral nervous system.