Abuse of Moonflower Seeds Epidemic in Akron/Cleveland Regions
The Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center has recorded 7 cases of suspected “Moonflower” seed ingestion with abuse intent since October 11, 2002. Five of the cases were reported by area hospitals in the Akron and Cleveland areas where patients 12-19 years-of-age were treated at the emergency room as a result of adverse symptoms associated with ingestion of the seeds. The plants associated with Moonflower seed ingestion appear to be one of two species, Datura inoxia or Ipomoea muricata. Mature seeds from both plants have been associated with hallucinations.
Product Information
Datura inoxia species has additional (anticholinergic) properties that result in symptoms such as increased heart rate, agitation, confusion, dilated pupils, dry mouth, and urinary retention. The seeds are contained in pods that may contain 100 or more seeds. Symptoms may be severe and last for days if there is ingestion of a large number of seeds. The Datura inoxia species is related to another commonly abused plant, Jimson weed (Datura stramonium), which has similar adverse effects. Parents and health care providers should be aware of the potential for adverse symptoms associated with abuse of Moonflower seeds and the need for medical attention if ingestion occurs.
This warning is being sent to inform parents, prevention and treatment professionals, law enforcement and educators of this emerging trend. Please distribute this information through list serves, newsletters or bulletin boards, etc. Source: The Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center and the Ohio Early Warning Network.
For additional information on the above alert contact: Gaylene Tsipis and/or Earl Siegel, Co-Directors, Cincinnati Drug & Poison Information Center (1-800-222-1222). Or call/write The Ohio Resource Network for Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, P.O. Box 210109, 2624 Clifton Ave Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0109 Phone # 1-800-788-7254 or fax# 1-513-556-0782.
To participate in this OEWN initiative, visit www.ebasedprevention.organd fill out the OEWN registration form. Anyone in Ohio can report an issue to the Ohio Early Warning Network by calling the toll-free non-emergency InfoLine at 1-866-OhioEWN.
This alert is brought to you by the Ohio Early Warning Network initiative sponsored by: the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addictions Services, The Ohio Department of Education, and the Ohio National Guard
The information appearing on this alert is presented for educational purposes only. While the information published on this site is believed to be accurate, it is not intended to substitute for your own informational gathering or professional medical advice.
