Toxic and Hallucinogenic Plants of Southern Chile of Forensic Interest: A Review

Abstract

Several plants produce toxic and hallucinogenic metabolites, posing risks when misused due to a lack of botanical knowledge. Improper or accidental use of these plants poses a public health risk and has been associated with forensic cases involving poisoning, suicide, or drug-facilitated crimes. This review identified eight species of forensic interest that grow in southern Chile and analyzed their active compounds, mechanisms of toxicity, and documented clinical and legal cases. These selected species included both native and introduced taxa, whose main toxic agents are tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine), piperidine (coniine), taxane pseudoalkaloids, and natural opiates (morphine, codeine). Most reported cases involved unintentional poisoning, mainly in children, highlighting the lack of regulation and awareness. This review revealed the need for improved forensic and clinical documentation of plant-based intoxications in Chile and greater public education regarding the toxicological risks posed by these botanical species.

Keywords: Chilean poisonous plants; atropine; coniine; forensic toxicology; scopolamine.

Figure 1

(a) Leaves, flower, and unripe fruit of D. stramonium; (b) Leaves and flower of L. pubiflora; (c) Flower and fruits of A. belladonna; (d) Flowers and leaves of B. vulcanicola; (e) Whole plant of C. maculatum; (f) Seeds and bulbs (corms) of C. autumnale; (g) Leaves and fruit of T. baccata; (h) Fruit of P. somniferum.

Figure 2

Main psychoactive chemicals present in species of Solanaceae family.

Figure 3

Main toxic chemicals presents in the species C. maculatum and C. autumnale.

Figure 4

Main toxic components or chemicals present in the species Taxus baccata and Papaver somniferum.