NCJ Number
119663
Journal
Bulletin on Narcotics Volume: 37 Issue: 2 and 3 Dated: (April-September 1985) Pages: 75-78
Date Published
1985
Length
4 pages
Annotation
In 1982 and 1983, a study focused on 76 children who ate psychoactive henbane plants (of the hyoscyamus species) during a popular children's game in which various parts of plants are eaten.
Abstract
Some species of psychoactive plants grow wild in Turkey. The primary active elements of these plants are alkaloids -- hyoscyamine and hyoscine -- which are completely absorbed through the intestinal tract into the blood in two hours. Of the 76 children interviewed for this study in 1982 and 1983, 26.3 percent were treated because of intoxication. Of the 76 children, 18.4 percent swallowed the psychoactive plants by accident, 65.8 percent ate the plants to produce a pleasant experience, and 15.8 percent ate henbane plants out of curiosity. Some children reported having eaten henbane plants several times when playing children's games. Five of the children treated for severe intoxication were in a comatose state, and two died. Henbane is a dangerous form of drug abuse because the plants are easy to obtain and because parents are unaware of the hazards involved in the playing of children's games in which such psychoactive plants are eaten. 7 references. (Author abstract modified)