Six clinical cases of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning: diagnosis and treatment

Abstract

A multiple case of Mandragora autumnalis poisoning is described. Mandragora autumnalis, a solanaceous plant that is common in the Sicilian countryside, contains a variable concentration of solanum alkaloids, which cause gastrointestinal irritation, and tropane alkaloids, which have anticholinergic properties and produce typical and sometimes severe atropine-like symptoms. Vital function support, decontamination, symptomatic treatment and, in severe cases, antidote therapy with physostigmine are useful to control acute poisoning.