Brugmansia (angel's trumpet)

Brugmansia spp. · also called Angel's trumpet, angel's trumpets

Brugmansia, or angel's trumpet, is a garden shrub with large hanging flowers. Every part is poisonous. It contains scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine, which can cause delirium, hallucinations, fast heartbeat and injury, and poisoning has been reported in children, teenagers and adults. It is a deliriant, not a classic psychedelic. No human trial shows it treats any condition. If anyone may have eaten or chewed any part, call poison control or emergency services now.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. Traditional-context wording has not had Indigenous or cultural review. How this page is made

About Brugmansia (angel's trumpet)

Brugmansia, or angel's trumpet, is a common ornamental shrub in the nightshade family. All parts are poisonous. Its alkaloids scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine block acetylcholine and cause an anticholinergic poisoning with delirium. Evidence is case reports and poison-centre series, not trials.

Children, gardens and pets

Angel's trumpet is a popular garden plant, so accidents happen: petals eaten as a garnish, leaves of an unrecognised plant, and eye contact that left a child with one large pupil. A case report notes accidental seed ingestion by children, and a 5-year-old needed a breathing machine for 35 days after ingesting the plant (a published comment questioned the exact diagnosis).

We did not read a veterinary source for pets or livestock. Because the plant is highly toxic in all parts, keep animals and children away from it, wash hands after touching it, and call a vet or poison helpline if an animal may have chewed it.

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What it is

Brugmansia is a genus of about seven or eight species in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) according to a 2021 review. GBIF lists the genus Brugmansia Pers. as accepted. The scientific name used in some older papers is Datura suaveolens for what is now Brugmansia suaveolens.

The name 'angel's trumpet' is used for Datura in some papers, so check which plant a source means. Datura has the same alkaloids. Native range and conservation status could not be verified from a primary source.

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A deliriant, not a classic psychedelic

Scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine block acetylcholine in the brain and body. This is a poisoning that can bring a confused, delirious state with vivid hallucinations that may be frightening and unsafe.

Reports of teenagers using the plant for its hallucinogenic effect describe agitation, psychosis, injury and hospital care, sometimes with sedation and restraint for more than a day.

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Traditional context

A 2021 review says species of Brugmansia are used in traditional medicine and as a hallucinogen, for protection from evil and in magical rituals. A 2003 lab paper says Brugmansia arborea is used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes, and a 1969 paper studied the tree datura drugs of the Colombian Sibundoy (title only read).

We describe these traditions only as far as the sources say. Traditional use is not clinical evidence and says nothing about safety. This section needs Indigenous and cultural review before it is final.

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Criminal use and 'devil's breath'

Forensic papers document scopolamine used as an incapacitating drug in robberies and sexual crimes. In one Dutch series, one victim died and two survived. A 2017 report from Venezuela describes six patients with toxic psychosis from non-pharmaceutical scopolamine nicknamed 'Devil's Breath'.

We did not find a source proving the popular story that blowing a plant powder in someone's face makes them obey, so those claims are not verified here. If you think someone has been drugged, get emergency help.

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How strong is the evidence?

Poisoning evidence is case reports and case series; plant identity is often presumed. Benefit evidence is traditional use plus one mouse study and one in-vitro study. No human trial of any Brugmansia plant or extract was found.

Purified scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine are standardised medicines on the WHO essential medicines list (2022 review). The plant is not standardised, and its strength varies by part, plant and damage.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Used in traditional medicine in several regions for pain, inflammation, wounds, asthma and colic, according to a 2021 review that says many uses are not confirmed.
Used as a hallucinogen, for protection from evil and in magical rituals (same review).
Used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes (a 2003 lab paper); studied among the Sibundoy of Colombia in 1969 (title only read). Needs Indigenous and cultural review.

Studied for research

Traditional medicine uses, insufficient (no human trial)
Pain response in mice from a flower extract, very low (animal only)
Morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue from pure alkaloids, insufficient (lab only)
Other lab activities (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial), very low
Hallucinogenic effect, against (it is a poisoning)

Main compounds

Scopolamine (CID 5184), the most abundant alkaloid in B. suaveolens in one study
Atropine (CID 174174)
Hyoscyamine (CID 154417)
About 189 compounds in the genus, including terpenes and flavonoids (2021 review)

Common forms

Not given. This page does not advise any preparation or use of the plant.

Research links: Datura and Brugmansia poisoning, Taiwan poison centre, 203 cases (2019) · Presumed Brugmansia poisoning, 33 patients, Australia (2003) · Review of the genus Brugmansia: traditional use, chemistry and toxicity (2021) · Unknowing ingestion of leaves, case report (2019) · Brugmansia poisoning in a teenager, case report (2026) · Scopolamine-facilitated robberies, forensic cases (2017) · Anticholinergic tropane alkaloids in therapeutics (2022) · Royal Horticultural Society: Brugmansia · Poison help in the US · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

What it is and its history

Accepted scientific name: Brugmansia Pers. (genus); commonly Brugmansia suaveolens (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Bercht. & J.Presl
Naming authority: Pers.
Common names: Angel's trumpet (English); Angel's trumpets (English); Trombeteira (Brazil) (Portuguese); Attana (Sri Lanka) (Sinhalese)
Family or group: Solanaceae (nightshade family)
Classification: Plantae > Solanales > Solanaceae > Brugmansia > Brugmansia suaveolens (example species)
Native range: A 2021 review says the genus has about 7-8 species distributed in America, Europe, Africa and Asia. GBIF lists B. suaveolens as introduced in places such as the Galapagos, Kenya and Tanzania. A native range in the Andes and Amazon is not stated in the sources read; Wikipedia says the genus is native to South America (NOT verified).
Habitat: Not verified here.
What it looks like: Roots: Not described in sources read.; Stems: Not described in sources read.; Leaves: Not described in sources read.; Flowers: Large hanging trumpet-shaped flowers (RHS guide describes tender tropical shrubs or small trees grown for fragrant flowers).; Fruit: Not described in sources read.
Cultivation: Not covered on this page.
Harvest and processing: Not covered on this page.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Datura (thorn apple, jimsonweed); Note: A closely related genus with the same alkaloids; some papers call both 'angel's trumpet'. Botanical identification details were not verified from a source here.; Name: Edible flowers and garden plants; Note: Poisoning from petals used as a garnish and leaves mistaken for another plant are in case reports. Never eat a flower or leaf you cannot identify with certainty.
Sustainability and conservation: Wikipedia says Brugmansia is Extinct in the Wild per the IUCN Red List (NOT verified; IUCN returned 403).

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Traditional medicine in several regions	A 2021 review says Brugmansia species are used in traditional medicine for inflammation, rheumatic arthritis, wounds, skin infections, headache, asthma, colic and aches, and as a hallucinogen, for protection from evil and in magical rituals. It says many traditional uses are not confirmed.	p33571613
Northern Peruvian Andes	A 2003 lab paper says Brugmansia arborea is used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes. This needs Indigenous and cultural review by the owner.	p12916089
Sibundoy, Colombia	A 1969 paper (title only read) studied the alkaloids of tree datura drugs of the Colombian Sibundoy. Its content was not read and is not summarised.	p5812243
Ethnobotany of the genus	A 1979 paper called 'The ethnobotany of Brugmansia' exists (title only read). Its content was not read.	p542011
Spread as a garden ornamental	Papers from Australia, Korea, Germany and elsewhere describe it as a popular ornamental shrub, and GBIF lists it as introduced in several regions. Claims about older Andean ceremonial uses beyond the sources above (including from Wikipedia: shamans' use for initiation, divination and sorcery) are NOT verified.	p25138632

Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Scopolamine PubChem 5184	tropane alkaloid	young leaves, flowers and unripe fruit with seeds (in B. suaveolens) Not given; varies by tissue and after damage.	Blocks acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. The most abundant alkaloid in B. suaveolens in one study. Used as a standardised medicine in purified form. ^{2 20 30}	Human pharmacology
Atropine PubChem 174174	tropane alkaloid	not specified Not given.	Same anticholinergic action; atropine and hyoscyamine are listed in case reports and the genus review. ^{21 30 15}	Human pharmacology
Hyoscyamine PubChem 154417	tropane alkaloid	not specified Not given.	The active form of atropine; same anticholinergic action. ^{22 30 15}	Human pharmacology
Other compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, about 189 compounds in the genus)	mixed	various Not given.	Lab and animal activities reported; not the cause of poisoning. ¹	Lab and animal

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors	muscarinic receptors (nicotinic also mentioned in the review)	Tropane alkaloids block acetylcholine in the brain and body. This explains dry mouth, wide pupils, fast heartbeat, urinary retention, confusion and hallucinations. It is a deliriant action and differs from the mainly serotonin action of classic psychedelics. ³⁰	Human pharmacology
Plant defence against insects	not applicable	Scopolamine at leaf-like levels raised mortality in moth larvae, and the plant increased scopolamine after damage. ²	Plant ecology
Pain pathways (mice)	not established	A flower extract reduced pain-test responses in mice; the mechanism was not established. ²⁶	Animal research

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: Not studied for plant material in the sources read.
Distribution: Not studied.
Metabolism: Not studied.
Elimination: Not studied.
Bioavailability: Not established.

¹⁸

Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Purified scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine are standardised medicines with known strength; a 2022 review says they are on the WHO essential medicines list. The plant is the opposite: strength varies by part, plant and damage, so accidental overdose is easy. The animal and lab studies on other tabs used extracts or isolated alkaloids, not the whole plant in people.

Nutritional composition

Brugmansia is an ornamental plant, not a food or a nutrient. Eating its flowers has caused poisoning.

6benefits and uses looked at

31studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

2lab markers tracked in trials

1 low certainty2 very low certainty2 not enough evidence1 evidence against

What was looked at

The 6 benefits and uses checked for Brugmansia (angel's trumpet), each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.

Traditional medicine uses (pain, inflammation, wounds, skin infections, asthma, colic)Not enough evidence
Hallucinogenic effects and ritual use (not a health benefit)Evidence against
Accidental poisoning from garden or food contactLow certainty
Pain response in mice (flower extract)Very low certainty
Morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue (pure alkaloids)Not enough evidence
Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and other lab activitiesVery low certainty

Lab markers tracked in the studies

Wide pupils (mydriasis)Delirium (confused, agitated state)

What is Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) good for?

Brugmansia is not a remedy. This table shows the claims that have been studied and how strong the evidence is. None supports using the plant, and all must be read with the Safety tab.

Traditional medicine uses (pain, inflammation, wounds, asthma, colic)Not enough evidenceA 2021 review lists these traditional uses and says many are not confirmed. No human trial was found. Hallucinogenic effects and ritual useEvidence againstThe effect is a poisoning with delirium, hallucinations and agitation. In 33 Australian patients, 88% had delirium and all had wide pupils. Reports describe harm, not benefit. Accidental poisoning from garden or food contactLow certaintyCase reports describe poisoning from petals eaten as a garnish, from leaves of an unrecognised garden plant and from eye contact in a child. Pain response in mice (flower extract)Very low certaintyAn injected extract reduced pain-test responses in mice. Animal only; no human data. Morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue (pure alkaloids)Not enough evidenceThree pure alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea reduced withdrawal in isolated tissue. Lab research only. Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and other lab activitiesVery low certaintyA narrative review lists lab and animal findings for extracts and compounds. Not tested in people.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Traditional medicine uses (pain, inflammation, wounds, skin infections, asthma, colic)

Not enough evidence

A 2021 review says species of Brugmansia have been used in traditional medicine around the world for pain, swelling, wounds, skin infections, headache, asthma and colic. The review also says many of these uses are not confirmed. No human trial was found. The plant is poisonous, so this page does not suggest any use.

2 studiesNot given. This page does not describe any preparation, amount or way…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

No clinical trial of any Brugmansia plant, extract or preparation was found.

Why this rating

No human trials. Evidence is traditional use plus lab and animal work, summarised in a narrative review.

Form and dose studied

Not given. This page does not describe any preparation, amount or way to use the plant.

Who was studied

Not studied.

Limits

Narrative review that ended in May 2020; plant parts and species vary.

Why researchers looked

Traditional use led scientists to test extracts and isolated compounds in the lab and in animals (see the other file).

Traditional use

Reported across several regions in a 2021 review; individual peoples are not named in the abstract we read.

Proposed mechanism Human pharmacology of isolated alkaloids

Plausible for some uses: the plant's tropane alkaloids block acetylcholine, which relaxes some muscles and dries secretions. The same action causes poisoning. Shown in pharmacology of the purified alkaloids, not in the whole plant.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Every part is considered poisonous. Poisoning cases are described on the Safety tab.

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Hallucinogenic effects and ritual use (not a health benefit)

Evidence against

Some Brugmansia species have been used as a hallucinogen, for protection from evil and in magical rituals, according to a 2021 review. In hospital reports, the same effects look like a poisoning: agitation, confusion, vivid hallucinations and delirium that can last many hours. This is a harm, not a benefit.

8 studiesNot given. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the plant.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Case series and reports: 33 patients in Australia, 203 poison-centre cases (Datura and Brugmansia) in Taiwan, 5 and 3 adolescents in two small series, and several single cases.

Results

In the Australian series of 33 presumed Brugmansia poisonings, all had wide pupils (mean 29 hours) and 88% had delirium (mean 18 hours); there were no deaths or seizures. In Taiwan 36% of 203 cases were severe, none died. A 2026 case needed more than 36 hours of sedation and restraint.

Why this rating

The effect is poisoning. No source supports benefit; the reports are of harm.

Form and dose studied

Not given. This page gives no amounts and no way to use the plant.

Who was studied

Case reports are mostly teenagers and young adults; some adults poisoned by accident.

Limits

Plant identity was often presumed from the person's description; reporting bias towards hospital cases.

Why researchers looked

Reports of intentional use, mostly by teenagers and young adults, led doctors to describe the effects.

Traditional use

The Andes and Amazon have long traditions with this plant. A 1969 paper studied tree datura drugs of the Colombian Sibundoy. A 2003 lab paper says Brugmansia arborea is used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes. This needs Indigenous and cultural review.

Proposed mechanism Human pharmacology

Established pharmacology: the alkaloids (scopolamine, atropine, hyoscyamine) block acetylcholine in brain and body. This is a deliriant effect, not the serotonin action of classic psychedelics.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

See the Safety tab: delirium, injuries, psychosis, rare severe illness and emergency steps.

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Accidental poisoning from garden or food contact

Low certainty

Case reports describe people poisoned by eating a garden plant by mistake, including flower petals used as a garnish and a herbal drink made from leaves of an unrecognised plant. Eye contact after touching the plant has caused a widened pupil in a child. These cases show why the ornamental plant needs care in homes and gardens.

4 studiesNot given.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Single case reports from Sri Lanka, South Korea, the USA and Canada.

Results

A 60-year-old woman became delirious and recovered in 15 hours; a 64-year-old woman was confused for about 10 hours; a 12-year-old boy had one large pupil that cleared in 3 days.

Why this rating

Consistent case reports with clear mechanism, but no rates of occurrence.

Form and dose studied

Not given.

Who was studied

Adults and children in the case reports.

Limits

Single cases; no information on how often this happens.

Why researchers looked

Doctors report these cases so others can recognise them.

Proposed mechanism Human pharmacology

Same alkaloids block acetylcholine; in the eye this widens the pupil.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Wash hands after touching the plant and keep it away from the eyes, children and pets. Call poison control if unsure.

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Pain response in mice (flower extract)

Very low certainty

In mice, an injected water extract of Brugmansia suaveolens flowers reduced responses in several pain tests. This is animal research only. It does not show that the plant is safe or helpful for pain in people.

1 studiesNot given.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Mice given the extract by injection responded less in writhing, formalin, hot-plate and tail-flick tests.

Effect sizes as reported

Not extracted.

Why this rating

Animal study only, injected not swallowed, no human data.

Form and dose studied

Not given.

Who was studied

Mice.

Limits

Mice, injected extract, one lab.

Why researchers looked

The flower infusion is popularly used for pain in Brazil.

Traditional use

Popular use in Brazil, according to the paper's abstract.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Not established. Tropane alkaloids act on acetylcholine receptors; the paper does not prove this is the cause.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

The plant is poisonous to people. Do not treat this as a suggestion to use it.

²⁶

Morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue (pure alkaloids)

Not enough evidence

In a lab study, three pure alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea reduced morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue. The authors called them potential anti-addiction agents. It is lab research on isolated alkaloids, not on the plant and not in people.

1 studiesNot given.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Concentration-dependent reduction of morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue.

Effect sizes as reported

Not extracted.

Why this rating

In vitro only.

Form and dose studied

Not given.

Who was studied

Isolated tissue.

Limits

No animal or human follow-up was found.

Why researchers looked

Brugmansia arborea is used for magic-therapeutic purposes in the northern Peruvian Andes, which led scientists to test its alkaloids.

Traditional use

Northern Peruvian Andes (per the abstract). Needs cultural review.

Proposed mechanism Lab

Not established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Tropane alkaloids are poisonous at higher exposure. No claim is made about treating withdrawal or addiction.

⁶

Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and other lab activities

Very low certainty

The 2021 review lists lab and animal findings for extracts and compounds from Brugmansia: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-asthma, antiprotozoal and cytotoxic activity. These are early findings. The review says traditional uses of many species are not confirmed.

1 studiesNot given.

Studies, doses and limits

Results

Reported as activity in lab or animal tests in a narrative review.

Effect sizes as reported

Not extracted.

Why this rating

Lab and animal findings summarised in a review we read only as an abstract.

Form and dose studied

Not given.

Who was studied

Lab systems and animals.

Limits

We did not read the individual studies.

Why researchers looked

To test traditional claims.

Traditional use

See the traditional-uses item.

Proposed mechanism Lab and animal

Varied; not reliably established.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

No human safety data for these uses.

Connections to the rest of health

How Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Nervous System	Biological association	Evidence against	Studied for: Hallucinogenic effects and ritual use (not a health benefit) Studied for: Accidental poisoning from garden or food contact	^{14 7 9 13 19 12 5 1 15 16 8 11 26 6}
Eyes	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Accidental poisoning from garden or food contact	^{15 16 8 11}

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Wide pupils (mydriasis)	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Measured in trials: raised (pupil size). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{14 7}
Delirium (confused, agitated state)	Biological association	Moderate certainty	Measured in trials: present. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{14 7 19}

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors	Preliminary mechanism	Human pharmacology	Blocked by the plant's tropane alkaloids.	³⁰

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Scopolamine		Low certainty	The most abundant alkaloid in Brugmansia suaveolens in one plant study. The most abundant alkaloid in Brugmansia suaveolens in one plant study; also a standardised prescription medicine in purified form. Preparation or compound: main alkaloid	^{2 18 30}
Scopolamine	Biological association	Human pharmacology	Blocks acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. The most abundant alkaloid in B. suaveolens in one study. Used as a standardised medicine in purified form. Preparation or compound: young leaves, flowers and unripe fruit with seeds (in B. suaveolens)	^{2 20 30}
Atropine	Biological association	Human pharmacology	Same anticholinergic action; atropine and hyoscyamine are listed in case reports and the genus review.	^{21 30 15}
Hyoscyamine	Biological association	Human pharmacology	The active form of atropine; same anticholinergic action.	^{22 30 15}
Other compounds (terpenes, flavonoids, about 189 compounds in the genus)	Biological association	Lab and animal	Lab and animal activities reported; not the cause of poisoning. Preparation or compound: various	¹

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 6 outcomes

1Low certainty

2Very low certainty

2Not enough evidence

1Evidence against

Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.

Traditional medicine uses (pain, inflammation, wounds, skin infections, asthma, colic) 2 studies Not enough evidence Hallucinogenic effects and ritual use (not a health benefit) 8 studies Evidence against Accidental poisoning from garden or food contact 4 studies Low certainty Pain response in mice (flower extract) 1 study Very low certainty Morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue (pure alkaloids) 1 study Not enough evidence Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and other lab activities 1 study Very low certainty

The evidence

The research centre for Brugmansia (angel's trumpet). Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We read PubMed abstracts for the case series, case reports and reviews, read poison-control, NHS, NSW Poisons Information Centre and RHS pages, and checked GBIF and PubChem. Five papers had no abstract and are cited by title only. Full texts were not read.

Study library: every study we checked 31

Design Research type Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Algradi 2021 Review on the genus Brugmansia: Traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology · PMID 33571613 · DOI	Narrative review review	Literature on the genus Brugmansia (about 7-8 species) up to May 2020	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) species various plant parts not given here not given here	The review says the genus is used in traditional medicine for inflammation, rheumatic arthritis, wounds, skin infections, headache, asthma, colic and aches, and as a hallucinogen, for protection from evil and in magical rituals. About 189 compounds are reported, mostly tropane alkaloids, terpenes and flavonoids. Extracts show anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antinociceptive and other activity in lab and animal work. It concludes that the traditional uses of many species are not confirmed and that much more research is needed. Review; lab and animal findings, no human trials Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Traditional uses, chemistry, lab and animal pharmacology, toxicity Limitations: Narrative review; search ended May 2020; most pharmacology is lab or animal work. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Alves 2007 Scopolamine in Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae): defense, allocation, costs, and induced response. Journal of Chemical Ecology · PMID 17195118 · DOI	Plant ecology experiment plant	Brugmansia suaveolens plants and moth larvae	Brugmansia suaveolens leaves, flowers, unripe fruits not given here not given here	Scopolamine is the most abundant tropane alkaloid in this species. Young leaves, flowers and unripe fruits with seeds have higher scopolamine levels than other tissues, and leaves increase scopolamine after damage. At leaf-like concentrations it increased mortality of moth larvae. This shows that alkaloid levels vary by tissue and condition. Alkaloid content varies within the plant Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Scopolamine content and effect on insect larvae Limitations: Insect and plant ecology study, not human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Ardila-Ardila 2006 [Scopolamine poisoning ('burundanga'): loss of the ability to make decisions]. Revista de Neurologia · PMID 16450329	Clinical paper (Spanish)	Scopolamine poisoning in Colombia	Scopolamine ('burundanga') not given here not given here	No abstract is available in PubMed; only the title and citation were confirmed. The title links the street name 'burundanga' with scopolamine poisoning and loss of the ability to make decisions. Nothing else from it is stated on this page. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Not read Limitations: Abstract not available; full text not read. Funding and conflicts: Not applicable Read: title-only
Aćimović 2025 Datura stramonium - A Dangerous Weed and Alternative Drug of Abuse: An Overview of Poisoning Cases in 21st Century. Planta Medica · PMID 40086888 · DOI	Narrative review of 114 papers review	Poisoning reports 2001-2024 involving Datura stramonium (a related genus)	Datura stramonium all parts not given here not given here	Review of 114 papers: all parts contain hyoscyamine, scopolamine and atropine and cause an anticholinergic syndrome with neuropsychiatric effects. Cases fall into accidental (crop contamination, misidentification, children's curiosity, self-medication) and misuse (recreational use, suicide attempts, criminal activities, magico-religious practices). It advises education about the plant's appearance and dangers. Related genus; same alkaloid family Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Poisoning patterns Limitations: About Datura, not Brugmansia; used here only for the shared poisoning pattern. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared. Read: abstract
Bristol 1969 The alkaloids of the genus Datura, section Brugmansia. VI. Tree Datura drugs (Datura condida cvs.) of the Colombian Sibundoy. Lloydia · PMID 5812243	Phytochemical paper plant	Tree datura cultivars of the Colombian Sibundoy	Brugmansia (then called Datura, section Brugmansia) cultivars not given here not given here	No abstract is available in PubMed; only the title and citation were confirmed. The title shows that scientists studied the alkaloids of tree datura drugs of the Sibundoy people of Colombia in 1969. Nothing from its content is stated on this page. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Not read Limitations: Abstract not available; full text not read. Funding and conflicts: Not applicable Read: title-only
Capasso 2003 Alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerhein reduce morphine withdrawal in vitro. Phytotherapy Research · PMID 12916089 · DOI	Lab (in vitro) experiment lab	Isolated tissue	Three pure tropane alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea (northern Peruvian Andes magic-therapeutic plant) isolated alkaloids not given here not given here	The three pure alkaloids reduced morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue in a concentration-dependent way. The authors suggest they may be potential anti-addictive agents. This is lab research on isolated alkaloids, not on the plant and not in people. Lab effect only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Morphine withdrawal response in isolated tissue Limitations: In vitro only; isolated alkaloids; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Doan 2019 Datura and Brugmansia plants related antimuscarinic toxicity: an analysis of poisoning cases reported to the Taiwan poison control center. Clinical Toxicology (Phila) · PMID 30522351 · DOI	Retrospective case series	203 203 poison-centre cases in Taiwan, 1986-2015 (114 Datura, 89 Brugmansia suaveolens)	Datura and Brugmansia suaveolens plants flowers and other parts not given here not given here	Most common reason for poisoning was medicinal use without consulting a Chinese medicine practitioner (81.2%). None of the 203 used it recreationally. Common effects: wide pupils (53.2%), confusion (40%), fast heartbeat (35.5%), dry mouth (35.5%), delirium (31%). 73 cases (36%) were severe; none died. Misidentifying the plant and eating parts other than flowers were linked to severe poisoning. Of 40 patients given physostigmine in hospital, earlier recovery of brain effects was seen. 36% severe, no deaths Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical effects, severity, predictors, physostigmine response Limitations: Retrospective poison-centre data; Datura and Brugmansia pooled; physostigmine comparison not randomised. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Firestone 2007 Not your everyday anisocoria: angel's trumpet ocular toxicity. Journal of Emergency Medicine · PMID 17630070 · DOI	Case report	1 12-year-old boy, USA	Angel's trumpet (Datura suaveolens, a former name of Brugmansia suaveolens) eye exposure not given here not given here	A boy had one large pupil and blurry vision from eye exposure to the plant; visual acuity was normal and the pupil returned to normal by itself in 3 days. The case shows that touching the plant and then the eye can look like a serious eye or brain problem. Resolved in 3 days Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Eye findings Limitations: Single case. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Francis 1999 Angel trumpet lily poisoning in five adolescents: clinical findings and management. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health · PMID 10234644 · DOI	Case series	5 Five adolescent boys at one Australian emergency department	Angel trumpet plant material leaves and flowers not given here not given here	All five presented with agitation and confusion and anticholinergic signs. They were treated with charcoal and cathartics and discharged after 36 hours. The authors say misuse for hallucinogenic effects is not uncommon in adolescents and should be suspected when altered mental state and hallucinations come with other anticholinergic signs. All recovered Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Presentation and outcome Limitations: Five patients; one hospital. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
GBIF Secretariat 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Brugmansia Pers. (genus match) and species matches GBIF API · Source	Database record plant	not applicable	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) not given here not given here	Queried 2026-10-25. Genus Brugmansia Pers. is ACCEPTED (key 2928883), family Solanaceae, order Solanales. Accepted species matches include B. suaveolens (5341758), B. arborea (5341759), B. aurea (5581099), B. sanguinea (5341760), B. versicolor (5581019), B. x candida (9099468) and B. insignis (7509313). GBIF lists B. suaveolens as introduced in places such as Galapagos, Kenya and Tanzania. Identity confirmed Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Taxonomy only. Plants of the World Online could not be queried (no usable response). Native range in the Andes/Amazon is not stated by GBIF in what was read. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
Goldfarb 2019 Gardening and dilated pupils: an interesting case of anisocoria from Brugmansia versicolor. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology · PMID 30975362 · DOI	Case report	1 Person gardening, Canada	Brugmansia versicolor garden plant contact not given here not given here	No abstract is available in PubMed; only the title and citation were confirmed. The title reports one unequal-pupil case linked to Brugmansia versicolor while gardening. Nothing else from it is stated on this page. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Not read Limitations: Abstract not available; full text not read. Funding and conflicts: Not applicable Read: title-only
Gundogdu 2026 Brugmansia suaveolens Abuse in a Patient With Multiple Substance Use Disorders: A Case Report. Cureus · PMID 42099313 · DOI	Case report	1 Man with multiple substance use disorders, Turkey	Brugmansia suaveolens leaves and flowers not given here not given here	A man who reported long-term daily use of the plant for four years to obtain relief had drowsiness, sedation, agitation, unsteady walking, dry mouth, palpitations, fever and visual and auditory hallucinations. He was discharged after a four-week treatment course. The authors say such plants may be misused especially by people with a history of multiple substance use disorders. Four-week treatment Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Symptoms and treatment Limitations: Single case; self-reported history. Funding and conflicts: No funding or financial relationships declared. Read: abstract
Göpel 2002 Three cases of angel's trumpet tea-induced psychosis in adolescent substance abusers. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry · PMID 11869466 · DOI	Case series	3 Three adolescents with substance use problems in Germany	Angel's trumpet plant material not given here not given here	Severe psychotic pictures with hallucinations, disorientation and agitation, with only mild or no body signs of anticholinergic poisoning. The authors report rising intoxications among adolescents using ornamental plants of this kind and warn that prevention messages should stress medical harm, not the hallucinogenic effect. Severe psychosis in all three Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Psychotic symptoms after ingestion Limitations: Three cases; author expectation of fatalities is an opinion, not a finding. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Isbister 2003 Presumed Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) poisoning: clinical effects and epidemiology. Emergency Medicine (Fremantle) · PMID 14631706 · DOI	Retrospective case series	33 33 patients (median age 18; 82% male) admitted to a toxicology unit in Australia, 1990-2000, presumed Brugmansia poisoning	Brugmansia spp. (identified from the patient's description) flower and other parts not given here not given here	31 of 33 used it recreationally. All had wide pupils (mean 29 hours) and 88% had delirium (mean 18 hours). Only 33% had fast heartbeat. No deaths, seizures or heart-rhythm problems other than fast heartbeat were seen. 19 needed sedation, mainly benzodiazepines. Authors judged most cases moderate and severe toxicity rare in this series. No deaths; delirium in 88% Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Clinical features, time course, complications Limitations: Plant identity presumed from description; one hospital; patients who died before arrival or never reached hospital would not appear. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Jayawickreme 2019 Unknowing ingestion of Brugmansia suaveolens leaves presenting with signs of anticholinergic toxicity: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports · PMID 31665073 · DOI	Case report	1 60-year-old woman in Sri Lanka	Brugmansia suaveolens leaves not given here not given here	A woman who drank a herbal drink made from leaves of a garden plant she did not recognise arrived with confusion, delirium and agitation, urinary retention, wide pupils and fast heartbeat. She recovered with supportive care within 15 hours. The authors note seeds are usually described as the most toxic part but leaves are also significantly toxic, and that accidental seed ingestion by children has been reported. Recovered in 15 hours Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Presentation and outcome Limitations: Single case. Funding and conflicts: No competing interests declared. Read: abstract
Kim 2014 Intoxication by angel's trumpet: case report and literature review. BMC Research Notes · PMID 25138632 · DOI	Case report with literature review	1 64-year-old woman in South Korea	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) petals not given here not given here	A woman ate petals of angel's trumpet flowers served as a garnish in a traditional dish and developed acute mental changes; she regained her usual awareness after 10 hours. The authors say the plant has become a popular ornamental shrub in Korea and its tropane alkaloids are not generally known to the public. Recovered in 10 hours Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Presentation and outcome Limitations: Single case. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Lockwood 1979 The ethnobotany of Brugmansia. Journal of Ethnopharmacology · PMID 542011 · DOI	Ethnobotanical paper review	Brugmansia in traditional cultures	Brugmansia not given here not given here	No abstract is available in PubMed; only the title and citation were confirmed. Cited as an ethnobotanical source on the genus. Nothing from its content is stated on this page. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Not read Limitations: Abstract not available; full text not read. Funding and conflicts: Not applicable Read: title-only
Lusthof 2017 Toxicological results in a fatal and two non-fatal cases of scopolamine-facilitated robberies. Forensic Science International · PMID 28237441 · DOI	Forensic case series	3 One fatal and two non-fatal robbery cases, Netherlands	Scopolamine as an incapacitating drug (source of the scopolamine not stated in the abstract) not given here not given here	Scopolamine as an incapacitating drug in sexual crimes and robberies has been known for many decades, but blood levels are largely unknown. In the fatal case the postmortem heart-blood level was about 3,000 times the average level from one therapeutic skin patch, and the femoral-blood level about 50 times. One survivor had scopolamine detected in serum 23 hours later; another in urine and hair. Documents crime use of scopolamine Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Blood and urine levels Limitations: Three cases; abstract does not say whether the scopolamine came from a plant or a purified drug; not a Brugmansia study. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Martínez 2026 Brugmansia poisoning - a case report highlighting a preventable port call hazard for seafarers and travelers. International Maritime Health · PMID 42803453 · DOI	Case report	1 16-year-old male in Costa Rica with a history of substance use	Brugmansia sp. flowers not given here not given here	Three hours after ingesting flowers recreationally he had agitated delirium, visual hallucinations, incoherent speech, wide pupils, fast heartbeat and dry mouth. He needed prolonged sedation with intravenous diazepam and physical restraint for over 36 hours. After the delirium he expressed suicidal thoughts and was referred to psychiatry. Severe delirium, 36+ hours Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Presentation and course Limitations: Single case; published online ahead of print. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound 5184: scopolamine PubChem PUG REST · Source	Database record plant	not applicable	Scopolamine not given here not given here	Queried 2026-10-25. CID 5184, scopolamine, formula C17H21NO4. Identity confirmed Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Identity only. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound 174174: atropine (dl-hyoscyamine) PubChem PUG REST · Source	Database record plant	not applicable	Atropine not given here not given here	Queried 2026-10-25. CID 174174 lists the names atropine and dl-hyoscyamine, formula C17H23NO3. Identity confirmed Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Identity only. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound 154417: hyoscyamine (L-hyoscyamine) PubChem PUG REST · Source	Database record plant	not applicable	Hyoscyamine not given here not given here	Queried 2026-10-25. CID 154417 lists the names hyoscyamine and L-hyoscyamine, formula C17H23NO3. Identity confirmed Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Identity only. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
NHS (UK) 2026 NHS: Poisoning nhs.uk · Source	Regulator page plant	not applicable	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) not given here not given here	Read 2026-10-25. In the UK, call 999 or go to A&E if you think someone may have swallowed, touched or breathed in something harmful, or if someone has lost consciousness or stopped breathing. Emergency contact Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: General poisoning page; does not mention Brugmansia. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
NSW Poisons Information Centre 2026 NSW Poisons Information Centre (Australia) poisonsinfo.nsw.gov.au · Source	Regulator page plant	not applicable	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) not given here not given here	Read 2026-10-25. The site shows the Australian Poisons Information Centre number 13 11 26 and an emergency button. Emergency contact Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: General page; does not mention Brugmansia. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
National Capital Poison Center 2026 Poison Help / web POISON CONTROL (National Capital Poison Center) poison.org · Source	Regulator or NGO page plant	not applicable	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) not given here not given here	Read 2026-10-25. The page tells people in the US to use the web POISON CONTROL tool or call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 (free, expert, confidential), and to call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened. Emergency contact Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Does not mention Brugmansia. Used for the emergency number only. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
Parker 2007 Antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract of Brugmansia suaveolens flowers in mice. Biological Research for Nursing · PMID 17172322 · DOI	Animal experiment animal	Mice	Water extract of Brugmansia suaveolens flowers, given by injection flowers not given here not given here	In mice, the injected extract reduced responses in several pain tests (writhing, formalin, hot plate, tail flick). The authors say this supports the popular use of the infusion for pain in Brazil. It does not show safety or benefit in people. Pain-test responses reduced in mice Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pain-response tests Limitations: Mouse study only; injected, not swallowed; no human data; tropane alkaloids are toxic. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Royal Horticultural Society 2026 Brugmansia growing guide (Royal Horticultural Society) rhs.org.uk · Source	Horticultural society page plant	not applicable	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) not given here not given here	Read 2026-10-25. The RHS says brugmansias are very poisonous, that all parts are highly toxic, and that the sap can be a skin irritant, so gloves are advised when handling; seeds should be kept out of reach of children. Ornamental warning Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: A gardening guide, not a toxicology source; no case data. Planting and care advice on that page is not repeated here. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: full-text
Sandia S 2017 Treating 'Devil's Breath' intoxication: Use of rivastigmine in six patients with toxic psychoses due to non pharmaceutical scopolamine. European Neuropsychopharmacology · PMID 28601550	Letter / short report	6 Six patients in Mérida, Venezuela, with toxic psychosis	'Devil's Breath' (non-pharmaceutical scopolamine) not given here not given here	No abstract is available in PubMed; only the title and citation were confirmed. The title reports six patients with toxic psychosis from non-pharmaceutical scopolamine, called 'Devil's Breath', treated with rivastigmine. Nothing else from it is stated on this page. Title only Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Not read Limitations: Abstract not available; full text not read. Funding and conflicts: Not stated Read: title-only
Sevketoglu 2010 An unusual cause of fulminant Guillain-Barré syndrome: angel's trumpet. Pediatric Neurology · PMID 20933184 · DOI	Case report	1 5-year-old boy, Turkey	Brugmansia suaveolens ingestion (details not in abstract) not given here not given here	A previously healthy 5-year-old with a Guillain-Barré-type nerve illness and one tonic pupil needed a breathing machine for 35 days and recovered stepwise after treatment. The authors established the cause as angel's trumpet ingestion. A published letter (PMID 21723465) questioned whether this was true Guillain-Barré syndrome; we did not read that letter's text. 35 days ventilated, recovered Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Neurological illness and recovery Limitations: Single case; diagnosis was questioned in a published comment. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract
Shim 2022 Beauty of the beast: anticholinergic tropane alkaloids in therapeutics. Natural Products and Bioprospecting · PMID 36109439 · DOI	Narrative review review	Tropane alkaloids from Solanaceae plants (Datura, Atropa, Hyoscyamus, Mandragora and others)	tropane alkaloids (atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine) not given here not given here	Plants of the nightshade family are rich sources of tropane alkaloids, which block acetylcholine at muscarinic and/or nicotinic receptors. Purified forms are used as antiemetics, anaesthetic aids, antispasmodics, bronchodilators and pupil-widening drugs; the review says they are on the WHO essential medicines list and available with FDA approval. Purified drugs are standardised medicines Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pharmacology and therapeutic use Limitations: Narrative review; approvals not checked individually. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared. Read: abstract
Wikipedia contributors 2026 Wikipedia: Brugmansia (lead only) en.wikipedia.org · Source	Encyclopedia (secondary) plant	not applicable	Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) not given here not given here	Read 2026-10-25 as a lead only. It says the genus has seven species, that all are known only in cultivation or as escapes, that the IUCN Red List lists them as Extinct in the Wild, and that Andean peoples have used them in medicine and ceremony. Cites De Feo 2004 (Economic Botany) for ritual use in northern Peru. NONE of this was verified against the primary sources. NOT verified Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: see results Limitations: Wikipedia-only claims are NOT verified and are shown on this page only as flagged. Funding and conflicts: not applicable Read: summary-only

What we do not know yet

No clinical trial of any Brugmansia plant or extract was found.
No reliable harmful or lethal amount figure and no pregnancy data.
Veterinary data for pets and livestock were not read.
Legal status of the ornamental plant not found in a regulator source.
Native range and conservation status not verified from a primary source.
The popular 'devil's breath' claims are unverified; five papers are cited by title only.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Other 2

●

Wide pupils (mydriasis)

Raised (pupil size) in trials

Pupils stay wide open and do not narrow in light. It is the most common sign of poisoning by tropane alkaloids.

Moderate certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A quick bedside sign for doctors.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A reliable sign of exposure in case series; it also occurs from eye contact alone.

Safety implication

Pupil widening can last for days after eye contact.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴	All 33 presumed Brugmansia patients had wide pupils, lasting a mean of 29 hours (SD 13).	33 patients in Australia	Presumed Brugmansia ingestion
⁷	Wide pupils were the most common effect (53.2%) among 203 Datura and Brugmansia exposures.	203 poison-centre cases in Taiwan	Datura or Brugmansia suaveolens exposure

^{14 7}

●

Delirium (confused, agitated state)

Present in trials

A sudden, severe change in thinking and awareness, with confusion, hallucinations and agitation.

Moderate certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The main reason for hospital care and sedation.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Common and can last many hours; severe cases can need more than a day of sedation (2026 case).

Safety implication

Injury risk from confusion and agitation; emergency care needed.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁴	88% had delirium, lasting a mean of 18 hours (SD 12); 19 of 33 needed sedation, mainly benzodiazepines.	33 patients in Australia	Presumed Brugmansia ingestion
⁷	Delirium in 31% of 203 cases; 73 cases (36%) were severe; none died.	203 poison-centre cases in Taiwan	Datura or Brugmansia suaveolens exposure

^{14 7 19}

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 7

Danger first: every part of the plant is poisonous. Brugmansia contains scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine, which block the nerve messenger acetylcholine. The Royal Horticultural Society says all parts are highly toxic and the sap can irritate skin. Poisoning gives wide pupils, delirium, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, dry mouth, urinary retention and fever. It can last a day or more. This page gives no amounts and no way to prepare or use the plant, and nothing here is a reason to try it. Case series and reports ^{27 14 7 15 30}
It is a common ornamental plant, so exposure can be accidental. Cases include a garden-plant herbal drink made from unknown leaves, flower petals eaten as a garnish, and eye contact in a child. Misidentifying the plant and eating parts other than flowers were linked to more severe poisoning in a Taiwan series. Case reports and series ^{15 16 8 7 11}
Children and young people are at risk. A case report notes accidental seed ingestion by children; one 5-year-old needed a breathing machine for 35 days after angel's trumpet ingestion (a published comment questioned the exact diagnosis). Several series involve teenagers who took the plant for its hallucinogenic effect. A 16-year-old in 2026 needed more than 36 hours of sedation and restraint and later had suicidal thoughts. The authors of one paper say prevention messages should stress the medical harm rather than the effect. Case series and reports ^{15 29 9 13 19}
Dangerous behaviour and injury. Confusion, agitation and hallucinations can lead to injury. In the Australian series two patients had accidental injuries and 19 of 33 needed sedation. Some people were restrained in hospital. Case series ^{14 19}
Severe outcomes are less common but possible. In 203 Taiwan cases (Datura and Brugmansia) 36% were severe and none died; in 33 Australian presumed cases there were no deaths or seizures. These series do not rule out deaths or serious illness elsewhere, and plant strength varies. We did not find a source giving a safe or lethal amount. Case series ^{7 14 2}
Pets and livestock. We did not read a veterinary source for this plant. Because the RHS calls all parts highly toxic, keep animals away from it, and call a vet or an animal poison helpline at once if an animal may have chewed it. Authoritative guidance only ²⁷
Criminal use of scopolamine ('devil's breath', 'burundanga'). Forensic papers document scopolamine, a Brugmansia alkaloid, used as an incapacitating drug in robberies and sexual crimes; in one Dutch series one victim died and two survived. A Spanish paper title links the street name 'burundanga' to scopolamine poisoning, and a 2017 Venezuelan report concerns six patients with 'Devil's Breath' psychosis. We did not read a source proving that a plant powder blown in the face makes a person obey, and the abstract of the Dutch paper does not say whether the scopolamine was plant or pharmaceutical. Such popular claims are NOT verified here. If you think someone has been drugged, get emergency help. Forensic case series and titles ^{18 3 28 4}

Side effects 7

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Anticholinergic syndrome: wide pupils, dry mouth, dry or flushed skin, fast heartbeat, fever, urinary retention In Taiwan: wide pupils 53.2%, confusion 40%, fast heartbeat 35.5%, dry mouth 35.5%, delirium 31%. In Australia fast heartbeat was seen in only 33%, so a normal heart rate does not rule it out.	Not established	moderate to severe usually reversible with hospital care	Case series ^{14 7 15}
Delirium, hallucinations, agitation, confusion, psychosis Some adolescents had severe psychotic symptoms with only mild body signs.	88% in the Australian series	moderate to severe usually reversible; may last 18 hours or more	Case series ^{14 13 19}
Injury from confusion; restraint in hospital Accidental injuries occurred in 2 of 33 Australian patients.	Not established	moderate varies	Case series and report ^{14 19}
Nerve illness resembling Guillain-Barré syndrome with breathing failure (one child) A single case, and a published comment questioned the diagnosis. Rare if real.	Not established	life-threatening recovered stepwise in the reported case	Case report ²⁹
One enlarged pupil after eye contact Looks like a serious brain or eye problem and can cause unnecessary alarm; still needs medical review.	Not established	mild to moderate resolved in 3 days in the case read	Case report ^{8 11}
Skin irritation from sap From the RHS growing guide; no clinical data.	Not established	mild not described	Horticultural guidance ²⁷
Low mood and suicidal thoughts after the delirium (one teenager) A single case in a young person with a substance-use history.	Not established	serious unknown	Case report ¹⁹

Liver

No liver injury from Brugmansia was found in the sources read. LiverTox was not checked. The main danger is nervous-system and heart-rate poisoning. ¹⁴

How often. Unknown.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Brugmansia (angel's trumpet) supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 3

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Other anticholinergic medicines: first-generation antihistamines, tricyclic and some other antidepressants, bladder-control medicines, some Parkinson's and motion-sickness medicines drug	Same type of action, so effects are expected to add up: confusion, fast heartbeat, overheating, urinary retention.	Potentially serious; mechanism-based, no study of the plant.	Mechanism based Low certainty ³⁰	Do not combine. Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you have been exposed to the plant.
Sedatives, benzodiazepines, alcohol and other depressants drug	Benzodiazepines are used by doctors to calm agitation in poisoning. Whether other depressants add to the plant's effects was not shown in the sources read.	Not established.	Not established Not enough evidence ¹⁴	Medical care only; do not self-treat.
Cholinesterase-inhibiting medicines (physostigmine in hospital; rivastigmine in a 2017 report) drug	These raise acetylcholine and work against the plant's alkaloids. In Taiwan, physostigmine was linked to earlier recovery of brain effects. A Venezuelan short report used rivastigmine in six patients (we read only its title).	Hospital treatment under medical supervision only.	Observational case series Low certainty ^{7 28}	Treatment decision for doctors, not for home use.

Who should check first 6

Situation	Advice	Evidence
Any eating, drinking or other use of the plant by anyone	Do not. It is poisonous.	Case series and guidance ^{27 14 7}
Children and teenagers	Keep the plant out of reach and teach children not to eat or touch the flowers, leaves or seeds.	Case reports ^{15 9 13}
Pregnancy and breastfeeding	No safety data were found. Avoid any exposure.	Insufficient
Glaucoma, urinary retention or prostate enlargement, heart rhythm problems, dementia	Anticholinergic drugs are generally cautioned in these conditions. This was not checked in a source for this plant, so it is mechanism-based only.	Mechanism based ³⁰
People with a history of substance use or mental illness	The reports of repeated or severe psychotic episodes involve people with substance-use histories. Ask a doctor for help rather than using the plant.	Case reports ^{12 13 19}
Driving or operating machinery after any exposure	Confusion, blurred vision and wide pupils can last many hours or days. Do not drive.	Mechanism and case reports ^{14 8}

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. The poisonous action comes from tropane alkaloids that block acetylcholine. Scopolamine is the most abundant alkaloid in Brugmansia suaveolens, and young leaves, flowers and unripe fruits with seeds had more of it than other tissues in a plant study. Strength therefore varies by part, plant and condition. We did not find a reliable figure for a harmful or lethal amount and give none.

Animal. A mouse extract study and moth-larvae toxicity are in the studies list; no animal lethal-dose data are stated.

Human doses studied. Not given.

High dose or long term signals. A 2026 case describes four years of daily use with sedation, agitation, hallucinations and fever; a single case, no conclusion about long-term risk.

Overdose response. Hospital care is mainly supportive (calming medicine, fluids, monitoring). Physostigmine has been used in some hospitals. Never self-treat. This page gives no amounts.

Genotoxicity. Not reviewed.

Toxic or hazardous parts. All parts per the RHS. A case report says seeds are usually described as the most toxic, while leaves also have significant toxicity. In Taiwan, eating parts other than flowers was linked to severe poisoning.

Variable strength and misidentification are the main concerns. No contamination data were found.

Variable alkaloid strength. Scopolamine content differs between tissues and rises after leaf damage in a plant study, so the same plant can vary. ²

Misidentification. In Taiwan, misidentifying Datura or Brugmansia was linked to more severe poisoning. ⁷

Look-alike angel's trumpet names. The name 'angel's trumpet' is also used for Datura plants in some papers (for example Datura stramonium in a Canadian report and 'Datura suaveolens' as an older name of Brugmansia suaveolens). Several sources mix the two genera. ^{8 4}

Body	Action	Date
National Capital Poison Center (US) (US)	Free, confidential help from a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or the web POISON CONTROL tool; call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened. source	2026-10-25
NHS (UK) (GB)	Call 999 or go to A&E if someone may have swallowed, touched or breathed in something harmful. source	2026-10-25
NSW Poisons Information Centre (Australia) (AU)	Australian poisons information number 13 11 26. source	2026-10-25
Royal Horticultural Society (GB)	Brugmansias are very poisonous, all parts are highly toxic, sap can irritate skin, keep seeds out of children's reach. source	2026-10-25
Purified atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine (WHO / US)	A 2022 review says purified tropane alkaloids are on the WHO list of essential medicines and available with FDA approval. These are standardised medicines, not the plant. source	2022

When to get medical help

Anyone who may have eaten, drunk or put in their mouth any part of the plant: call Poison Control (US 1-800-222-1222), your local emergency number (UK 999, Australia 13 11 26 for poisons advice) or go to hospital now. Do not wait for symptoms
Wide pupils, very dry mouth, flushed hot dry skin, fast heartbeat
Confusion, agitation, hallucinations, slurred speech or unsteady walking
Seizure, collapse, trouble breathing, high temperature or unable to pass urine
One pupil much larger than the other after touching the plant, or a child who suddenly becomes weak or unable to walk
A child, pet or anyone who may have chewed a seed, leaf or flower
Thoughts of suicide after an episode: seek urgent help

If someone may be poisoned or in a crisis, contact a clinician or emergency service straight away. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

Is angel's trumpet poisonous?

Yes. The Royal Horticultural Society says all parts are highly toxic and the sap can irritate skin. It contains scopolamine, atropine and hyoscyamine.

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What are the signs of poisoning?

Wide pupils, dry mouth, hot dry skin, fast heartbeat, urinary retention, confusion, hallucinations and delirium. In Australia all 33 patients had wide pupils and 88% had delirium, but only a third had a fast heartbeat.

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What should I do if someone ate or chewed any part?

Call poison control (US 1-800-222-1222; UK 999; Australia 13 11 26 for poisons advice) or your local emergency number right away and go to hospital. Do not wait for symptoms.

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Is it dangerous for children?

Yes. Reports include accidental seed ingestion by children, a 5-year-old who needed a breathing machine for 35 days, and eye contact that enlarged a child's pupil. Teenagers have also been poisoned after taking it for its effect.

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Can it kill?

No deaths were reported in the Australian (33) or Taiwan (203 Datura and Brugmansia) series, but 36% of the Taiwan cases were severe. These series cannot rule out deaths elsewhere, and strength varies, so any ingestion is an emergency.

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Is it a psychedelic?

It is usually called a deliriant. The experience reported in hospital is a confused, delirious poisoning, not a safe or controlled state.

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Can pets be affected?

We did not read a veterinary source. The plant is highly toxic in all parts according to the RHS, so keep animals away and call a vet if an animal may have chewed it.

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What is 'devil's breath'?

A street name linked to scopolamine, which is an alkaloid of Brugmansia. Forensic papers describe scopolamine used to incapacitate victims in robberies. The popular claim that a powder blown in the face makes people obey is not verified here.

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Is it used in traditional medicine or ritual?

A 2021 review says several species are used in traditional medicine and as a hallucinogen and in magical rituals. A lab paper names the northern Peruvian Andes for Brugmansia arborea, and a 1969 paper concerns the Colombian Sibundoy. Tradition is not the same as clinical evidence.

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Does it treat pain, withdrawal or any other condition?

No human trial shows that. A flower extract reduced pain-test responses in mice, and pure alkaloids reduced morphine withdrawal in isolated tissue, but those are lab and animal results.

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Does it interact with medicines?

It is expected to add to other anticholinergic medicines such as some antihistamines and antidepressants. This is mechanism-based, not tested in studies of the plant. Doctors may use physostigmine or similar medicines in hospital; that is not home treatment.

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Is it legal?

We did not find a regulator source on the legal status of the ornamental plant, and laws differ by country and local area and change. This is not legal advice. Ask a local authority or pharmacist.

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We read PubMed abstracts for the case series, case reports and reviews, read poison-control, NHS, NSW Poisons Information Centre and RHS pages, and checked GBIF and PubChem. Five papers had no abstract and are cited by title only. Full texts were not read.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.

Sources 31

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Algradi AM, Liu Y, Yang BY, Kuang HX. Review on the genus Brugmansia: Traditional usage, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity.. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2021. PMID 33571613. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2021.113910. (abstract)
Alves MN, Sartoratto A, Trigo JR. Scopolamine in Brugmansia suaveolens (Solanaceae): defense, allocation, costs, and induced response.. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 2007. PMID 17195118. DOI 10.1007/s10886-006-9214-9. (abstract)
Ardila-Ardila A, Moreno CB, Ardila-Gómez SE. [Scopolamine poisoning ('burundanga'): loss of the ability to make decisions].. Revista de Neurologia. 2006. PMID 16450329. (title-only)
Aćimović M. Datura stramonium - A Dangerous Weed and Alternative Drug of Abuse: An Overview of Poisoning Cases in 21st Century.. Planta Medica. 2025. PMID 40086888. DOI 10.1055/a-2552-4434. (abstract)
Bristol ML, Evans WC, Lampard JF. The alkaloids of the genus Datura, section Brugmansia. VI. Tree Datura drugs (Datura condida cvs.) of the Colombian Sibundoy.. Lloydia. 1969. PMID 5812243. (title-only)
Capasso A, de Feo V. Alkaloids from Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerhein reduce morphine withdrawal in vitro.. Phytotherapy Research. 2003. PMID 12916089. DOI 10.1002/ptr.1218. (abstract)
Doan UV, Wu ML, Phua DH, Mendez Rojas B, Yang CC. Datura and Brugmansia plants related antimuscarinic toxicity: an analysis of poisoning cases reported to the Taiwan poison control center.. Clinical Toxicology (Phila). 2019. PMID 30522351. DOI 10.1080/15563650.2018.1513527. (abstract)
Firestone D, Sloane C. Not your everyday anisocoria: angel's trumpet ocular toxicity.. Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2007. PMID 17630070. DOI 10.1016/j.jemermed.2007.02.046. (abstract)
Francis PD, Clarke CF. Angel trumpet lily poisoning in five adolescents: clinical findings and management.. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health. 1999. PMID 10234644. DOI 10.1046/j.1440-1754.1999.00328.x. (abstract)
GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Brugmansia Pers. (genus match) and species matches. GBIF API. 2026. (full-text)
Goldfarb J, Pesin N, Margolin E. Gardening and dilated pupils: an interesting case of anisocoria from Brugmansia versicolor.. Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology. 2019. PMID 30975362. DOI 10.1016/j.jcjo.2018.05.004. (title-only)
Gundogdu I, Aras N. Brugmansia suaveolens Abuse in a Patient With Multiple Substance Use Disorders: A Case Report.. Cureus. 2026. PMID 42099313. DOI 10.7759/cureus.106535. (abstract)
Göpel C, Laufer C, Marcus A. Three cases of angel's trumpet tea-induced psychosis in adolescent substance abusers.. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry. 2002. PMID 11869466. DOI 10.1080/08039480252803927. (abstract)
Isbister GK, Oakley P, Dawson AH, Whyte IM. Presumed Angel's trumpet (Brugmansia) poisoning: clinical effects and epidemiology.. Emergency Medicine (Fremantle). 2003. PMID 14631706. DOI 10.1046/j.1442-2026.2003.00477.x. (abstract)
Jayawickreme KP, Janaka KVC, Subasinghe SASP. Unknowing ingestion of Brugmansia suaveolens leaves presenting with signs of anticholinergic toxicity: a case report.. Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2019. PMID 31665073. DOI 10.1186/s13256-019-2250-1. (abstract)
Kim Y, Kim J, Kim OJ, Kim WC. Intoxication by angel's trumpet: case report and literature review.. BMC Research Notes. 2014. PMID 25138632. DOI 10.1186/1756-0500-7-553. (abstract)
Lockwood TE. The ethnobotany of Brugmansia.. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1979. PMID 542011. DOI 10.1016/0378-8741(79)90004-7. (title-only)
Lusthof KJ, Bosman IJ, Kubat B, Vincenten-van Maanen MJ. Toxicological results in a fatal and two non-fatal cases of scopolamine-facilitated robberies.. Forensic Science International. 2017. PMID 28237441. DOI 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.01.024. (abstract)
Martínez A, Pardo J, Fallas GF. Brugmansia poisoning - a case report highlighting a preventable port call hazard for seafarers and travelers.. International Maritime Health. 2026. PMID 42803453. DOI 10.5603/imh.111342. (abstract)
NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound 5184: scopolamine. PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text)
NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound 174174: atropine (dl-hyoscyamine). PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text)
NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound 154417: hyoscyamine (L-hyoscyamine). PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text)
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Parker AG, Peraza GG, Sena J, Silva ES, Soares MC, Vaz MR, Furlong EB, Muccillo-Baisch AL. Antinociceptive effects of the aqueous extract of Brugmansia suaveolens flowers in mice.. Biological Research for Nursing. 2007. PMID 17172322. DOI 10.1177/1099800406293984. (abstract)
Royal Horticultural Society. Brugmansia growing guide (Royal Horticultural Society). rhs.org.uk. 2026. (full-text)
Sandia S I, Ramírez V J, Piñero A J, Baptista T T. Treating 'Devil's Breath' intoxication: Use of rivastigmine in six patients with toxic psychoses due to non pharmaceutical scopolamine.. European Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017. PMID 28601550. (title-only)
Sevketoglu E, Tatlı B, Tuğcu B, Demirelli Y, Hatipoglu S. An unusual cause of fulminant Guillain-Barré syndrome: angel's trumpet.. Pediatric Neurology. 2010. PMID 20933184. DOI 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2010.05.019. (abstract)
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Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.