Scopolamine Poison (“Devil’s Breath”)

Summary

Name: Scopolamine
Chemical Formula: C17H21NO4
Type: Tropane alkaloid

History and Background

Scopolamine, also known as “Devil’s Breath,” is a tropane alkaloid derived from plants in the Solanaceae family, particularly Scopolia and Datura species. Historically, scopolamine has been used for its sedative and anti-nausea properties in medical applications, especially in treating motion sickness and postoperative nausea.

However, its notoriety as “Devil’s Breath” stems from its misuse in criminal activities, particularly in South America, where it has been employed to incapacitate victims for theft and other nefarious purposes. The drug can induce a trance-like state, resulting in a lack of memory and control over one’s actions, making it a tool for exploitation.

Mechanism

Scopolamine primarily acts as an anticholinergic agent, affecting the central nervous system by blocking acetylcholine receptors. The mechanism can be broken down as follows:

1. Acetylcholine Receptor Blockade: Scopolamine inhibits muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, particularly in areas involved in memory and cognition.
2. Sedative Effects: The blockade leads to sedation, drowsiness, and confusion, which can incapacitate the individual.
3. Peripheral Effects: It can also cause dilation of pupils, increased heart rate, and decreased salivation and sweating.

Lethal Dose

The estimated lethal dose of scopolamine varies, but it is generally considered to be around 0.5-1 mg/kg when ingested or administered. Due to its potent effects, even small doses can result in severe poisoning.

Symptoms

Symptoms of scopolamine poisoning can manifest within 30 minutes to several hours after exposure and may include:

• Initial Symptoms:
  • Dizziness and confusion
  • Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
  • Blurred vision due to pupil dilation
• Progressive Symptoms:
  • Hallucinations and delirium
  • Amnesia or memory loss
  • Severe agitation or unresponsiveness
  • Respiratory depression in severe cases

Severe poisoning can lead to coma and death if not treated.

Time until Death

Without prompt medical intervention, death from scopolamine poisoning can occur within 24 hours, depending on the dose and individual health factors. Rapid treatment is critical to improve outcomes.

Antidote

There is no specific antidote for scopolamine poisoning, but treatment typically involves:

• Supportive Care: Providing respiratory support, hydration, and monitoring vital signs.
• Physostigmine: In some cases, this antidote, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, may be administered to counteract the effects of scopolamine by increasing acetylcholine levels at the synapses.

Detection at Autopsy

Scopolamine can be detected in biological fluids and tissues using techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). However, detection may be challenging due to the rapid metabolism of the drug, especially in acute cases.