Police in the town of Gering, Neb., recently had contact with four juveniles who allegedly ingested moonflower seeds. One of the juveniles was described as incoherent and unruly, and had to be taken to the hospital for evaluation of drug use. The effects of the drug lasted for days.
Dr. Rod Haenschen, an emergency room physician at Regional West Medical Center in Gering, said the message needs to go out that the drug's effect can be lethal. Authorities said the seeds produce a sense of euphoria followed by hallucinations.
Incidents of moonflower use have been isolated, according to local law enforcement officials, but agencies in other states have said the seeds are increasingly popular.
Moonflower is a viny plant with purple trumpet-like flowers. Like its relatives in the Datura genus - including the jimson weed and thorn apple - the moonflower contains high levels of an anticholinergic substance that blocks neurotransmitters within the nervous system. This chemical reaction can lead to blurred vision, disorientation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, dry mouth and skin, and, potentially, death.
(Sources: www.ktiv.com, www.drugs-forum.com)
Labels: nebraska, moonflower seeds
Posted By: Aspen Education Group