Jimson seed poisoning, also known as Datura stramonium poisoning, is a serious concern, especially in young children who are more vulnerable to the toxic effects of the plant [2, 7,8,9]. stramonium, commonly referred to as jimson weed, contains potent tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, which can lead to anticholinergic toxicity upon ingestion [6, 10, 11].

The clinical presentation of Datura stramonium poisoning can vary depending on the amount ingested, the patient’s age, and individual susceptibility. In children, Datura stramonium poisoning can be particularly dangerous due to their low body weight and increased susceptibility to toxic effects [2, 5, 9, 11, 12].

In the case of the 3-year-old male toddler, his ingestion of Datura stramonium seeds led to symptoms consistent with anticholinergic toxicity, including seizure altered mental status, agitation, dilated pupils, and tachycardia. These symptoms are characteristic of the tropane alkaloids found in Datura stramonium seeds, which exert anticholinergic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems.

The prompt recognition of the anticholinergic toxidrome by characteristic clinical features followed by the history of ingestion of Datura stramonium seeds allowed for the rapid initiation of management to provide supportive care.

It is important for healthcare providers to educate parents and caregivers about the potential dangers of toxic plants in the environment, and the importance of ensuring that children are closely supervised in outdoor settings. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, parents, and public health authorities are vital in promoting awareness and preventing toxic plant exposures in children.

Treatment is primarily supportive, involving gastric decontamination with activated charcoal, management of agitation and seizures using benzodiazepines, and control of hyperpyrexia using antipyretic and other cooling methods. Tachycardia is generally responsive to fluid therapy. While physostigmine is the antidote for anticholinergic toxicity, its use remains controversial. It is recommended in cases of severe agitation or psychosis unresponsive to benzodiazepines, or when the patient experiences intractable seizures or arrhythmias with hemodynamic instability. Barbiturates may be administered for seizures that are unresponsive to benzodiazepines. The prognosis for Datura stramonium intoxication is generally favourable, as seen in our case, but it can be fatal, particularly in cases of massive overdose [6, 7, 9, 13].

In conclusion, Datura stramonium poisoning in children is a severe condition that necessitates timely recognition and appropriate management. This case report underscores the importance of healthcare providers remaining vigilant. For plant poisoning in paediatric patients and highlights the significance of early intervention and supportive care to achieve a positive outcome. Efforts to raise awareness and educate the public about the risks of toxic plant exposures are essential in preventing such incidents in the future.