Brugmansia poisoning — a case report highlighting a preventable port call hazard for seafarers and travelers

BACKGROUND: Recreational ingestion of toxic plants poses a significant and preventable health risk.Brugmansiasp. (Angel's Trumpet), common in tropical regions, contains potent anticholinergic alkaloids. This case highlights that such intoxication represents a specific hazard for maritime travelers and workers in port regions. CASE PRESENTATION: A 16-year-old male with a history of substance abuse presented to the emergency service three hours after ingesting a tea made fromthe flowers of Brugmansiasp. for recreational purposes. He exhibited a classic anticholinergic toxidrome: agitated delirium, visual hallucinations, incoherent speech, mydriasis, tachycardia, and dry mucous membranes. Management required prolonged sedation with intravenous benzodiazepines (diazepam) and the use of physical restraints for over 36 hours. After resolution of the acute delirium, he expressed suicidal ideation, leading to a psychiatric referral, during which underlying impulse-control issues were diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: This case of severeBrugmansiapoisoning underscores a dual public health challenge. First, it is a clinically significant toxicological emergency requiring recognition and supportive management. Second, it exemplifies a preventable risk for maritime populations - both seafarers on shore leave and cruise tourists - who may experiment with locally available psychoactive plants. Enhanced awareness and targeted education in port communities and among travelers are crucial preventive measures in maritime health.