Neurotoxicity is a term used for a state in which there is a physical brain damage due to exposure

to neurotoxin, a substance that disrupts or kills neurons, and in turn alters the activity of nervous
system. Signs and symptoms of this type of toxicity are anxiety, depression, limb weakness and
numbness, impaired vision, headache, sexual dysfunction and behavioral changes. The reasons
may be chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drug abuse, organ transplants, exposure to heavy
metals, some food additives, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaning solvents and naturally occurring
substances.
The nervous system comprises of central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system
(PNS). CNS consists of brain and spinal cord, and cerebellum is a part of brain primarily affected
by neurotoxic substances. Cerebellum is responsible for processing information to conduct
muscle activities and maintain body posture. The damaged cerebellum produces altered reflexes,
unsteady walk, loss of body control, and confusion. PNS is a network of cranial and spinal
nerves emerging from CNS to all parts of body. The system consists of myelinated neurons with
layers of Schwann cells, which act as electrical insulator. By the damage of these nerves, the
electrical signals are interrupted. Another part of PNS is autonomic nervous system (ANS),
which functions without conscious effort. The movements such as cardiovascular, respiratory,
gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems are under the control of this system. The toxicity of this
system is most dangerous and it results in loss of activities function, retention of urine and stool,
impotence, paralysis and impotence.
Some common plants used as herbal medicines have potential neurotoxic effects. Among them
are Papaver somniferum (opium), Catharanthus roseus (vinca), Datura stramonium (thorn
apple), Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Hyoscyamus niger (henbane), Cannabis
indica (marijuana), Conium maculatum (hemlock), Coscinium fenestratum (yellow vine)
and Brugmansia species (angel’s trumpet).

Datura Stramonium is a kind of alkaloids. This is also called Jimson Weed. The alkaloids of

Datura plant act as competitive and nonselective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor(mAChr)

antagonists that affect the central and peripheral nervous system. They are potent anticholinergic
compounds that prevent the binding of the physiological neurotransmitter.
Acetylcholine, Scopolamine, Atropine are absorbed readily through mucous membranes when
plant parts are ingested or smoked the common route of administration. When absorbed,
alkaloids cross the BBB and cause disturbance of the central nervous system. These belladoma
alkaloids block nerve impulses linked with the parasympathetic nervous system that regulate
various involuntary movements including pupil dilation, heart rate ,gland secretion, constriction
of the bronchiole in the lungs and movement in the alimentary canal thereby causing
hallucinogens, sedation, antiemetic and amnestic effects.

Side Effects
Side effects from ingesting Datura Stramonium include tachycardia, dry mouth, dilated pupils,
blurred vision, hallucinations, confusion, combative behavior, and difficulty urinating. Severe
toxicity has been associated with coma and seizures, although death is rare.
Prevention
Jimson weed or Datura Stramonium poisoning produces classic anticholinergic symptoms, is
usually self-limiting, and usually requires only supportive measures and observation.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of anticholinergic poisoning can help clinicians identify the
toxidrome early and intervene appropriately in life-threatening cases, which occur rarely. High
levels of jimson weed ingestion may produce dangerous medical conditions, such as cardiac
arrhythmia, hyperpyrexia, seizures, coma, and respiratory arrest.
Physostigmine is the preferred treatment for severe cases of jimson weed poisoning, and
benzodiazepine therapy is the preferred treatment for agitation. Anticipatory counseling,
especially around summer and early fall (when the jimson weed plant matures), may help deter
adolescents from experimental use of this plant.

Atropa Belladona (deadly nightshade)

Atropa Belladona is a toxic plant associated with the production of the so-called
belladonna alkaloids, most of which are quite toxic and some of which have clinical utility at
lower doses. Deadly nightshade produces mostly atropine. Serious intoxication can result
from ingestion of berries of this or other solanaceous plants that produce these alkaloids.
Belladonna alkaloids are organic esters formed from tropic acid and an organic base such as
tropine or scopine. Atropine and scopolamine are the two most important belladonna alkaloids.
Mechanism
The active components of belladonna act as competitive antagonists at muscarinic receptors and
block the binding of acetylcholine to the central nervous system and parasympathetic
postganglionic muscarinic receptors 

Side effects
When taken by mouth: Belladonna is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals that can be poisonous even
at low doses. Serious side effects might include blurred vision, fever, fast heartbeat, inability to
urinate or sweat, hallucinations, spasms, mental problems, convulsions, coma, and others.

When applied to the skin: Belladonna is possibly unsafe. There isn't enough reliable information
available to know if the poisonous chemicals in belladonna can be absorbed through the skin.

When given as a suppository (rectally): Belladonna is possibly unsafe. There isn't enough reliable
information available to know if the poisonous chemicals in belladonna can be absorbed from the
rectum.
Pregnancy: Belladonna is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It contains
potentially toxic chemicals and has been linked to reports of serious side effects.

Breast-feeding: Belladonna is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. It can reduce
milk production and also passes into breast milk.

Children: Belladonna is likely unsafe when taken by mouth. Consuming as few as 2 berries can be
fatal in small children. Also, severe side effects and death have occurred in infants treated with
homeopathic teething products containing belladonna.

Heart disease: Belladonna might cause rapid heartbeat and might make some heart conditions worse.

Down syndrome: People with Down syndrome might be extra-sensitive to the chemicals in
belladonna and their harmful effects.

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions: Belladonna might slow down the stomach and intestines, which

could make some GI conditions worse.

Narrow-angle glaucoma: Belladonna might make narrow-angle glaucoma worse.

Belladonna is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in adults and children. It

contains chemicals that can be toxic.
Side effects of belladonna result from its effects on the body's nervous
system. Symptoms include dry mouth, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, red
dry skin, fever, fast heartbeat, inability to urinate or sweat, hallucinations,
spasms, mental problems, convulsions, coma, and others.