*4.1.2 The effect of atropine on pest growth regulation*

The ability of Jimson products to control insect proliferation is a fascinating feature. The insect larva feeds and sheds its old skin as it grows. Ecdysis, or molting, is the process of shedding old skin and is controlled by an enzyme called ecdysones. The action of ecdysones is reduced when Jimson components, particularly atropine, enter the body of the larva, causing the larva to fail to molt, remain in the larval stage, and eventually perish. The larva will only perish after entering the pupal stage if the

*Pharmacological, Biopesticide, and Post-Harvest Loss Management Application of Jimsonweed… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.102789*

atropine concentration is not high enough. If the concentration is any lower, the adult that emerges from the pupa will be completely deformed and sterile [62].

#### *4.1.3 Feeding prevention's atropine effect*

An insect larva will seek to feed on a leaf if it is sitting on it. The maxillary glands are responsible for this particular eating trigger. As a result, peristalsis in the alimentary canal is accelerated, and the larva becomes hungry and begins feeding on the leaf's surface. Because atropine antagonizes the muscarine-like activities of acetylcholine and other choline esters, if the leaf is treated with a Jimson product, it will act as an antimuscarinic agent. The insect does not feed on the atropine-treated surface as a result of this perception. Its swallowing ability is also impaired [63].

#### *4.1.4 Atropine has an anti-oviposition action*

Another way atropine keeps pests at bay is by stopping females from laying eggs. When seeds in storage are covered with atropine or crude Jimson oil, this ability is known as oviposition prevention, and it comes in useful. The insects will no longer feed on them after this treatment. Further damage to the grains will be prevented, and the female will be unable to lay eggs throughout her life cycle's egg-laying period.

#### **4.2 Anticholinergic poisoning from Jimson weed**

#### *4.2.1 Poisoning symptoms and signs*

Symptoms begin to appear shortly after consumption [64]. The dryness of the mouth is the initial symptom, followed by a strong need to drink. The pupils then dilate, resulting in hazy vision. The skin appears flushed and heated. The face, neck, and chest may be affected by an atropine rash, which is more common in youngsters. Swallowing, talking, and peeing may be challenging for the patient. Tachycardia and palpations become more noticeable. Fever is common in children and can reach dangerously at high levels. Various behavioral and mental symptoms are reported depending on the amount of stramonium consumed. The patient is anxious, restless, and bewildered. His exuberance and hyperactivity may make him prone to muscle weakness and incoordination. Memory and orientation are disrupted, visual hallucinations are widespread, and mania and delirium are possible side effects. Coma and convulsions have been seen at larger doses, and cardiac and respiratory collapse can lead to death [64]. The psychosis usually passes in 12 hours, whereas the clinical abnormalities pass in 24 to 26 hours. The condition, on the other hand, can last up to 48 hours [64].

#### *4.2.2 Diagnosis*

A positive history of Jimson marijuana consumption is unquestionably beneficial in determining the diagnosis. In the absence of such information, the diagnosis is based on the recognition of paralysis of organs innervated by parasympathetic nerves, as well as strange mental symptoms. Intoxication with stramine must be distinguished from intoxication with lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and schizophrenia. Dilated pupils, tachycardia, and fever are all physical manifestations of Jimson marijuana and LSD [32]. However, the latter does not usually have a dry mouth or a flushed appearance. Goose pimples also emerge with LSD toxicity due to

the sympathomimetic action. Another historically reported diagnostic method is to identify atropine in the patient's urine by placing a drop of urine in the eye of a cat and observing pupillary dilatation [32].

### *4.2.3 Treatment*

Even if it has been several hours following intake, induced emesis is indicated. If the patient refuses to cooperate, an Ewald tube should be used to perform a stomach lavage to remove any leftover Jimson weed contents. The belladonna alkaloids cause decreased gastrointestinal motility and can stay in the stomach for long periods of time, despite their normally quick absorption. To bind unabsorbed material, roughly 5 mg of activated charcoal should be given *via* the tube once the gastric lavage has become clear. The patient is subsequently administered a cathartic, such as magnesium sulfate, to increase intestinal transit time and decrease absorption. To keep the agitated patient from hurting himself or others, physical restraints may be required. The stimulation will be kept to a minimum in a quiet, gloomy atmosphere.

Any fever should be treated with the appropriate antipyretics. When toxicity is present, hospitalization is recommended. Physostigmine inhibits the enzyme acetylcholinesterase as an anticholinesterase drug, allowing acetylcholine to accumulate at the neuroreceptor site. Physostigmine crosses into the CNS and reverses hallucinations and mental symptoms because of its tertiary amine structure [65]. If the diagnosis is correct, both central and peripheral effects should be reversed within minutes of injection if the diagnosis is correct. Neostigmine and pyridostigmine bromides are also anticholinesterase drugs, but they do not penetrate the CNS since they are quaternary amines.
