The world’s most dangerous substances are not always synthetic. Some grow quietly in gardens, admired for their beauty while carrying chemicals that can profoundly affect the human brain.
Newly disclosed records linked to Jeffrey Epstein have drawn attention to one such plant.
The documents, released as part of the extensive Justice Department archive surrounding the late financier, reference his interest in Angel’s Trumpet, a South American flower known for its potent toxic properties.
Emails in the files
Within the material are email exchanges indicating that Epstein asked about trumpet-shaped plants kept in a nursery.
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Separate correspondence forwarded to him included an article discussing scopolamine, a compound derived from plants such as Brugmansia.
Scopolamine has legitimate medical uses in carefully controlled doses, particularly for motion sickness.
However, in higher concentrations it has been associated with criminal misuse because of its powerful cognitive effects.
The records do not clarify Epstein’s intentions in seeking information about the plant. Still, the references have prompted renewed scrutiny given his documented criminal conduct and history of abuse.
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Severe health effects
Angel’s Trumpet contains alkaloids that act on the central nervous system. According to medical sources including the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ingestion may cause anticholinergic toxicity.
Reported symptoms include delirium, hallucinations, memory disruption, rapid heartbeat, elevated body temperature and muscle weakness.
In extreme cases, poisoning can lead to paralysis, convulsions or death. Treatment may involve specific antidotes administered in hospital settings.
The latest release is believed to be among the final batches of Epstein-related documents, though some lawmakers continue to call for further transparency.
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Sources: Unilad
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