Editing Scopolamine (section)

==Society and culture==

===Names===
Hyoscine hydrobromide is the [[international nonproprietary name]], and scopolamine hydrobromide is the [[United States Adopted Name]]. Other names include ''levo''-duboisine, devil's breath, and ''burundanga''.<ref name="Uribe_et_al_2005">{{cite journal |vauthors=Uribe-Granja MG, Moreno-López CL, Zamora-Suárez A, Acosta PJ |title=Perfil epidemiológico de la intoxicación con burundanga en la clínica Uribe Cualla S. A. de Bogotá, D. C. |trans-title=Epidemiological profile of burundanga poisoning at the Uribe Cualla SA clinic in Bogotá, D. C. |language=es |journal=Acta Neurológica Colombiana |date=September 2005 |volume=21 |issue=3 |pages=197–201 |url=https://actaneurologica.com/index.php/anc/article/view/1723/1459 |format=PDF |access-date=1 July 2024 |archive-date=3 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240703045530/https://actaneurologica.com/index.php/anc/article/view/1723/1459 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Wired-2011-03-03>{{cite magazine |title=Mind controller: What is the 'burundanga' drug? | vauthors = Bell V |date=3 March 2011 |publication-date=April 2011 |magazine=Wired UK |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/article/mind-controller-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811011218/http://www.wired.co.uk/article/mind-controller-1 |archive-date=11 August 2017 }}</ref>

===Australian bush medicine===
A [[bush medicine]] developed by [[Aboriginal Australians|Aboriginal peoples]] of the [[eastern states of Australia]] from the soft [[Duboisia myoporoides|corkwood]] tree (''[[Duboisia myoporoides]]'') was used by the [[Allies of World War II|Allies]] in World War II to stop soldiers from getting seasick when they sailed across the [[English Channel]] on their way to France during the [[Invasion of Normandy]]. Later, the same substance was found to be usable in the production of scopolamine and [[hyoscyamine]], which are used in [[eye surgery]], and a multimillion-dollar industry was built in [[Queensland]] based on this substance.<ref name=kc2019>{{cite web | title=Visitors to Art of Healing exhibition told how Australian Indigenous bush medicine was given to every allied soldier landing at Normandy on D-Day | website=King's College London | date=7 June 2019 | url=https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/australian-indigenous-bush-medicine-was-given-to-allied-soldiers-on-d-day | access-date=2 June 2020 | archive-date=2 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602064503/https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/australian-indigenous-bush-medicine-was-given-to-allied-soldiers-on-d-day | url-status=live }}</ref>

===Recreational and religious use===
While it has been occasionally used recreationally for its hallucinogenic properties, the experiences are often unpleasant, mentally and physically. It is also physically dangerous and officially classified as a [[deliriant]] drug, so repeated recreational use is rare.<ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Freye E |title = Pharmacology and Abuse of Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Related Designer Drugs |chapter = Toxicity of Datura Stramonium |publisher = Springer |year = 2010 |location = Netherlands |pages = 217–218 |isbn = 978-90-481-2447-3 |doi = 10.1007/978-90-481-2448-0_34}}</ref> In June 2008, more than 20 people were hospitalized with [[psychosis]] in Norway after ingesting counterfeit [[rohypnol]] tablets containing scopolamine.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2507100.ece |title=Bilsykemedisin i falske rohypnol-tabletter |website=Aftenposten.no |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627021428/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/article2507100.ece |archive-date=27 June 2008 }}</ref> In January 2018, 9 individuals were hospitalized in Perth, Western Australia, after reportedly ingesting scopolamine.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-04/toxicology-results-from-perth-mass-overdose-expected-today/9303330|title=Perth backpacker overdose linked to common anti-nausea drug|date=4 January 2018|work=ABC News|access-date=4 January 2018|archive-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107233116/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-01-04/toxicology-results-from-perth-mass-overdose-expected-today/9303330|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The alkaloid scopolamine, when taken recreationally for its psychoactive effect, is usually taken in the form of preparations from plants of the genera ''[[Datura]]'' or ''[[Brugmansia]]'', often by [[adolescents]] or [[young adults]] in order to achieve hallucinations and an [[altered state of consciousness]] induced by [[Muscarinic antagonist|muscarinic antagonism]].<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Fatur K, Kreft S | title = Common anticholinergic solanaceaous plants of temperate Europe - A review of intoxications from the literature (1966-2018) | journal = Toxicon | volume = 177 | pages = 52–88 | date = April 2020 | pmid = 32217234 | doi = 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.005 | bibcode = 2020Txcn..177...52F | s2cid = 213559151 }}</ref><ref name='Preissel'>{{cite book | vauthors = Preissel U, Preissel HG | title = ''Brugmansia'' and ''Datura'': Angel's Trumpets and Thorn Apples | publisher = Firefly Books | year = 2002 | location = Buffalo, NY | pages = 106–129 | isbn = 1-55209-598-3 }}</ref> In circumstances such as these, the [[Substance intoxication|intoxication]] is usually built on a [[Drug synergy|synergistic]], but even more toxic mixture of the additional alkaloids in the plants which includes [[atropine]] and [[hyoscyamine]].

Historically, the various plants that produce scopolamine have been used psychoactively for [[Spirituality|spiritual]] and [[magic (supernatural)|magical]] purposes, particularly by witches in western culture and [[indigenous people|indigenous]] groups throughout the [[Americas]], such as [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] tribes like the [[Chumash people|Chumash]].<ref name="Raetsch"/><ref name="The Way of the Shaman">{{cite book | vauthors = Harner M |year=1980| title=The Way of the Shaman|url=https://archive.org/details/wayofshamanguide00harn|url-access=registration| location=New York |publisher=Harper & Row |isbn=978-0-06-250373-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | vauthors = Kuklin A | title = How Do Witches Fly?| publisher = DNA Press |date=February 1999 | isbn = 0-9664027-0-7 }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = Applegate RB |title=The Datura Cult Among the Chumash |journal=The Journal of California Anthropology |date=1975 |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=7–17 |jstor=27824805 }}</ref> When [[entheogenic]] preparations of these plants were used, scopolamine was considered to be the main psychoactive compound and was largely responsible for the hallucinogenic effects, particularly when the preparation was made into a topical ointment, most notably [[flying ointment]].<ref name="Hansen">Hansen, Harold A. The Witch's Garden pub. Unity Press 1978 {{ISBN|978-0913300473}}</ref> 

Scopolamine is reported to be the only active alkaloid within these plants that can effectively be absorbed through the skin to cause effects.<ref name="W.B. Saunders"/> Different recipes for these ointments were explored in [[European witchcraft]] at least as far back as the [[early modern period]] and included multiple ingredients to help with the transdermal absorption of scopolamine, such as animal fat, as well as other possible ingredients to counteract its noxious and dysphoric effects.<ref name="Hansen"/>

In the [[Bible]], there are multiple mentions of [[Mandrake]], a psychoactive and hallucinogenic plant root that contains scopolamine. It was associated with fertility and (sexual) desire for which it was yearned by [[Rachel]], who was "barren" (infertile) but trying to conceive.<ref>{{cite web|title=Genesis 30:14–16 (King James Version)|url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030:14-16&version=KJV|publisher=Bible Gateway|access-date=6 January 2014|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107035307/http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2030:14-16&version=KJV|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Song of Songs 7:12–13 (King James Version)|url=http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Songs%207:12-13&version=KJV|publisher=Bible Gateway|access-date=6 January 2014|archive-date=7 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107034445/http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Song%20of%20Songs%207:12-13&version=KJV|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Interrogation===
The effects of scopolamine were studied for use as a [[truth serum]] in interrogations in the early 20th century,<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors = House RE |title = The Use of Scopolamine in Criminology |journal = Texas State Journal of Medicine |volume = 18 |pages = 256–263 |date=September 1922 |url=https://archive.org/details/texasstatejourna1819texa/page/n284/mode/1up }}<br />
Reprinted in: {{cite journal |doi = 10.2307/1147361 | vauthors = House RE |title = The Use of Scopolamine in Criminology |journal = American Journal of Police Science |volume = 2 |issue = 4 |pages = 328–336 |date = July–August 1931 |jstor = 1147361}}</ref> but because of the side effects, investigations were dropped.<ref>{{cite web | vauthors = Bimmerle G |date=22 September 1993 |title='Truth' Drugs in Interrogation| website=CIA.gov |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol5no2/html/v05i2a09p_0001.htm |publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]] |access-date=14 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927173306/https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol5no2/html/v05i2a09p_0001.htm |archive-date=27 September 2012 }}</ref> In 2009, the [[Czechoslovakia|Czechoslovak]] [[StB|state security secret police]] were proven to have used scopolamine at least three times to obtain confessions from alleged [[Enemy of the state|antistate]] [[dissident]]s.<ref>{{cite news | vauthors = Gazdík J, Navara L |title = Svědek: Grebeníček vězně nejen mlátil, ale dával jim i drogy |trans-title=A witness: Grebeníček not only beat prisoners, he also administered drugs to them |language = cs |publisher = [[Mladá fronta DNES|iDnes]] |date = 8 August 2009 |url = http://zpravy.idnes.cz/svedek-grebenicek-vezne-nejen-mlatil-ale-daval-jim-i-drogy-pmd-/domaci.asp?c=A090807_205833_domaci_vel |access-date = 10 August 2009 |url-status = live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090811062349/http://zpravy.idnes.cz/svedek-grebenicek-vezne-nejen-mlatil-ale-daval-jim-i-drogy-pmd-/domaci.asp?c=A090807_205833_domaci_vel |archive-date = 11 August 2009 }}</ref>

===Use in crime===
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=August 2024}}
Ingestion of scopolamine can render a victim unconscious for 24 hours or more. In large doses, it can cause respiratory failure and death. The highest prevalence of misuse seems to be recorded in [[Colombia]]. Unofficial estimates there put the number of annual scopolamine incidents at approximately 50,000. A travel advisory published by the [[Bureau of Diplomatic Security|U.S. Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)]] in 2012 stated: {{blockquote|One common and particularly dangerous method that criminals use to rob a victim is through the use of drugs. Scopolamine is most often administered in liquid or powder form in foods and beverages. The majority of these incidents occur in nightclubs and bars, and usually, men, perceived to be wealthy, are targeted by young, attractive women. It is recommended that to avoid becoming a victim of scopolamine, a person should never accept food or beverages offered by strangers or new acquaintances, nor leave food or beverages unattended in their presence. Victims of scopolamine or other drugs should seek immediate medical attention.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=12118 |title=Colombia 2012 Crime and Safety Report: Cartagena |date=4 March 2012 |publisher=[[Overseas Security Advisory Council]], [[United States Department of State]] |access-date=6 August 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130315175638/https://www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReportDetails.aspx?cid=12118 |archive-date=15 March 2013 }}</ref>}}

Between 1998 and 2004, 13% of emergency-room admissions for "poisoning with criminal intentions" in a clinic of [[Bogotá]] have been attributed to scopolamine, and 44% to [[benzodiazepine]]s.<ref name="Uribe_et_al_2005"/> Most commonly, the person has been poisoned by a robber who gave the victim a scopolamine-laced beverage, in the hope that the victim would become unconscious or unable to effectively resist the robbery.<ref name="Uribe_et_al_2005"/>

Beside robberies, it is also allegedly involved in [[express kidnapping]]s and [[sexual assault]].<ref name="dom">{{cite news | vauthors = Domínguez I |title=Burundanga: the stealth drug that cancels the victim's willpower |url=http://elpais.com/elpais/2016/07/25/inenglish/1469445136_776085.html?id_externo_promo=ob-externo-english |date=25 July 2016 |access-date=12 August 2016 |work=Crime |agency=El País, Madrid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820222322/http://elpais.com/elpais/2016/07/25/inenglish/1469445136_776085.html?id_externo_promo=ob-externo-english |archive-date=20 August 2016 }}</ref> In 2008, the Hospital Clínic in [[Barcelona]] introduced a [[Medical guideline|protocol]] to help medical workers identify cases. In February 2015, Madrid hospitals adopted a similar working document.<ref name="dom"/> Hospital Clínic has found little scientific evidence to support this use and relies on the victims' stories to reach any conclusion.<ref name="dom"/> 

Although poisoning by scopolamine appears quite often in the media as an aid for raping, kidnapping, killing, or robbery, the effects of this drug and the way it is applied by criminals (transdermal injection, on playing cards and papers, etc.) are often exaggerated,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.hoax-slayer.com/burundanga-warning.shtml |title=Burundanga Business Card Drug Warning | website=Hoax-Slayer.com |date=12 October 2008|url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307163535/http://www.hoax-slayer.com/burundanga-warning.shtml| archive-date=7 March 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/crime/a/burundanga.htm| title=Beware the Burundanga Man! |work=About.com Entertainment|access-date=19 December 2016| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170110140952/http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/crime/a/burundanga.htm|archive-date=10 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/burundanga.asp |title=Burundanga/Scopolamine Warning| vauthors = Mikkelson D |work=snopes.com |access-date=19 December 2016}}</ref> especially skin exposure, as the dose that can be absorbed by the skin is too low to have any effect.<ref name="dom" /> Scopolamine transdermal patches must be used for hours to days.<ref name="White" /> 

There are certain other aspects of the usage of scopolamine in crimes. Powdered scopolamine is referred to as "devil's breath". In popular media and television, it is portrayed as a method to [[brainwashing|brainwash]] or control people into being defrauded by their attackers.<ref name="Case" >{{cite journal | vauthors = Reichert S, Lin C, Ong W, Him CC, Hameed S | title = Million dollar ride: Crime committed during involuntary scopolamine intoxication | journal = Canadian Family Physician | volume = 63 | issue = 5 | pages = 369–370 | date = May 2017 | pmid = 28500194 | pmc = 5429053 | url = https://www.cfp.ca/content/cfp/63/5/369.full.pdf | url-status = live | archive-date = 22 April 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210422180516/https://www.cfp.ca/content/cfp/63/5/369.full.pdf }}</ref> There is debate whether these claims are true.<ref>{{cite web |vauthors=Anderson L |title=Devil's Breath: Urban Legend or the World's Most Scary Drug? |url=https://www.drugs.com/illicit/devils-breath.html |website=Drugs.com |access-date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=23 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623203809/https://www.drugs.com/illicit/devils-breath.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 September 2015 |title='Devil's breath' aka scopolamine: can it really zombify you? |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2015/sep/02/devils-breath-aka-scopolamine-can-it-really-zombify-you |access-date=4 January 2019 |vauthors=Saner E |archive-date=4 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104180116/https://www.theguardian.com/society/shortcuts/2015/sep/02/devils-breath-aka-scopolamine-can-it-really-zombify-you |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mikkelson |first=Barbara |date=2008-05-11 |title=FACT CHECK: Burundanga/Scopolamine Warning |url=https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/burundangascopolamine-warning/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=Snopes |language=en}}</ref>