A native informant described the physical effects to be 
dry mouth and hot feverish feeling in the bedy; other 
effects are marked dilation of the pupils (Miranda, 1918) 
and frothing at the mouth (Serna, 1969). Effects on the 
central nervous system reportedly include acute mental 
disturbances and “‘insanity’’ (Philippi, 1869; Reed, 
1892; Gotschlich, 1913), as well as convulsions, delirium 
and hallucinations (Murillo, 1889). Mariani (1965) has 
described these cerebral effects as intense psychomotor 
agitation accompanied by delirium which corresponds to 
acute, exogenous, toxic psychosis. Symptoms of intoxi- 
cation may occur immediately after ingestion (Philippi, 
1868) or as long as 24 hours later (Serna, 1969). Some 
symptoms, especially headaches, may last for weeks or 
even months. 
There are several antidotes known and used in local 
medicine to combat the effects of Latua poisoning. Most 
frequently mentioned is the ubiquitous ierba mora (Sola- 
num nigrum L., Solanaceae). (Murillo, 1889; Mariani, 
1965; Sparre, 1970). A decoction of mora is drunk for 
eight days while fasting. Compresses soaked in the in- 
fusion are wrapped about the head and neck or rubbed 
onthe back. Other plants similarly used are cudle (Owalis 
sp., Oxalidaceae) and the fruit of espino negro (Rhaphi- 
thamnus spinosus (A. Juss.) Moldenke, Verbenaceae). 
A rare account of the action of Latua is given by Dr. 
Benkt Sparre, Curator at the Museum of Natural His- 
tory of Stockholm. At the time of his self-experiment, 
he was Professor at the Universidad de Concepcién 
(Chile). In a letter to the authors, he describes his ex- 
periment in the following way: 
Dec. 12, 1953—Latua pubiflora was collected at La Posada, 
about 3-4 kilometers north-northwest of Maullin (Llanquihue, 
Chile) Sparre and Smith 331 (material in herbarium at Concepcién 
and Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.), sample: Smith 
119-H-E (Beltsville, Maryland, U.S.A.). 
[ 75 | 
