Corked up: Clinical hyoscine poisoning with alkaloids of the native corkwood, Duboisia

Australian native trees of the genus Duboisia contain high concentrations of atropine‐like alkaloids, especially hyoscine. Occupational exposure to the dried plant material results in two clinical syndromes: “cork‐eye”, and being “corked up”. Plant abuse, as an intoxicant and hallucinogen, also results in the “corked up” syndrome. This paper presents four cases of the Duboisia syndrome. Central effects and peripheral anticholinergic effects are encountered in both occupational and accidental field exposure. The particular susceptibility of children, and management of the Duboisia poisoning syndrome are discussed.