Which plant group is known for anticholinergic neurotoxicity?

• A. Belladonna
• B. Cannabis
• C. Gossypol
• D. Urea

Answer: (C)

Anticholinergic neurotoxicity happens when substances block muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, often from tropane alkaloids found in certain plants. Plants like belladonna contain atropine and scopolamine, producing a classic antimuscarinic syndrome: fever, dry mucous membranes, dilated pupils, fast heart rate, urinary retention, delirium, and confusion. Among the options, belladonna represents this group due to its well-known anticholinergic toxins.

Cannabis acts primarily through cannabinoids and does not produce the predominant anticholinergic syndrome. Gossypol from cottonseed has other toxic effects and is not an anticholinergic neurotoxin. Urea is not a plant toxin. So belladonna best fits the characteristic anticholinergic neurotoxicity.