Geographical and cultural trends in the use of plant-based poisons for criminal purpose.

Plant-based poisons, or phytotoxins, have long occupied a dual role in human societies—serving both medicinal and malicious purposes. This review explores the geographical and cultural dimensions of phytotoxins used in criminal activities, highlighting how their availability, traditional knowledge, and spiritual beliefs have facilitated their misuse across regions and eras. Toxic plants such as Atropa belladonna, Aconitum ferox, Datura stramonium, and Ricinus communis have featured prominently in cases of homicide, ritualistic poisoning, and drug-facilitated crimes. Cultural integration and indigenous practices often obscure the boundary between medicinal use and criminal intent, complicating forensic investigation in such contexts. Additionally, modern access to digital platforms has contributed to the transnational dissemination of knowledge regarding the cultivation and criminal application of these toxins, raising global security concerns. This paper aims to analyze these multifaceted trends, offering insights for forensic scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to improve detection, prevention, and legal measures in the context of plant-based poisonings.