Warning: This article contains discussion of rape which some readers may find distressing.
The Epstein Files have uncovered Jeffrey Epstein’s peculiar interest in a flower known for its ability to render individuals in a ‘zombie-like’ state.
Epstein’s notorious history of exploiting minors for sex trafficking, making questionable deals with influential figures, and engaging in immoral acts has been thoroughly documented within the collection of three million files released by the US Department of Justice.
The files contain a wide array of content, from images of sex toys to Epstein surrounded by young women. His New York residence was adorned with artwork depicting nudity, reflecting his disregard for discretion.
Amid his egregious crimes, Epstein’s fixation on the angel trumpet flower—a toxic yet striking flower native to South America—may have been overlooked.
In an email from 2014, Epstein corresponded with someone named Ann Rodriguez, discussing the presence of the plants in his ‘nursery’.
He stated: “Ask Chris about my trumpet plants at nursery [SIC]?”
Later, Epstein received an email in January 2015 about the plant, referred to as ‘Devil’s Breath.’ The email, forwarded by photographer Antoine Verglas, included a link to a Daily Mail article titled “Scopolamine: Powerful drug growing in the forests of Colombia that eliminates free will.”
The article, published in May 2012, described how the plant’s main active ingredient, Scopolamine, can ‘eliminate free will and erase the memory of its victims’. This substance has been used to treat motion sickness.
Victims reportedly become ‘zombies,’ unable to form memories, and remain unaware of events even after the drug’s effects subside.
Essentially, it functions as a natural date-rape drug.
In 2022, Epstein’s inbox received an alleged ‘victim impact statement’ from someone named Joseph Manzaro, detailing his experience of being drugged in 2014.
The National Library of Medicine reports that Angel’s Trumpet, or Brugmansia, is found in the Andes. Consumption, whether by ingesting the flowers or brewing a tea, can induce an alkaloid-related central nervous system anticholinergic syndrome.
Symptoms include ‘fever, delirium, hallucinations, agitation, and persistent memory disturbances’.
Additional effects, as reported by Sharp Health, include muscle weakness, dry mouth, rapid pulse, elevated temperature, hot dry skin, and urinary retention.
Alarmingly, it can also lead to psychosis symptoms and potentially death.
A study mentioned: “Severe intoxication may cause flaccid paralysis, convulsions, and death. Treatment with intravenous physostigmine reverses the toxic effects of Angel’s Trumpet.”
This email release follows Epstein’s death in 2019, which was ruled a suicide at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, as he awaited trial.
Currently, it appears this could be the final batch of files made available to the public, despite calls from lawmakers for complete transparency.
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can contact The National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673), available 24/7. Alternatively, you can chat online at online.rainn.org.