Datura stramonium(Solanaceae)- Dhatura

(Thorn Apple)

Warning: This plant is very toxic and hence no attempt should be made to use it. The information presented in this blog is for educational purposes only.

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Datura stramonium

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Datura

Related Herbs from the same family:Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) - A highly toxic plant from Europe used in extremely controlled doses in homeopathy and modern medicine for its tropane alkaloids.Hyoscyamus niger (Henbane) - Another toxic plant containing similar alkaloids, used historically in European and Arabic traditional medicine.In the Indian subcontinent, other Datura species like D. metel are used in Ayurveda and folk medicine with extreme caution.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Datura stramonium | English: Jimson Weed, Thorn Apple, Devil's Trumpet | Sanskrit: Dhattura, Unmatta | Hindi: Dhatura, Sadahdhatura | Tamil: Ummattai, Karu-oomathai | Telugu: Ummetta | Kannada: Unmatta, Dattura | Malayalam: Ummam | Marathi: Dhatura | Bengali: Dhutura | Nepali: Dhaturo | Urdu: Dhatura | French: Stramoine | Spanish: Estramonio | Italian: Stramonio | German: Stechapfel | Chinese: Mántuóluó | Russian: Duran obyknovennyy | Japanese: Chosen-asagao | Afrikaans: Olieboom |

3. Medicinal Uses:Antispasmodic, Analgesic (Pain-relieving), Anesthetic, Anti-asthmatic (bronchodilator), Hallucinogenic (at toxic doses).

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Tropane Alkaloids (Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Scopolamine): These are the primary and most significant compounds. They are anticholinergics, meaning they block the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This leads to:

• Bronchodilation (relaxation of airways) - useful for asthma.

• Antispasmodic effects on smooth muscles - relieving cramps.

• Mydriasis (pupil dilation) - used in eye exams.

• Sedation and Hallucinations at higher doses.These compounds are highly toxic and the difference between a medicinal and lethal dose is very small.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Anti-asthmatic and Bronchodilator

Formulation: Smoke from burning leaves or seeds.

Preparation & Use: A few dried leaves or seeds are smoked to relieve an acute asthma attack. This is a very dangerous practice.

Reasoning: The tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine) act as potent bronchodilators, quickly opening constricted airways. However, the uncontrolled dosage can easily lead to severe poisoning.

Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory for Rheumatism and Pain

Formulation: Leaf poultice or oil infusion for external use only.

Preparation & Use: Leaves are crushed and applied as a poultice, or infused in oil to be used for massaging painful joints, neuralgia, and sciatica.

Reasoning: The alkaloids are absorbed through the skin and provide local analgesic and antispasmodic effects. This also carries a risk of systemic toxicity.

Anesthetic for Minor Surgeries and Toothache

Formulation: Paste or direct application.

Preparation & Use: In very old and risky folk practices, a paste of the seeds was applied to a specific area to induce local numbness before minor procedures. A seed was placed in a dental cavity to relieve toothache.

Reasoning: The potent anticholinergic action blocks nerve signals, causing numbness.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

WARNING: Datura stramonium is extremely poisonous and is NOT used in culinary practices. Internal use of any preparation (tea, decoction, juice, or raw plant) is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. All information provided here is for academic understanding and to highlight the dangers.

External Analgesic Oil (For Qualified Practitioners Only)

Purpose: To relieve deep muscular and joint pain. This is a high-risk preparation and not for home use.

Preparation & Use (Theoretical):

1. A small number of dried leaves are infused in a carrier oil (like sesame oil) for several weeks.

2. The oil is strictly for external application and is used in minute quantities.

3. It should never be applied to broken skin.

7. Disclaimer:Datura stramonium is one of the most toxic plants known. All parts of the plant are poisonous. Ingestion can cause severe anticholinergic syndrome characterized by delirium, hallucinations, tachycardia, hyperthermia, amnesia, and can lead to coma and death. There is no safe dosage for self-administration. Any use, internal or external, should be considered extremely dangerous and is strongly discouraged. This information is presented solely for academic and identification purposes to prevent poisoning. If ingestion is suspected, seek immediate emergency medical attention.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• "Poisonous Plants: A Cultural and Social History" by Robert Bevan-Jones.

• "Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants" by Lewis S. Nelson et al.

• "Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India" (for regulated use of Datura metel in classical formulations by experts).

9. Further study:Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties (and similar dangers):

1. Datura metel (Devil's Trumpet): Family Solanaceae, Genus Datura. This is the species more commonly referenced in Ayurvedic texts (e.g., as Kanaka Dhattura). It contains the same dangerous tropane alkaloids and is used in strictly controlled, processed forms in classical Ayurvedic formulations for asthma and neurological conditions, prepared only by experienced Vaidyas.

2. Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade): Family Solanaceae, Genus Atropa. This European plant shares the same primary tropane alkaloids (atropine is named after it) and has an identical profile of high toxicity and potent pharmacological action.

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