Datura stramonium

Datura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starch
Datura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starchDatura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starchDatura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starchDatura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starchDatura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starchDatura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starchDatura stramonium, Solanaceae, Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starch
Botanical Nomenclature Datura stramonium
Common Name Devil's Snare, Jimson Weed
Taxonomy- Family Solanaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Datura stramonium is an annual herb growing from 30 up to 100cm, with broad, ovate leaves, trumpet-shaped flowers and spiny fruits. The flowering lasts from July to October and the harvesting takes place in summer.
Region Found Epirus
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Leaves, flowers, seeds
Active Substances Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine (alkaloids), essential oil, gum, resin, starch
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications The whole plant has analgesic, narcotic, sedative, spasmolytic and antitussive properties. It is reccomended for the treatment of dry coughs, laryngitis and chronic asthma. The alkaloids contained in the plant relax the contractions of the bronchi thus, reducing asthma attacks. They also have spasmolytic action, which is useful in the control of parkinsonian seizures. Finally, it is applied externally in the form of ointment against the pain caused by rheumatism, neuralgia, hemorrhoids, abscesses and other inflammatory cases.
Method of Administration The plant is administered as spasmolytic, analgesic and antitussive in the form of tincture (1: 5 parts of dried leaves in ethyl alcohol 70%, 5 to 15 drops), powder (0,05-0,25g of dried herb, up to 3 times a day) and herbal extract (1 -3 drops once a day). It is also applied externally in the form of ointment as painkiller.
Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions.
Toxicity- Adverse Effects Nausea, impaired vision, dilated pupils, tachycardia, loss of memory, photosensitivity and generalized anticholinergic syndrome, with reduction of mucous secretions may be observed. Plant's consumption should be avoided in patients who suffer from prostate, hypertension, glaucoma, and in pregnant women. It is considered as a strong poison.
References 1) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 29-30, 2)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3621465/ 3)http://medplant.nmsu.edu/datura.html 4)http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/t/thorna12.html 5)http://www.inflibnet.ac.in/ojs/index.php/AUJSAT/article/view/516/487 6)http://www.iloveindia.com/indian-herbs/datur-stramonium.html