Datura

BOTANICAL NAME: Datura stramonium

FAMILY: Solanaceae

SYNONYMS:

ENGLISH: Jimson weed, devil's trumpets

HINDI: Safed Datura

TAMIL: Umatai

TELUGU: Datura

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: 

v The presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols and glycosides.

v       Hyoscine [(-)-Scopolamine] constitutes the major tropane alkaloid, along with hyoscyamine and atropine.

 

 

 
USES:
 
v Datura has been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as asthma, coughs, and pain.
 
v The seeds and leaves have been employed for their supposed medicinal properties, but these uses are highly risky due to the plant's toxicity.
 
v Datura has been used in various spiritual and shamanic practices, particularly in parts of South America and India
 
v The plant's psychoactive properties can lead to intense hallucinations, and it has been used to facilitate spiritual experiences or communicate with the divine.
 
v Datura has been used historically as a natural insecticide. Its toxic compounds can deter or kill pests
 
v In scientific research, Datura and its alkaloids are studied for their effects on the nervous system and potential therapeutic uses. 
Researchers investigate the plant's compounds to better understand their pharmacological effects and potential applications in medicine.