Medicinal Uses of Datura

 

                                                                           Datura

                                                              Datura

Datura metel.
Common names: Downy Thorn-Apple, Devil's Trumpet.
Common Hindi name: Dhatura.
A wild plant in the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Plant: 80cm shrub-like annual herb.
Flower: 7cm across.
Highly poisonous. This plant may be toxic if ingested in any quantity, symptomatically expressed as flushed skin, headaches, hallucinations, and possibly convulsions or even a coma.
One of the 50 fundamental herbs used in Chinese herbology.

                                                              fruits of Datura

MEDICINAL USES:-

Datura metel is known as an anticholinergic, meaning it reduces spasms by blocking the transmission of nerve impulses. Additionally, datura metel is a well-known plant with deliriant properties, or capable of causing hallucinations or delirium. It has been the choice of many cultures over the years for astral or shamanistic journeys, or as a rite of passage.
Its ability to control spasms has led to datura metel being used frequently in Chinese herbology to treat the wheezing of asthma, and in Vietnam datura metel is added to asthmatic cigarettes. Great care must be taken when using this herb, as the toxic dose is very close to the medicinal dose. The wrong dosage can induce hallucinations, severe intoxication, and even death. Use of datura metel should be closely monitored by an experienced practitioner trained in herbology.
The alkanoids contained within the plant is what makes it effective as a anesthetic. Alkanoids are chemical compounds produced by a large number of organisms, and many have pharmaceutical effects. The alkanoids in datura are hycosamine, hycosine, and atropine.