Datura stramonium
Datura stramonium · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (15 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Datura stramonium is a complex plant species known for its potent psychoactive and hallucinogenic properties. Its various parts, including the seed, leaf, root, and flower, contain high concentrations of alkaloids such as scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine. Researchers often study crude extracts and 80% methanol extracts of its seeds to explore antioxidant and hepatoprotective benefits. Beyond its chemical potency, the plant has historical and medicinal relevance in addressing conditions like asthma and acting as an antiparasitic. However, its intense chemical makeup necessitates careful study of its various preparations and biological effects.
- Synonyms
- Datura Stramonium F. Inermis · Datura Stramonium Inermis · 28 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Distribution
- Southern America
- Plant Parts
- Seed · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Datura stramonium is a plant known by a diverse array of regional and linguistic identifiers. It is frequently referred to by the names Afal Dreiniog and Afalau Dreiniog in certain cultural contexts. In other areas, the species may be recognized as Almindelig engletrompet or simply as Chamisco. Some local traditions also identify the plant through the name Dalen Meiwyn. These various common names highlight the widespread presence and botanical variety associated with this specific species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Datura stramonium is a complex species that has been classified under several different botanical names throughout history. Scientific literature identifies various synonyms for this plant, including the designations Datura bernhardii and Datura bertolonii. It is also recognized in older texts as Datura cabanesii and Datura capensis. Furthermore, the plant has been referred to as Datura ferocissima in certain taxonomic contexts. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurately identifying the species in botanical research.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Datura stramonium is a notable member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, it belongs to the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the order Solanales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. The plant is a distinguished representative of the genus Datura. Finally, it finds its place within the Solanaceae family, connecting it to other well-known nightshade species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Datura |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Datura stramonium exhibits a widespread presence across several diverse regions within the African continent. In East Tropical Africa, this species is commonly found throughout the landscapes of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond the mainland, its distribution extends to the unique island environments of Macaronesia. Specifically, the plant can be identified growing within the Azores as well as the Canary Islands. This broad geographical range highlights the plant's ability to adapt to various subtropical and island ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Datura stramonium is a self-supporting herb that displays a versatile range of physical development. Depending on its environment, this plant can reach a modest minimum height of 0.15 m. In many cases, it establishes a more significant presence with a minimum height of approximately 1.16875 m. Ultimately, the growth form can extend to a maximum height of 2 m. This variation in stature highlights the adaptable nature of the species as it matures.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Datura stramonium is a complex plant known for its potent hallucinogenic properties, which can lead to serious clinical intoxication. Beyond its psychoactive effects, research highlights its significant biological activities, including strong antioxidant and antimicrobial capabilities. Specifically, studies have demonstrated that its extracts can exhibit antimicrobial action against bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the plant shows remarkable therapeutic potential through its hepatoprotective effects, which help mitigate liver injury in certain models. Finally, traditional medicinal practices have also recognized its utility as an antiparasitic agent.
Compounds
Datura stramonium is a complex medicinal plant characterized by a diverse array of chemical constituents. It contains several potent alkaloids, most notably scopolamine, atropine, and hyoscyamine, which are responsible for its significant pharmacological and toxicological effects. Beyond these alkaloids, phytochemical screenings have revealed the presence of other essential secondary metabolites such as flavonoids and sterols. These combined substances contribute to the plant's wide range of biological activities, including its use in treating asthma and inflammatory diseases. Consequently, understanding the specific relationship between these compounds is vital for assessing both the therapeutic potential and the risks associated with the plant.
Conditions
Datura stramonium is utilized as an anti-asmatic treatment to manage asthma. The plant also possesses adaptive genomic signatures that assist it in managing drought. While it can cause atropine intoxication through consumption, the abstracts also mention the medical context of diagnosing such poisoning. Additionally, Datura stramonium is recognized for its ability to treat rabies according to ethnobotanical studies. Finally, extracts from the plant serve as effective antibacterials to inhibit the growth of Bacillus thermophilus.
Preparations
Datura stramonium is prepared as various extracts, including TA-rich extracts used for identifying tropane alkaloids and antibacterial plant extracts used to inhibit bacterial growth. Specifically, the seeds of the plant are prepared as 80% methanol extracts to evaluate antimicrobial activity and acute toxicity. The plant is also prepared as crude extracts through percolation to investigate antimycobacterial and synergistic activities. Additionally, Datura stramonium is prepared as an agglutinin that serves as a tool for studying mast cell signal transduction. Finally, the plant is prepared as anti-asthmatic cigarettes, which have been linked to acute atropinic syndrome through misuse.
Parts used
Datura stramonium is a complex plant species characterized by various morphological components that hold significant medicinal and toxicological importance. Scientific studies have demonstrated that the seeds, flowers, and leaves of the plant contain potent alkaloids that can lead to hallucinations or provide therapeutic benefits. Research into the plant's biology also highlights the presence of specific lectins and chemical compounds within the roots and the fruits. For instance, extracts from the leaves are being investigated for anticancer potential, while the seeds are known to influence sleep duration in animal models. Understanding the chemical properties found throughout the different parts of Datura stramonium is essential for both its potential pharmacological use and the prevention of accidental intoxication.