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Generic Name: Datura

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Synonyms

Angel trumpet, California jimson weed, devil's trumpet, devil's weed, Datura meteloides, DAWR2, hairy thorn-apple, hierba del diablo, Indian apple, Indian whiskey, manit, momoy, raving nightshade, sacred thorn-apple, sacred thornapple, southwestern thorn apple, Stechapfel, stinkweed, thorn apple, tolguacha, toloache, western jimsonweed, Wright's jimsonweed.

Not included in this review: Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) or Datura suaveolens.

Background

Datura wrightii (California jimson weed), and to a lesser extent, Datura stramonium, are common plants in California in the United States, with a repulsive smell and a harsh, astringent flavor to their leaves. In California, the plant is frequently called jimson weed, which has lead to confusion among scientists and clinicians who may not realize that the plant is actually Datura wrightii, not Datura stramonium.

Datura wrightii has been widely used in California. It is also a potentially dangerous plant that has killed many, especially teenagers. Abuse of the plant has been promoted on the Internet, in books, and by word of mouth.

However, many southwestern Native American cultures used Datura wrightii during puberty ceremonies, specifically to induce visions. It was and continues to be a popular herbal medicine among Native Americans who know how to use it safely. It is sometimes sold in Mexican shops as hierba del diablo.

Use of this plant may cause respiratory depression that may result in death. Datura contains atropine and scopolamine, which may induce visual and auditory hallucinations, confusion, panic, and other conditions.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Acne, analgesic (pain reliever), anesthetic, anodyne (pain-reliever), antibacterial, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appendicitis, aromatherapy, arthritis pain, asthma, bloating, blood poisoning, boils, broken bones, bruises, burns, cathartic (producing bowel movements), chest pain, constipation, dry skin, ear aches, eye disorders, fever, hemorrhoids, inflammation, laxative, narcotic, nasal congestion, respiratory problems, rheumatism (topical), sedative, shortness of breath, skin irritation, skin wounds, snake bites, sores, sprains, stimulant, stomach ache, swelling, tonic, wounds.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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