Thorn Apple, Angel's Trumpet, Hindu Datura, Horn of Plenty, Downy Thorn Apple

Datura metel

Physical Characteristics

Datura metel is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - S. China, India. Naturalized in the Mediterranean.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Drink The leaves and roots are bruised, mixed with water and left to stand for several hours. The liquid is then drawn off and drunk. This is a highly narcotic drink, producing a stupefying effect that it is not easy to remove[2]. Caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity[K].

Medicinal Uses

Anaesthetic Anodyne Antiasthmatic Antispasmodic Antitussive Epilepsy Hallucinogenic Hypnotic Mydriatic The whole plant, but especially the leaves and seed, is anaesthetic, anodyne, antiasthmatic, antispasmodic, antitussive, bronchodilator, hallucinogenic, hypnotic and mydriatic[147, 192, 218]. It has a wide range of applications in India, including in the treatment of epilepsy, hysteria, insanity, heart diseases, fever with catarrh, diarrhoea, skin diseases etc[192, 240]. A poultice of the crushed leaves is used to relieve pain[283]. In China, the plant is used in the treatment of asthma[218]. In Vietnam, the dried flowers and leaves are cut into small chips and used in antiasthmatic cigarettes[283]. Great caution is advised in the use of this plant since excess doses cause hallucinations, severe intoxication and death. The toxic dose is very close to the medicinal dose so this plant should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. See also the notes above on toxicity. The plant contains the alkaloids hyoscyamine, hyoscine and atropine[240]. Atropine dilates the pupils and is used in eye surgery[222]. Total alkaloid content of the leaves is 0.426%, which is mainly atropine[240]. The seeds contain 0.426% alkaloids, which is mainly hyoscyamine[240]. The roots contain 0.35% hyoscyamine[240]. An extract of the flowers is used as an anaesthetic - 3 - 5g applied orally produces a general anaesthesia within 5 minutes and lasting 5 - 6 hours[218].

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain narcotics and are very poisonous, even in small doses[147, 200].