Thorn apple

Related Terms

Alkaloids, angel's trumpet, apple of peru, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, complex-type oligosaccharide binding lectin, crazy tea, Datura arborea, D. aurea, D. candida, Datura inoxia, Datura L., Datura metel, D. sanguinea, Datura stramonium, Datura stramonium agglutinin, Daturastramonium L. var. tatula (L.) Torr., Datura suaveolens, Daturatatula L., devil's seed, devil's snare, devil's trumpet, DSA, endemic nightshade, hyoscamine, Jamestown weed, jimsonweed, lectins, "loco" weed, mad hatter, malpitte, moonflower seed, nightshade, pods, scopolamine, sobi-lobi, Solanaceae (family), stinkweed, TAL, thorn apple, thornapple leaf, tolguacha, toxic alkaloids, tropane belladonna alkaloids, trumpet lily, zombie's cucumber.

Background

Jimson weed (Datura stramonium) grows throughout the world and has been known as a hallucinogenic plant for centuries. It has reportedly been used by Shamans and native peoples during sacred rituals. In India, the smoke of jimson weed has been used to treat asthma.
Jimson weed may cause extreme toxicity including death. Even very small amounts may cause death. Jimson weed is therefore not used medicinally today, although some alkaloids from jimson weed are approved drugs.
In early research, jimson weed has been studied for asthma and chronic bronchitis, however, clinical evidence supporting any safe or effective use of jimson weed is lacking at this time.

Evidence Table

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. GRADE *
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. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

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.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for jimson weed. Jimson weed may cause extreme toxicity.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Jimson weed may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Jimson weed may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Jimson weed may alter blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that alter blood pressure.
Jimson weed may have additive effects when taken with anti-cholinergics, beta-blockers, cardiac glycosides, antimicrobials, analgesics, antipsychotics, diuretics, stimulants, drugs used for the eye, drugs used to alter heart rate or heart rhythm, drugs toxic to the liver, or drugs with anti-asthmatic, anticancer, anti-seizure, or immune altering properties.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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