Trompette des anges

Related Terms

Alkaloid, alkaloids, Andes datura, angel's-tears, angel's trumpet tea, anticholinergic, apple-peru, Atlinan (Aztec), atropine, baumartige Engelstrompete (Dutch), borrachero, Brugmansia, Brugmansia arborea, Brugmansia aurea, Brugmansia candida, Brugmansia sanguinea, Brugmansia suaveolens, Brugmansia versicolor, campana (Spanish), chamico, concombre-zombi (Caribbean French), Datura candida, Datura condida, Datura cornigera, Datura fastuosa, Datura ferox, Daturainnoxia, Datura meteloides, Datura metel, Daturatatula, Datura, Datura arborea, Datura inoxia, Datura stramonium, Datura suaveolens, Datura wrightii, devil's cucumber, devil's trumpet, devil's weed, dhatura (Hindi), downy thornapple, floripondio (Spanish), golden angel's trumpet, herbe aux sorciers (Caribbean French), hyoscine, hyoscyamine, Iresine herbstii (Amaranthaceae), jimson weed, jimsonweed, kubijara, Lagerheim, maikoa, man-t'o-lo (Chinese), orange angel's trumpet, pricklyburr, red angel's trumpet, red floripontio, San Pedro cactus, scopolamine, serotonin, shredded white, Solanaceae (family), toloache (Aztec), tree datura, thornapple, trumpet lilies, weissliche Engelstrompete (German), white angel's trumpet.

Background

Angel's trumpet is a common name for two closely related genera in the family Solanaceae: Brugmansia, comprising woody plants with pendulous flowers and Datura, comprising herbaceous plants with erect flowers. Some species formerly included in Datura are now classified in the separate genus Brugmansia.
Angel's trumpet has a long history of use in native Central and South American cultures. There is archaeological evidence of the use of this herb for medicinal purposes in pre-Colombian times in northern Peru as far back as 1500 B.C. Use of angel's trumpet continues into contemporary times as Andean shamans ritually use the herb in healing rites and in order to diagnose disease.
Parts of the angel's trumpet contain the poisonous belladonna alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. In the 1990s and 2000s, the U.S. media reported stories of adolescents and young adults dying or becoming seriously ill from intentionally ingesting angel's trumpet. Because of the high potential for overdose and accounts indicating the rising rates of this herb as a hallucinogen by teenagers in the United States, medicinal uses are often discouraged. Angel's trumpet is considered poisonous and it is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Poisonous Plants List.

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)
Based on cases of poisoning and potential dangerous constituents, angel's trumpet is not recommended. Traditionally, angel's trumpet has been used as an enema, tea, or inhalant to induce visions.

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
Angel's trumpet may have additive effects when taken with alcohol, anticholinergic agents (such as amantadine, atropine, belladonna alkaloids, phenothiazines, scopolamine, and tricyclic antidepressants), anesthesia, and anticoagulants.
Angel's trumpet may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, blood pressure-lowering agents, antipsychotic agents, salicylic acid (aspirin), and opiates.

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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