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(Datura stramonium )
INTRODUCTION :
Datura stramonium has a long history as a narcotic and is well known for its hallucinogenic properties. In Mexico, the seeds of this plant have been used ritually for divination in a similar way as hallucinogenic mushrooms and in other South American cultures this plant is a major ingredient of the toxic medicine, wysoccan, that has been used in adolescent rites. 4,5 Thorn apple has also been associated with the european medieval hallucinogenic brews.
The name ‘thorn apple’ refers to the thorny appearance of the seed capsules.
EFFECTS :
Parasympathetic: euphoria, relaxation, restlessness, visual hallucinations and confusion. Episodes of restlessness are often alternated by periods of relaxation. 3 When the plant material is taken orally, the effects last longer than when smoked, and will also be more narcotic and hallucinogenic.
Autonomic changes: pupilary dilation (mydriasis), dry mouth, psychomotoric disturbances.
DURATION :
The effects appear within an hour after ingestion and last for four to twelve hours. 2 The hallucinogenic (side) effects may last up to two days
Dosage and preparation :
The seeds, leaves and roots of D. stramoinium may be eaten, smoked and prepared as a water infusion. Because of the non-polar character of the active constituents absorption via the skin is alsopossible. The ingestion of the plant material or infusions leads to very strong narcotic states, but the effects are easier to handle when the dried plant material is smoked.
The literature indicates that 3-30 seeds are sufficient to produce psychoactive effects, but it is recommendable to begin with 3- 10 seeds. Foliage may be taken in doses of 0.3-1,5 grams. 4-5 grams of dried foliage may be lethal.
Always use Datura species with great caution!!!
BOTANICAL ASPECTS :
The Datura genus is divided into four subgenuses: A. Stramonium genus (comprised of 3 species), B. Dutra genus (6 species), C. Ceratocaulis (one species) and D. Brugmansia genus (7 species).
D. stramonium has fragrant white, violet flowers and reaches a meter in height. Its black kidney-shaped seeds germinate over a period of 1-6 months.
Figure: Seeds
PHYTOCHEMISTRY :
Like other Datura species D. stramonium contains tropane alkaloids, but also withanolide compounds (C28, steroid lactones). The alkaloids that are mainly responsible for the psychoactive effects are L-hyoscyamine and L-scopolamine, although hyoscyamine-N-oxide, apoatropine, tropine, belladonine and cumarine are also present.
Hyoscyamine is the ester of tropine with (-)-tropic acid, atropine with the racemic (±)-tropic acid and scopolamine is the ester of (-)-tropic acid with scopine.
Although the tropane alkaloid concentrations may vary significantly, the leaves contain 0.25-0.36 %, the roots 0.18-0.22 % and the seeds 0.66 %. 4,5 It appears that the immature plants mainly contain scopolamine.
PHARMACOLOGY :
Atropine and its derivates are muscarine receptor-antagonists; these tropane alkaloids are competitive inhibitors with acetylcholine and muscarine receptor-agonists at postganglionic junctions.
Atropine and scopolamine are physiologically active at doses of respectively 1 milligram and 0.5-1 milligram. Henbane is also physiologically active in cattle, fish and birds, but inactive in pigs.
The withanolides exhibit anti-inflamatory-, immune system stimulating and anti-mutagenic activity, but psychoactive properties are unknown.
MODIFIERS :
- Tropane alkaloids reduce effectivity of muscarine receptor-agonists (for example, arecoline, the active constituent of betel nuts).
- The effects of cannabis and opium poppies are potentiated.
- The effects of harmala-alkaloids (Peganum harmala, Banisteriopsis species) are altered and intensified.
- The tropane alkaloids of Datura species are positive synergic with mescaline (Peyote- and San Pedro cacti).
REFERENCES :
1. [Forth/ Henschler/ Rummel/ Fostermann/ Starke, 2001]
2. [Gottlieb]
3. [Hoffer/ Osmond, 1967]
4. [Hoffmann/ Schultes, 1973]
(Text by Wout.) |
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