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, dhatūrā (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.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. 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 health care professional.

• Anesthesia, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, arthritis, asthma, autonomic dysfunction, bone fractures, bruises, curative, euphoric, hallucinations, hemorrhoids, improved mental clarity, musculoskeletal injuries (feet), narcotic, pain, psychoactive, rheumatic diseases, sedation, skin conditions (pustules), swelling, ulcers, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

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.

Children (under 18 years old)

• Based on cases of poisoning and potentially dangerous constituents, angel's trumpet is not recommended for children.

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.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with known allergy/hypersensitivity to angel's trumpet, its constituents (atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine), or Datura or Brugmansia species.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Parts of the angel's trumpet contain the poisonous belladonna alkaloids atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. Angel's trumpet is considered poisonous, and it is on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Poisonous Plants List. Because of the high risk for overdose and reports of increasing rates of this herb as a hallucinogen by teenagers in the United States, medicinal uses are often discouraged.

• Fever, flushing, intense thirst, disorientation, hyperactivity, ataxia, delirium, motor restlessness, over-talkativeness, convulsive sobbing, sexual excitement, changes in blood pressure, dry skin, vomiting, acute anticholinergic syndrome, excessive muscular tone, muscular weakness, muscular paralysis, clonus, disorientation, incoherent thought, fever, tangential thinking, illusions, seizures, convulsions, coma, alternating levels of consciousness, and audio-visual disassociation, mydriasis, anisocoria, anxiety, amnesia, psychosis, respiratory distress and weakness, constipation, delayed gastric emptying, suppression of gastrointestinal motility, decreased lower esophageal pressure, increase ocular tension in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, increased urinary retention, and aggressive and autoaggressive behavior, have been reported after ingestion.

• Angel's trumpet may worsen obstructive gastrointestinal tract diseases (including atony, paralytic ileus, and stenosis).

• Angel's trumpet may cause increased heartbeat (tachycardia) and worsen congestive heart failure.

• Avoid in individuals with toxic megacolon, as angel's trumpet might worsen the condition by suppressing intestinal motility.

• Individuals with Down syndrome may be hypersensitive to the antimuscarinic effects of angel's trumpet.

• Angel's trumpet may increase the risk of hypothermia in patients with fever.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Based on case reports and epidemiological study, the entire plant is considered poisonous and is unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. 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.

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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Angel's trumpet may have additive effects when taken with alcohol, anticholinergic agents (such as amantadine, atropine, belladonna, phenothiazines, scopolamine, and tricyclic antidepressants), anesthesia, and anticoagulants.

• Angel's trumpet may also interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, blood pressure-lowering agents, antipsychotic agents, willow bark, and opiates/poppy.

Author Information

• 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).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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