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.

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.

• Antibacterial, antimicrobial, antitumor, asthma, colorectal cancer, hallucinogenic, insecticide, muscle spasms, Parkinson's disease (saliva production control), sedative, whooping cough.

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)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for jimson weed. Jimson weed may cause extreme toxicity.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for jimson weed, and use in children is not recommended. Jimson weed may cause extreme toxicity and even small amounts may cause death in 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 with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to jimson weed, its constituents, other Datura species, or other plants in the nightshade family, such as tobacco, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Jimson weed may cause extreme toxicity including death. Even very small amounts may cause death.

• Jimson weed may cause rapid heart rate, life threatening abnormal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, respiratory arrest, psychosis, delirium, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures, amnesia, coma, and may worsen neurological disorders.

• Jimson weed may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in patients with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Jimson weed may also cause liver damage, kidney damage, difficulty urinating or urinary retention, and blurred vision.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Jimson weed is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to potential for extreme toxicity.

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

• 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.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Jimson weed may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Jimson weed may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements.

• Jimson weed may alter blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that alter blood pressure.

• Jimson weed may have additive effects when taken with anti-cholinergics, beta-blockers, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, antimicrobials, analgesics, antipsychotics, diuretics, stimulants, herbs or supplements used for the eye, herbs or supplements used to alter heart rate or heart rhythm, herbs or supplements toxic to the liver, or herbs or supplements with anti-asthmatic, anticancer, anti-seizure, or immune altering properties.

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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