ধুতুরা (DATURA METEL)
ORIGIN
Datura metel is believed to have originated in tropical Asia, particularly the Indian subcontinent. Today, it is widely distributed across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The plant has long-standing religious, medicinal, and cultural significance in South Asia and is traditionally associated with Lord Shiva in Hinduism.
TAXONOMY
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Angiosperms
Class: Eudicots
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Datura
Species: Datura metel L.
EVOLUTION
Datura metel belongs to the Solanaceae family, which includes plants such as potato, tomato, chili, and tobacco.
Evolved strong chemical defense mechanisms
Production of tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine) to deter herbivores
Adapted to open, disturbed, and warm habitats
Toxicity provided an evolutionary advantage by reducing predation
DESCRIPTION
Plant type: Shrub-like annual or short-lived perennial herb
Height: 1–2 meters
Leaves: Large, ovate, dark green, with wavy margins
Flowers: Large, trumpet-shaped; white, purple, or violet; fragrant at night
Fruit: Globular, spiny capsule
Seeds: Numerous, small, brown to black
ECOLOGY
Climate: Tropical and subtropical
Soil: Well-drained sandy or loamy soil
Sunlight: Full sun
Habitat: Roadsides, wastelands, agricultural margins
The plant is hardy and grows easily in disturbed soils.
CULTIVATION
Propagation: Seeds
Sowing time: Spring or early monsoon
Maintenance: Minimal
Growth habit: Fast-growing
Cultivation is generally limited due to the plant’s toxicity.
TRADITIONAL USES
Ayurvedic & Folk Medicine
Treatment of asthma and bronchitis (strictly controlled doses)
Pain relief and muscle relaxation
External application for wounds, boils, and inflammation
Religious Use
Offered in rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva
Used in traditional tantric practices
MEDICINAL USES
Use only under professional supervision
Therapeutic Properties
Antispasmodic
Analgesic (pain-relieving)
Sedative
Bronchodilator
Medicinal Parts Used
Leaves
Seeds
Modern medicine uses purified compounds rather than raw plant material.
RESEARCH
Major Bioactive Compounds
Atropine
Scopolamine
Hyoscyamine
Scientific Findings
Strong anticholinergic effects
Used in modern medicine for:
Motion sickness (scopolamine)
Muscle spasms
Pre-anesthetic medication
Extensive research confirms both therapeutic potential and high toxicity
BIOLOGY
Pollination: Insects, especially nocturnal moths
Chromosome number: 2n = 24
Life cycle: Annual or short-lived perennial
Reproduction: By seeds
TOXICITY
Extremely toxic plant
Symptoms of Poisoning
Dry mouth and throat
Dilated pupils
Hallucinations and delirium
Rapid heartbeat
Respiratory failure
Coma or death (in severe cases)
❗ Self-medication is dangerous and potentially fata
CONCLUSION
Datura metel is a powerful but highly dangerous medicinal plant.
While it has historical and pharmacological importance, its narrow safety margin makes unsupervised use extremely risky. Today, its value lies mainly in pharmaceutical research and controlled medical applications, not in home remedies.