Common Thorn-apple

Datura stramonium

Datura stramonium, commonly known as Jimsonweed or Thornapple, is a plant native to North and South America but has spread globally. Traditionally, its use in various cultures is not well-documented; however, it has been associated with ritualistic practices and folk medicine due to its potent alkaloids. Scientifically, D. stramonium exhibits variability in volatile organic compound diversity and metal removal efficiency depending on plant density. Research indicates that salivary N-glycan patterns in cirrhosis patients differ significantly from other groups, suggesting potential diagnostic applications. Additionally, females have shown a preference for laying eggs on certain tolerant varieties of the plant, which can affect larval survival rates. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Native and non-native Datura stramonium populations showed differences in volatile organic compound diversity and emission levels in response to leaf damage. D PMID
  • D. stramonium showed varying metal removal efficiencies across different densities, with higher densities generally improving overall performance, particularly for Cr. D PMID
  • DSA-recognized salivary N-glycan patterns were significantly higher in cirrhosis patients compared to other groups, suggesting potential use in diagnosis. D PMID
  • Females preferred to lay eggs on rare tolerant Datura stramonium plants, which had a differential effect on larval survival. D PMID
  • The study found that Datura stramonium showed neuroprotective activities in Parkinson's disease models, among other plant species. D PMID
  • This study found that Datura stramonium seed oil can be converted to biodiesel with a one-pot sulfonated corn-cob catalyst, achieving high conversion while identifying environmental hotspots in the process. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Common Thorn-apple?

Common Thorn-apple (Datura stramonium) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Common Thorn-apple?

6 sourced findings are recorded for Common Thorn-apple; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Native and non-native Datura stramonium populations showed differences in volatile organic compound diversity and emission levels in response to leaf damage.

How strong is the evidence for Common Thorn-apple?

The strongest finding for Common Thorn-apple carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Common Thorn-apple safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Common Thorn-apple in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Common Thorn-apple interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Common Thorn-apple in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Common Thorn-apple?

Common Thorn-apple is also known as: Дурман обыкновенный, Datura officinal.

Is Common Thorn-apple a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Lectin-based glycoproteomic profiling reveals salivary N-glycan changes recognized by Datura stramonium agglutinin in hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Phytoremediation Potential of the Invasive Plant Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) for Toxic Metal Removal from Soil in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Volatile Organic Compounds of Datura stramonium: Changes in Response to Induced Leaf Damage Between Native and Non-Native Populations. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 The footprint of ethnopharmacology in drug discovery (ISE-APSS2024). literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Integrated experimental and life cycle assessment of biodiesel production from Datura stramonium seed oil using a one-pot sulfonated corncob catalyst. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Survival of the choosiest: females prefer to oviposit on rare tolerant plants. literature abstract metadata