Common Thorn-apple
Datura stramonium
Datura stramonium is a plant species found in various global traditions. It has been traditionally used to address conditions such as asthma, spasms, inflammation, rheumatism, and sleeplessness, as well as for topical applications on burns, sores, and boils. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic properties is limited, though studies have noted differences in volatile organic compound emissions and metal removal efficiencies in different populations. There is also research regarding salivary N-glycan patterns and insect interactions. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the provided data. This information is for educational purposes only.
- Traditionally for
- asthma · sedative
- Traditions
- traditional · Ayurveda · TCM · Unani · Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- asthma
- sedative
- spasms
- anodyne
- hemorrhoids
- sores
- boils
- dandruff
- prolapse
- sleeplessness
- burns
- inflammation
- mydriatic
- nervine
- rheumatism
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. stramonium showed varying metal removal efficiencies across different densities, with higher densities generally improving overall performance, particularly for Cr.
- DSA-recognized salivary N-glycan patterns were significantly higher in cirrhosis patients compared to other groups, suggesting potential use in diagnosis.
- Females preferred to lay eggs on rare tolerant Datura stramonium plants, which had a differential effect on larval survival.
- The study found that Datura stramonium showed neuroprotective activities in Parkinson's disease models, among other plant species.
- 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.
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 is Common Thorn-apple traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Common Thorn-apple for: asthma, sedative, spasms, anodyne, hemorrhoids, sores. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Common Thorn-apple?
Common Thorn-apple appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Ayurveda, TCM, Unani, Western phytotherapy.
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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Lectin-based glycoproteomic profiling reveals salivary N-glycan changes recognized by Datura stramonium agglutinin in hepatitis B-related cirrhosis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytoremediation Potential of the Invasive Plant Datura stramonium (Solanaceae) for Toxic Metal Removal from Soil in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Volatile Organic Compounds of Datura stramonium: Changes in Response to Induced Leaf Damage Between Native and Non-Native Populations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The footprint of ethnopharmacology in drug discovery (ISE-APSS2024). literature abstract metadata
- 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
- T2 Survival of the choosiest: females prefer to oviposit on rare tolerant plants. literature abstract metadata