Dhattura (Dhattura (Dhurta, Dhuttura, Unmattah, Kanakakhya))
Dhattura (Datura metel) is a potent Ayurvedic herb known for its medicinal properties and toxicity. It is traditionally used, after purification, for various conditions but requires careful handling due to its inherent toxicity.
Botanical name: Datura metel. Also known as: Thorn apple, Devil's trumpet, Downy Datura, Jimsonweed, Devil's weed, Hell's bells, Mad apple, Sada Dhatura, Dhatura, Kaladhattura, Dhurta, Unmatta, Kanakahvya, Devata, Kitar, Turi, Mahamohi, Shivapriya, Matula, Madana, Matulaputraka, Kantaphala, Ghantapushpa, Ummetta, Ummattangani, Vella-Ummathai, Ummattai, Datura, Dhutra, Datura, Unmatta, Unmattu, Datur, Tatur.
Properties
Anticholinergic activity due to tropane alkaloids, Antiviral activity
Dosage
Purified Seed: 50-100 mg; Root Powder: 62.5 mg - 250 mg; Leaf Powder: 50-150 mg orally, sieved to remove coarse fibers, mixed with honey or ghee for antispasmodic effect; Seed Paste: 100-200 mg roasted and crushed seeds, blended into coconut oil for topical neuralgia treatment; Decoction: 5 g dried leaf boiled in 200 mL water, simmered to 50 mL, split into two doses for mild asthma relief (limit use to no more than 2 days consecutively).
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta (Bitter), Katu (Pungent)
- Virya: ["Ushna (Hot)"]
- Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]
Benefits
- Vedanasthapana (Analgesic)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
Traditional uses
- Kasa (Cough)
- Shwasa (Asthma)
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Visha (Poisoning)
- Unmada (Insanity)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Purification (Shodhana): Tie the seeds in a cloth, suspend them in cow's milk, and boil for 3 hours (Swedana). After boiling, the seeds are washed with hot water, dried, and preserved.
- Leaf Juice: May be used for head lice and dandruff.
- Paste or Oil: Prepared for external application to relieve pain, inflammation, itching, and infested wounds.
- Decoction: Boiling dried leaves in water.
- Smoke inhalation: Inhalation of dried leaf smoke for asthma, but should be under strict dosage.
- Dhattura Lavana: A decoction of Dhattura is prepared, and crystalline rock salt is added and heated until only salt remains.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Lactation
- Small Children (especially under 12)
- Glaucoma or Predisposed Ocular Hypertension
- Prostatic Hypertrophy
- Urinary Obstruction
- Cardiac Arrhythmias
- Severe Hypertension
- Concurrent use of other anticholinergic drugs
Side effects
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Increased heart rate
- Delirium
- Hallucinations
- Hyperthermia
- Respiratory failure
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Convulsions
- Extreme thirst
- Flushed skin
- Dilated pupils
- Loss of coordination
- Urinary retention
- Anticholinergic Syndrome
Interactions
- May exacerbate antipsychotics
- MAO inhibitors
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Other anticholinergic drugs
- Coma following co-administration with cold medicines containing diphenhydramine.
- Increased risk of interactions between 2 or more anticholinergics.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to nine studies including 1778 patients suggest potential benefits of Datura metel extracts in treating psoriasis. In vitro studies show antirabies activity. However, more high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vedanasthapana (Analgesic)
- Deepana (Appetizer)
- Pachana (Digestive)
- Kaphahara (Reduces Kapha)
- Vatahara (Reduces Vata)
Classical clinical indications
- Kasa (Cough)
- Shwasa (Asthma)
- Kustha (Skin diseases)
- Jwara (Fever)
- Visha (Poisoning)
- Unmada (Insanity)