- 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.
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Jimson weed (Datura stramonium L.)
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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 . Selected references are listed below.
- Alebiowu, G, Femi-Oyewo, MN, Elujoba, AA, et al. Toxicity studies on Datura metel L. with reference to official stramonium. J Herb Pharmacother. 2007;7(1):1-12.
View Abstract - Boumba, VA, Mitselou, A, and Vougiouklakis, T. Fatal poisoning from ingestion of Datura stramonium seeds. Vet Hum Toxicol. 2004;46(2):81-82.
View Abstract - Calbo Mayo, JM, Barba Romero, MA, Broseta, Viana L, et al. [Accidental familiar poisoning by Datura stramonium]. An Med Interna 2004;21(8):415.
View Abstract - Clark, JD. The roadside high: Jimson weed toxicity. Air Med J 2005;24(6):234-237.
View Abstract - Dewitt, MS, Swain, R, and Gibson, LB, Jr. The dangers of jimson weed and its abuse by teenagers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia. W V Med J 1997;93(4):182-185.
View Abstract - Dieckhofer, K, Vogel, T, and Meyer-Lindenberg, J. [Datura stramonium as a narcotic]. Nervenarzt 1971;42(8):431-437.
View Abstract - Dominguez, Fuentes B, Asencio, Mendez C, Garcia, Gil D, et al. [Hallucinations and agitation in a meeting of adolescents]. Rev Clin Esp. 2008;208(1):58-59.
View Abstract - Eftekhar, F, Yousefzadi, M, and Tafakori, V. Antimicrobial activity of Datura innoxia and Datura stramonium. Fitoterapia 2005;76(1):118-120.
View Abstract - Forrester, MB. Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) exposures in Texas, 1998-2004. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2006;69(19):1757-1762.
View Abstract - Kurzbaum, A, Simsolo, C, Kvasha, L, and Blum, A. Toxic delirium due to Datura stramonium. Isr Med Assoc J 2001;3(7):538-539.
View Abstract - Mikolich, JR, Paulson, GW, and Cross, CJ. Acute anticholinergic syndrome due to Jimson seed ingestion. Clinical and laboratory observation in six cases. Ann Intern Med. 1975;83(3):321-325.
View Abstract - No authors listed. An alternative medicine treatment for Parkinson's disease: results of a multicenter clinical trial. HP-200 in Parkinson's Disease Study Group. J Altern.Complement Med. 1995;1(3):249-255.
View Abstract - Roblot, F, Montaz, L, Delcoustal, M, et al. [Datura stramonium poisoning: the diagnosis is clinical, treatment is symptomatic]. Rev Med Interne 1995;16(3):187-190.
View Abstract - Steenkamp, PA, Harding, NM, van Heerden, FR, et al. Fatal Datura poisoning: identification of atropine and scopolamine by high performance liquid chromatography/photodiode array/mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int 10-4-2004;145(1):31-39.
View Abstract - Vanderhoff, BT, and Mosser, KH. Jimson weed toxicity: management of anticholinergic plant ingestion. Am Fam Physician 1992;46(2):526-530.
View Abstract
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