Abstract

*Dr. Supriya U. Shende

ABSTRACT

An ancient Acharyas of Ayurveda has classified poisonous drugs into two types, i.e., Sthavara (plant origin) and Jangama (animal origin) Visha. Dhatura is described as one of the deliriant poisonous drugs. The poisons in the deliriant group are characterized by a well-marked deliriant stage. The poisons are; Dhatura, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, and Cannabis indica. Dhatura is commonly grown in wastelands all over India. Datura is well well-known and commonly used drug for treating various ailments, and it is an ingredient in most of the formulations in Ayurveda. There are 2 varieties; viz, Dhatura alba, a white flowered plant, and Dhatura niger, a black or purple flowered one. All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the seeds and fruits are more so. The active principle contains the alkaloids, hyoscine or traces of atropine. The synonyms of Dhatura are: Unmata, Kanaka, Kantakaphala, Kitava, Shivapriya.