Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants

Datura metel is a shrub-like perennial herb, commonly known as angel's trumpet, devil's trumpet, and metel.

Datura metel grows in the wild in all the warmer parts of the world, and is cultivated worldwide for its chemical and ornamental properties. It was first described by Linnaeus in 1753, but no botanically correct illustrations or descriptions were made until after the New World was settled. It is not possible to be sure about its original home.

The plant is an annual herb growing up to 3 ft. high. It is slightly furry, with dark violet shoots and oval to broad oval leaves that are often dark violet as well. The pleasantly-scented 6-8 in. flowers are immensely varied, and can be single or double. Colors range from white to cream, yellow, red, and violet. The seed capsule is covered with numerous conical humps and a few spines.[1] It is similar to D. inoxia, but D. metel has almost glabrous leaves and fruits that are knobby, not spiny. D. inoxia is pilose all over and has a spiny fruit.

Principal Constituents

Scopolamine (Hyoscine) is the major active constituent of the plant.

Pharmacology

Scopolamine has analgesic and sedative actions and produce amnesia1. It also has anti-inflammatory property.

Toxicology

The whole plant is considered poisonous. The alkaloid Hyoscine in large doses causes delirium, coma, and even death