# Datura metel

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/datura-metel
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Datura metel, Devil's Trumpet, Horn of Plenty, Downy Thorn Apple, Hindu Datura, Pricklyburr, Dhatura, Jimsonweed

## Overview

Datura metel is a toxic medicinal plant containing tropane alkaloids including scopolamine and atropine that block [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptors. Clinical studies show 42-48% cure rates for psoriasis treatment, though the plant carries significant toxicity risks.

## Health Benefits

• Psoriasis management: Meta-analysis of 9 studies (1,778 patients) showed cure rates of 42-48% and effectiveness rates of 91-94% with oral and intravenous preparations • Potential [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity: In vitro studies demonstrated seed extracts reduced rabies virus load by >4,000-9,000-fold (preliminary evidence only) • Traditional use for respiratory conditions: Historical applications include chronic bronchitis and asthma (traditional evidence only) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Traditional use for pain and inflammatory conditions, though human clinical evidence is lacking • Possible [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) activity: Animal studies show protective effects against dichlorvos poisoning at 7.5 mg/kg (preliminary evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Datura metel's tropane alkaloids (scopolamine, atropine, hyoscyamine) act as competitive antagonists at muscarinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptors, blocking parasympathetic nervous system signaling. The [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects on skin conditions may involve modulation of immune cell activity and reduction of inflammatory cytokine production. [Antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity appears related to interference with viral replication mechanisms, though the exact pathways remain unclear.

## Clinical Summary

A meta-analysis of 9 studies involving 1,778 patients demonstrated psoriasis cure rates of 42-48% and effectiveness rates of 91-94% using oral and intravenous Datura metel preparations. Preliminary in vitro studies showed seed extracts reduced rabies virus load by over 4,000-9,000-fold, indicating potential [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties. However, most evidence comes from traditional medicine studies with limited methodological rigor. The therapeutic window between effective and toxic doses is extremely narrow, limiting clinical applications.

## Nutritional Profile

Datura metel is not consumed as a food ingredient due to its high toxicity; nutritional macronutrient profile (carbohydrates, protein, fat) is not meaningfully characterized for dietary purposes. Bioactive alkaloid content dominates its chemical profile: scopolamine (hyoscine) at approximately 0.06-0.3% dry weight in leaves and seeds; atropine (dl-hyoscyamine) at approximately 0.2-0.45% dry weight; hyoscyamine comprising the majority of total alkaloid fraction (0.3-0.5% in seeds); total alkaloid content in seeds ranges from 0.4-0.8% dry weight, with flowers containing 0.2-0.45% and roots 0.1-0.3%. Withanolides (steroidal lactones) including daturalactone and withanolide D are present at trace concentrations (<0.05% dry weight). Flavonoids identified include luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin glycosides at approximately 0.1-0.5 mg/g dry weight. Phenolic compounds including chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid derivatives are present at 1-3 mg/g dry weight. Seeds contain fixed oils (fatty acids: linoleic ~40%, oleic ~30%, palmitic ~15%) comprising approximately 20-25% of seed weight. Minerals detected include potassium (~3,500 mg/kg), calcium (~2,000 mg/kg), and magnesium (~800 mg/kg) in leaf tissue, though these are clinically irrelevant given toxic doses. Bioavailability note: tropane alkaloids are rapidly absorbed through mucous membranes and skin; therapeutic-to-toxic margin is extremely narrow, making any concentration potentially dangerous.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosages for psoriasis include intravenous extracts and oral capsules (with or without diazepam), though specific mg/kg doses are not detailed in available studies. In vitro [antiviral](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) tests used seed/fruit extracts at 2.5-5 mg/ml. No standardized dosing guidelines exist due to high toxicity risk and narrow therapeutic index. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Datura metel is highly toxic due to variable concentrations of tropane alkaloids, with poisoning symptoms including delirium, hallucinations, seizures, and potentially fatal respiratory depression. The plant interacts dangerously with anticholinergic medications, antidepressants, and central nervous system depressants. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are absolute contraindications due to severe teratogenic and neurotoxic risks. Even small doses can cause unpredictable toxicity, making self-medication extremely dangerous.

## Scientific Research

A 2023 meta-analysis evaluated 9 studies (1,778 psoriasis patients) with intravenous therapy showing cure rates of 0.48 (95% CI: 0.33-0.62) and oral therapy cure rates of 0.42 (95% CI: 0.17-0.68), though with high heterogeneity (I²=94-98%). No specific PMIDs were provided in the research, and the meta-analysis noted unclear mechanisms and need for larger RCTs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Datura metel has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine for neurological and heart diseases, fever, catarrh, pain, diarrhea, skin diseases, chronic bronchitis, and asthma. Historical applications span global traditional systems, particularly in Ayurveda, for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), analgesic, and sedative effects.

## Synergistic Combinations

Diazepam (for sedation in clinical studies), Traditional Ayurvedic herbs, [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) botanicals, Immune-modulating herbs

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the effective dosage of Datura metel for psoriasis?

Clinical studies used standardized preparations with controlled alkaloid content, but specific dosages are not publicly available due to toxicity concerns. The therapeutic window is extremely narrow, and dosing must only be determined by qualified practitioners in controlled medical settings.

### Can Datura metel be used safely at home for skin conditions?

No, Datura metel should never be used at home due to its high toxicity and unpredictable alkaloid concentrations. Even experienced practitioners require specialized knowledge and monitoring equipment. Home use has resulted in numerous poisoning cases and deaths.

### How long does it take to see results from Datura metel for psoriasis?

Clinical studies showing 42-48% cure rates typically involved treatment periods of several weeks to months. However, the exact timeline varies significantly between patients, and treatment must be closely monitored due to accumulation of toxic compounds.

### What are the first signs of Datura metel poisoning?

Early poisoning symptoms include dry mouth, dilated pupils, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. These can rapidly progress to hallucinations, delirium, seizures, and respiratory failure. Any suspected exposure requires immediate emergency medical attention.

### Are there safer alternatives to Datura metel for psoriasis treatment?

Yes, numerous safer psoriasis treatments exist including topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, biologics, and phototherapy. These conventional treatments have well-established safety profiles and efficacy rates comparable to or better than Datura metel without the severe toxicity risks.

### What does clinical research show about Datura metel's effectiveness for psoriasis?

Meta-analysis data from 9 clinical studies involving 1,778 patients demonstrated cure rates of 42-48% and overall effectiveness rates of 91-94% using oral and intravenous preparations of Datura metel. These results suggest substantial efficacy, though the evidence quality and study design vary across the included trials. However, the high toxicity profile of Datura metel raises significant safety concerns that must be weighed against these effectiveness metrics.

### Who should avoid Datura metel supplementation?

Datura metel should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers, children, and elderly individuals due to its high alkaloid content and narrow safety margin. Patients with cardiovascular disease, glaucoma, urinary retention, or those taking anticholinergic medications are at particular risk for adverse interactions and toxicity. Individuals with a history of substance abuse or mental health conditions should also avoid this ingredient given its psychoactive alkaloid profile.

### How does Datura metel's antiviral potential compare to its documented risks?

In vitro studies showed seed extracts reduced rabies virus load by 4,000-9,000-fold, but this preliminary evidence comes from laboratory conditions and has not been validated in human clinical trials. The theoretical antiviral benefit must be considered against Datura metel's well-documented toxicity, which can cause severe anticholinergic poisoning, hallucinations, and potentially fatal outcomes even at small doses. Currently, the risk-benefit profile does not support its use as an antiviral agent outside of highly controlled medical settings.

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