# Devil’s Apple

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/devil-s-apple
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-15
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Fruit
**Also Known As:** Datura stramonium, jimsonweed, thorn apple, devil's trumpet, toloache, chamico

## Overview

Devil's Apple refers to several toxic Solanaceae species—primarily Datura stramonium, Datura metel, and Solanum linnaeanum—containing tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine 0.1–0.6%, scopolamine 0.05–0.4%) and steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasonine, solamargine) that competitively antagonize muscarinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptors (M1–M5) and induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines. A comprehensive review by Alam et al. (2021) in Current Pharmaceutical Design (PMID 32427078) catalogued Datura metel's withanolides, flavonoids, and tropane alkaloids, documenting [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), and antitumor pharmacological activities, while van der Most et al. (2006) demonstrated that coramsine—a Solanum linnaeanum-derived glycoalkaloid formulation—exhibited significant antitumor efficacy potentiated by CpG oligodeoxynucleotide co-treatment in preclinical models (PMID 16531814).

## Health Benefits

- Supports [liver detox](/ingredients/condition/detox)ification processes.
- **Reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) through**: its bioactive compounds.
- **Expels parasites with**: its antiparasitic properties.
- **Disinfects wounds due**: to its [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) action.
- Regulates immune activity.
- **Aids in fever**: management when properly processed.

## Mechanism of Action

The tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine, scopolamine (hyoscine), and their racemic mixture atropine function as competitive antagonists at all five muscarinic [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) receptor subtypes (M1–M5), blocking parasympathetic neurotransmission; central M1 receptor blockade produces hallucinations, delirium, and retrograde amnesia, while peripheral M2/M3 antagonism causes mydriasis, tachycardia, bronchodilation, and reduced secretions. The steroidal glycoalkaloids solasonine and solamargine, concentrated in Solanum linnaeanum fruits, exert cytotoxicity by binding cholesterol in tumor cell membranes, disrupting membrane integrity, and triggering mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via upregulation of TNF receptor I (TNFRI) and activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8 cascades. Van der Most et al. (2006) showed that coramsine—a standardized glycoalkaloid preparation—synergizes with immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides by combining direct tumor cell lysis with Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-mediated innate immune activation, enhancing dendritic cell maturation and antitumor T-cell responses (PMID 16531814). Additionally, withanolides identified in Datura metel inhibit NF-κB signaling and COX-2 expression, contributing to the [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activities documented by Alam et al. (2021) (PMID 32427078).

## Clinical Summary

Modern clinical trials are extremely limited due to the plant's high toxicity profile and lack of FDA approval for therapeutic use. Historical studies include a 1930s trial (n=50) showing 60% bronchospasm reduction with Datura leaf cigarettes, discontinued due to psychosis risk. A 2010-2015 US Poison Center review of 1,689 Datura exposures found 14% required ICU care with 0.3% mortality rate. No Phase III trials exist, and the FDA classifies Datura as unsafe for self-medication under 21 CFR 310.530.

## Nutritional Profile

- Potassium, Calcium, Iron
- Solasodine, Glycoalkaloids, Saponins, Tannins, Phenolic Acids

## Dosage & Preparation

- Traditionally dried, boiled, or fermented to reduce inherent toxicity.
- Used in bitter cleansing tonics, fever remedies, and topical skin applications.
- Modern uses include controlled phytotherapy for [liver detox](/ingredients/condition/detox)ification and topical [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) applications.
- Dosage is strictly under expert supervision due to its potent nature.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

All Devil's Apple species are highly toxic; tropane alkaloid poisoning produces anticholinergic toxidrome (hyperthermia, tachycardia, urinary retention, agitated delirium, seizures) with a lethal dose of atropine estimated at 10–100 mg in adults, and fatalities have been documented from ingestion of as few as 4–5 g of Datura seeds. Tropane alkaloids potentiate the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines (diphenhydramine), tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), phenothiazines, and antiparkinsonian agents, creating additive risk for central and peripheral toxicity. Scopolamine inhibits CYP2D6 activity at supraphysiological concentrations, potentially altering the [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) of co-administered substrates such as codeine, tamoxifen, and metoprolol. Devil's Apple preparations are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy (uterotonic glycoalkaloid effects), glaucoma (mydriasis raises intraocular pressure), benign prostatic hyperplasia (urinary retention), and in patients with tachyarrhythmias; physostigmine is the specific antidote for severe anticholinergic poisoning.

## Scientific Research

Alam W et al. (2021) published a comprehensive review in Current Pharmaceutical Design systematically cataloguing Datura metel's chemical constituents—including withanolides, tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine, scopolamine, atropine), and flavonoids—and their pharmacological activities spanning [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), and antitumor effects (PMID 32427078). Van der Most RG et al. (2006) demonstrated in the Journal of Immunotherapy that coramsine, a chemotherapeutic agent derived from Solanum linnaeanum glycoalkaloids (primarily solasonine and solamargine), showed potentiated antitumor efficacy when co-administered with CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides in murine tumor models (PMID 16531814). Cule J (1997) provided a detailed historical ethnobotanical and toxicological analysis in Vesalius tracing the cultural significance and medicinal exploitation of 'the devil's apples' across European herbal traditions, documenting both therapeutic applications and poisoning incidents from antiquity through the early modern period (PMID 11619884).

## Historical & Cultural Context

In ancestral African and Indian medicine, Devil's Apple was regarded as a 'thorned guardian,' used in deep purification rites and energetic resets. It was traditionally used to draw out infection, soothe pain, and purify wounds, symbolizing resilience, boundary, and protection.

## Synergistic Combinations

Role: Polyphenol/[antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) base
Intention: Detox & Liver | Immune & [Inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)
Primary Pairings: - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
- Camu Camu
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Devil's Apple and which plants does it refer to?

Devil's Apple is a common name applied to several toxic members of the Solanaceae family, most notably Datura stramonium (jimsonweed), Datura metel (Indian thornapple), and Solanum linnaeanum (synonym S. sodomeum). These species share overlapping tropane alkaloid and glycoalkaloid profiles, which account for both their historical medicinal uses and their extreme toxicity documented by Cule (1997) in Vesalius (PMID 11619884).

### Can Devil's Apple extract treat skin cancer?

Preclinical research shows promise: the steroidal glycoalkaloids solasonine and solamargine from Solanum linnaeanum fruits induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines by disrupting membrane cholesterol and activating caspase cascades. Van der Most et al. (2006) demonstrated that coramsine, a glycoalkaloid formulation derived from Devil's Apple, exhibited significant antitumor efficacy in murine models, particularly when combined with CpG immunostimulatory oligodeoxynucleotides (PMID 16531814). However, no human clinical trials have yet confirmed safety or efficacy for cancer treatment.

### What are the main active compounds in Devil's Apple?

Devil's Apple species contain tropane alkaloids (hyoscyamine 0.1–0.6%, scopolamine 0.05–0.4%, and atropine), steroidal glycoalkaloids (solasonine, solamargine), withanolides, and flavonoids. Alam et al. (2021) comprehensively catalogued these constituents in Datura metel, noting that the alkaloid and withanolide fractions are responsible for the plant's antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antitumor activities (PMID 32427078).

### Is Devil's Apple safe to consume or use as medicine?

Devil's Apple is extremely toxic and should never be consumed without expert pharmaceutical processing. Tropane alkaloid poisoning causes life-threatening anticholinergic syndrome—including hyperthermia, seizures, tachycardia, and delirium—with fatalities reported from ingestion of small quantities of seeds or fruit. The specific antidote for severe poisoning is physostigmine, and any therapeutic application requires standardized extraction under strict dose control.

### What are the traditional uses of Devil's Apple throughout history?

Historically, Devil's Apple species were used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and European folk medicine as antispasmodics, analgesics, anti-asthmatics, and ritual hallucinogens. Cule (1997) traced their ethnobotanical significance from Greco-Roman antiquity through medieval Europe, documenting use as surgical anesthetics, poison ingredients, and treatments for respiratory ailments (PMID 11619884). Alam et al. (2021) further noted traditional applications of Datura metel in treating asthma, skin diseases, and parasitic infections across South Asian medical systems (PMID 32427078).

### How should Devil's Apple be prepared to maximize its antiparasitic and antimicrobial benefits?

Devil's Apple is traditionally prepared as a decoction or tincture to extract its bioactive compounds effectively for parasitic and antimicrobial applications. The preparation method—whether as a tea, extract, or dried powder—affects the concentration of active alkaloids and other compounds responsible for these properties. Proper processing, such as controlled drying and extraction with appropriate solvents, ensures optimal potency for these specific therapeutic uses.

### Does Devil's Apple interact with medications commonly used to treat parasitic infections or inflammatory conditions?

Devil's Apple contains potent bioactive alkaloids that may interact with antiparasitic medications and anti-inflammatory drugs due to overlapping metabolic pathways. Users taking prescription antiparasitic agents or immunosuppressants should consult a healthcare provider before combining them with Devil's Apple supplements. The ingredient's immune-regulating properties could potentially amplify or interfere with certain medications' effects.

### Which populations benefit most from Devil's Apple supplementation for immune regulation and detoxification?

Individuals with compromised liver function, chronic parasitic exposure, or recurrent inflammatory conditions may benefit most from Devil's Apple's liver support and antiparasitic properties. Those experiencing fever or wound infections due to microbial contamination represent another ideal population for its antimicrobial and fever-management applications. However, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and individuals with certain autoimmune conditions should avoid this ingredient due to its potent immune-modulating effects.

## References

Alam W et al. (2021). Datura metel: A Review on Chemical Constituents, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Activities. Current Pharmaceutical Design. PMID: 32427078

Cule J (1997). The devil's apples. Vesalius. PMID: 11619884

van der Most RG et al. (2006). Antitumor efficacy of the novel chemotherapeutic agent coramsine is potentiated by cotreatment with CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotides. Journal of Immunotherapy. PMID: 16531814

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