DhaturaDhatura Metal Linn.

Compilation of Agadtantra Evum Vidivaidyak

(Forensic Medicine & Toxicology)

Under the guidance of

Vd.Abhay PatkarH.O.D.

(Dept.of Agadtantra)

Vd.Bhushan MogalLecturer

(Dept. of Agadtantra)

Students

Nirgude Anjali P. Waghmare Shital

S.

Walvekar Neha R. Patil Sumedha S.

Rathod Priyanka D. Sabale Shraddha

S.

INDEX

Sr.No.

TopicPage No.

1 Historic Review 1

I) Samhita Kala

Charak Samhita

Sushruta Samhita

Ashtang Hridaya

II) Laghutrayi

Sharangdhar Samhita

Bhavaprakash

Yogratnakar

III) Madhyam Kala

Nighantu

Bhaishajya Ratnavali

2 Varnacular Name 4

3 Synonyms 5

4 Classification 7

I) According to Ayurveda

Kula

Varga

Constituent

Morphology

5 Properties 8

Rasapanchak

Action on Dosha

6Action & Uses according to

Ayurveda & Siddha10

7 Useful parts 11

8 Botanical description 12

Taxonomy

Species

External morphology

Species & cultivate

9 Toxicological information 15

I) constituents

10 Poisonous parts 18

11 Matra / Dose 19

Fatal dose

Fatal period

12 Clinical toxicology 20

13 Signs & Symptoms of poisoning 21

I) External

II) Internal

14 Cases 23

15 Treatment of poisoning 25

I) According to Ayurveda

II) According to Modern

16 Post mortem apperance 29

I) External

II) Internal

17 Medicolegal importance 30

18 Clinical Toxicology 32

19 Medicinal formulations 33

20 Sandarbh Shlokawali 35

21 Bibliography 36

ABBREVIATIONS

Su.U. Sushruta Uttar Tantra

A.H.Su Ashtang Hriday Sustrasthan

B. P. Bharprakash

Y. R. Yogratnaka

Su. N. Sushruta Nidansthan

B. R. Bhaishiya Ratnavalli

A. N. Adarsh Nighantu

PHOTOGRAPHS

Sr.No. Name of photograph Pg No.

1 Botany of plant i

2 Useful Parts- Fruit,Leaf,Flower ii

3 Poisonous Part- Seeds(Beeja) iii

4 Signs & Symptoms - Dermatitis of Skin

-Dilatation of Pupils and Redness of Eyes

iv

5 Formulation - Asthamatic Cigarettes v

1) HISTORICAL REVIEW

Samhita Kala

A) Charak Samhita

Aacharya Charaka explained the use of Dhatura in

Madhvasava and Manashiladilepa (Ref C.Ch.7- Kushthachikitsa)

B) Sushrut Samhita

Dhatura root is the content of Mushikakalpa which is used for

Alarkavisha (dog bite) (Ref.Su.K.7/53-59)

Sangraha Kala :

A) Ashtang Hridayam

Use of Dhatura Fala (fruit) in Kakkurdanshachikitsa (Ref. - A.H.

-38/35-37)

B) Ashtang Sangraha

Signs and symptoms of Dhatura poisoning are mentioned.

(Ref. 40/181-184)

Use of Dhatura Fala (fruit) in Mushikalarkavisha. (Ref. 46/69-

71)

Laghutrayi :

A) Sharangdhar Samhita :

Dhatura is one of the content in Dhaturatailam (Ref-9/ 199)

and Sannipatabhairava Rasa (Ref - 12/233-247)

B) Bhavprakash

Dhatura included under Guduchyadi Varga (1st part)

Use of Dhatura in Samanyajwara (Ref -2nd part/177-179)

C) Yogratnakar (Uttararadha)

Dhatura Part Reference

1) Shwanchikitsa Dhatura Fala (fruit) Vishadhikar/1

2) Garudanjanam Dhatura Swaras Vishadhikar/1

3) Kameshwar Rasa Dhatura Vajikaranyog

4) Kameshwar Modak Dhatura Vajikaranyog

5) Sannipatikjwar Dhatura Swaras

Bhavna

Shlok No. 7,8

6) Sannipatikjwar Dhatura Fala (fruit)

Bhasma

Shlok No. 2

7) Bhairavarasa One of the content Rasa Adhyaya

Madhyam Kala :

Nighantu Varga

1) Pariyanighantu Shatpushashpadi

2) Bhavprakash Guduchyadivarga

3) Aadarsh Kantakaryadi

D) Bhaishajyaratnawali

There is reference of Dhatura as a Upavisha (ref. 2/165)

Reference of Dhatura Shodhan (Ref. 2/166, 176)

1) Sannipatikjwara Dhatura Fala (fruit) Jwarachikitsa

Prakaran 5/311

2) Tridoshaj Jwara Mahajwarankushrasa

(Dhatura Bij)

5/561

3) Nasya Unmattrasah 5/600

4) Sannipatikjwar Pashchavaktrarasah 5/658

5) Sannipatik Jwar Vadvanalorasah 5/800

6) Different types of

Jwara

Jwarankushrasah 5/636

7) Kafaj-Jwara Shleshmashailendrarasa

h

5/1224

8) Jwara Kanaksundarorasah 6/64

9) Pittatisar Kanaksundarorasah 6/68

10) Atisar Jatifalarasah 7/151

11) Visharog Bhimarudorasoanyah 72/56, 60

E) Rastarangini

There is description of Dhatura as a content in

Chaturvinshastarang, Bradhnashodhahar, Pralapantakrasah (Ref.

Shlok No. 342, 360, 369)

Description of Matra of Dhatura (Ref. 367-368)

Use of Dhatura in Alarkavisha

Diseases Shlok No.

1) Dantapidahar (Krimidanta) 372

2) Netrabhishyand 370

3) Stanshothahar 372

4) Manspeshigat Vataprakopa 374

5) Vatpida Sandhivat 375

6) Yukalikhadikam Hanti 375

7) Shothhar 378

2) VERNACULAR NAME

Region Vernacular Name

1) Bengali Dhattura, Dhutura, Dhatura

2) Gujarati Dhattura, Dhaturo

3) Tamil Ummattu, Unmatta

4) Telagu Ummattu, Unmatta

5) Kannad Ummattu, Unmata

6) Mallyalum Ummattu, Unmatta, Unmattam

7) Arab Datur, Baujmasam

8) France Tatur

9) Panjabi Dhattur, Dhatura

10) Maharashtra Dhotra

11) Sanskrit Dhatura

12) Hindi Safed Dhattura, Dhatur, Dhatura,

Dhaatura

13) English Thorn apple

14) Marathi Dhattura

3) SYNONYMS

उन्मत्त - उन्मत्त� करोति� से ति���रो� मदक� त्���� इति� उन्मत्त� ।

कनक�हय - कनक� आहय यस्य से�।

तिक�ब - तिक��� धु���लोक�� सेन्तिन्� अस्य ग्रा�हक�� इति�।

म���लो - म�- न�डसिसे� ��लो�डस्य इति� ।

मदन - मदयति� ग्लोपयति� अङ्गमदकरोत्����।

म���लोप�त्रक - म���लोस्य धुन्��रोस्य प�त्र� इ� इति�।

धुत्त�रो - धुयति� धु���न� व्रणश्ले ष्म�द.श्च इति� ।

धुस्��रो - धु�सेयति� क�न्तिन्�य�क्तं� करोति� शरो2रोम� ।

धु�सेक�न्तिन्�करोण । - (�र्ण्यय�,क���2य�क्तं)

��य�� तिहनस्तिस्� जन्��न� व्रण�द.श्च ।

इति� ��रो2 धु�धु�से6 ��रोश्च ति� धु�स्�7रो� ।।(Ref-Adarsha Nighantu)

Synonyms of Dhatura

Nighantu Synonyms

1) Priya Nighantu Dhattur, Dhurta, Matul, Unmatta

2) Raj Nighantu Dhattur, Kitav, Dhurta, Unmatta,

Kankahya, Shath, Matulak, Shyam,

Madan, Shivashekhar, Kahla, Mohan,

Kantakphal, Shiva

3) Nighantu Aadarsha Dhattura, Unmatta, Madkar, Dhustur,

Dhurta, Gantapushpa

4) Bhavprakash Dhattur, Dhurta, Dhuttur, Kitav, Turi,

Unmatta, Kankahya, Matul Devata,

Madan, Mahamohi, Shivapriya

5) Yadavji Trikamjee Dhattur, Kanak, Dhurta, Unmattak

4) CLASSIFICATION

According to Ayurveda :

Kula : kantakari kula

Varga-According to Nighantus

Nighantu Varga

1) Priyanighantu Shatpushapadi

2) Bhavprakash Guduchyadi

3) Aadarsh Kantakaryadi

Constituent : Chetan Dravya

Morphology : Karya Dravya

Use : Aaushadhi

5) PROPERTIES

Properties Of Dhatura according to Ayurveda :

Rasapanchaka:

Rasapanchak Ref.

Rasa Tikta- kashaya- katu (B.P.)

Katu (N.A.),(D.N.)

Guna Guru,Laghu,Ruksha,Vyavayi,Vikasi (B.P.)

Virya Ushna (B.P.)(D.N.)

Vipak Katu (N.A.)

Prabhav Jwaraghna,Madakari (N.A.)

Action on Doshas :

Vatashamak

Kaphashamak

Pittavardhak

Action :

1) The alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine & hyoscine first stimulate

the higher centers of brain, than the motor centers & finally

causes depression & paralysis especially of the vital centers in

the medulla.

2) The respiration is first stimulated then depressed, & the heart

centre is stimulated. - (Reddy)

3) By acting on CNS, it inhibit secretions of saliva and sweat gland.

4) It dilate the pupil and stimulate heart regulation centre.

-(Parikh)

5) Dhatura leaves closely resemble stramonium leaves in

appearance and have a similar characteristic odour & a bitter

taste.

The plant as a whole has narcotic, anodyne and antispasmodic

properties, analogous to those of belladonna it causes dilation

of the pupil when locally applied in wattery solution equal in

effect to atropine solution of the strength of 1 in 120.

6) Dried seeds are thought to be more powerful soporific than the

leaves.

7) Vaidyas regarded the drug as intoxicant, emetic, digestive,

antispasmodic & healing.

8) The black variety is considered to be more powerful. Indian materia medica.

(Volume I)

6) ACTION & USES IN AYURVEDA & SIDDHA

1) Tikta rasam, ushna veeryam, katu vipaka

2) Leaves : Swasa, kasa, externally fomentations, ulcers,

poisonous bites, earache.

3) Fruit : vata diseases karappan, granthi.

4) Seeds : Diarrhoea, antipoison, intoxicant, fevers. Externally for

piles, vata diseases.

5) Black variety is more potent & aphrodisiac.

Indian materia medica

( Volume-I)

Uses : - Plant contains many useful phytochemicals which renders

it of benefit for using treatment of many kind of diseases. Notably

the leaves are frequently use as remedy for asthma & proctatile

caugh.

7) USEFUL PART

(Prayojyaanga)

Patra(leaves), Puspha (flower) & Beeja (seeds) are useful parts of

plats.

8) BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

A) Taxonomy :

Kingdom - Plantae

Order - Solanales

Family - Solanaceae

Sub Family - Solanoideae

Genus - Dhatura

Species - D. Metal

(Unranked) - Angiosperms

(Unranked) - Eudicots

(Unranked) - Asterids

Order - Solanales

Tribe - Datureae

B) Species -

Dhatura is a group of nine species of vespertine flowering

plants belonging to the family solanaceae. They are known as

Angel's Trumpets sometimes sharing that name with closely related

genus Brugmansia. They are also sometimes called moonflowers,

one of several plant species to be so.

Dhatura's precise and natural distribution is uncertain. Owing

to its extensive cultivation & naturalisation throughout temperate &

tropical regions. Its distribution within Americas, however, most

likely restricted to united states & Mexico, where the highest

diversity of species occurs.

Some south American plants formally thought of as Dhaturas

are now treated as belonging to distinct genus.[Brugmansia differs

from Dhatura i.e. woody making shrubs or small tress, in that it has

pendulus flowers rather than erect ones. Other related genera

include Hyoscyamus and Atropa.

Today experts classify only nine species of Dhatura-

Dhatura ceratocaula- Torna Loco

Dature discolour- Desert Thorn- apple

Dhatura ferox- Long spined Thorn apple

Dhatura inoxia- Thorn apple, Moon flower

Dhatura metel- Devil's trumpet

Dhatura leichhardtii- Leichhardt's Dhatura

Dhatura quercifolia - Oak-leaf thorn apple

Dhatura stramonium-Thorn-apple

Dhatura wrightii- Sacred Dhatura,Sacred Thorn-apple

C) External morphology

An erect spreading annual or biennial plant grows upto 1.5m

in height.

Leaves : Simple, alternate, triangular and unequal at base.

Flowers : Large, solitary, purpulish white coloured.

Fruits : Globose capsules covered with numerous yellowish brown

seeds.

1) This plant belongs to N.O. solanaceae, as its flowers and fruits

are supposed to have been blessed by Lord shiva, they are

known as shivashekhara.

2) There exists 2 different varieties , viz. Dhatura alba a cohite

flowered plant (Safed Dhatura) & Dhatura Niger, a black or

rather deep purple flowered plant or (kula Dhatura).

3) Both these varieties grow commonly on waste places all over

India, have bell- shape of flowers & have more or less sphericao

fruits which are covered with sharp spinous projections &

contain yellowish - brown seeds.

4) Dhatura stromonium (thorn apple) grows in India at high

attitudes through out the temperate Himalayas.

5) All parts of these plants are poisonous but the seeds and fruits

are considered to be the most noxious. They yield active

principles hyoscine which is converted into atropine during the

process of extraction.

Identity, Purity, strength - Foreign matter=Not more than 2%

Total ash=Not more than 16%

D) Species & Cultivates-

It is difficult to classify Dhatura as to species, and it often

happens that descriptions of new species are accepted prematurely.

Later it is found that these "new species" are simply varieties that

have evolved due to conditions at a specific location. They usually

disappear in a few years. Contributing to the confusion are the facts

that various species such as D.wrightii and D.inoxia are very similar

in appearance, and that the variation within a species can be

extreme. For example, Dhatura have the property of being able to

change size of Plants, size of leaf & size of flowers all depending on

location. The same species, when growing in a half-shady damp

location can develop into a flowering bush half as tall as a person,

but when growing in a very dry location-will only grow into a thin

little plant just higher than ankles, with tiny flowers & a few

miniature leaves.

9) TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION OF DHATURA

Chemical constituents and its action

The active principles contains the alkaloids Laevohyoscyamine.

Hyoscine or scopolamine and traces of atropine.

It has been suggested that atropine does not exist as such in

Dhatura plant, but is a recemic form of hyoscyamine, which is

converted into atropine during the process of extraction.

In Dhatura plant, its leaves & flowers contain salts especially-

Meteolodine.

Also oil contain in seeds-12%

Chlorogenic acid

Leaves contains 0.045% volatile oil.

The active constituents in Dhatura plant include scopolamine.

atropine hyosaymine and other Tropanes.

Scopolamine present in higher concentration Hyoscyamine in all

varieties.

1) Atropine -

Atropine is an antimuscarinic agent.

It competitively binds muscarinic reports, thus interrupting

parasympathetic innervations.

It doesn't block Nicotinic receptor, consequently, there is little or

no action of skeletal muscular junction or autonomic ganglion.

The postganglionic receptor sites are located in autonomic

receptor cells found in smooth, muscles, cardiac muscle, C.A.,

atrial and endocrine gland.

It is both a central and peripheral muscarinic blocker and its

actions last approximately 4 hrs.

There especial used to reduce activity in gastrointestinal tract to

reduce hypermotility of bladder to decrease salivation and to

dilate pupils.

Atropine can produce varying effects on the cardiovascular

system, depending on dosage.

At low doses (<0.5 mg) it causes bradycardia, this effect is likely

due to blockage of M receptur, an inhibitory prejunctional

neurons, which allows for increased acetylcholine release, higher

doses atropine (71 mg) induce tachycardia due to blockage of

S.A. node cardiac receptor.

Atropine is also employed as an antidote to cholinesterase

inhibitors, such as organo phosphate pesticide and muscarine.

It is also an antiarhythmic with symptomatic brady

arrhythmia.

t1/2 = 2.5 hrs.

2) Scopolamine -

Scopolamine, likely atropine, another Belladona alkaloid and

antimascarinic agent that produces similar peripheral effects.

In contrast to atropine it is a CNS depressant at therapeutic

doses.

Commonly used to prevent motion sickness, can be absorbed

transdermally.

It also has the unusual effects of blocking short term memory can

be used during anaesthetic procedures.

Other therapeutic indications include use as a gastrointestinal,

antispasmodic and as an antidismenorrheal, urinary

antispasmodic, antiemetic, antiarhythmic agent.

Adverse effects include blurred vision, dry mouth, Flushed

appearance, anxiety, irritability, insomnia.

t1/2 = 8 hrs.

3) Hyoschyamine -

It is an antimuscarine agent also similar to atropine. (but more

potent in peripheral and central effects.)

Used as an adjunct in the management of peptic ulcer diseases

and Zollinger - Ellison syndrome, in patients of whom have failed

standard therapies.

It is too used as an Antidote to cholinesterase inhibitor, such as

cholinergic adjunct.

t1/2 = 3.5 Hrs.

10) POISONOUS PART

All parts of plants are poisonous but seeds & fruits are more so.

11) DOSE / MATRA

Fatal Dose

Commonly 100 - 125 seeds

Alkaloid = 60mg-adult and 4mg-children

Fatal Period

Death usually occur in 24 hrs.

1) A dog, died m 3-4 Hrs after drinking a large quantity of Dhatura

mixed in sharbat.

2) A man, 22 yrs old, died in 4-5 hrs after Dhatura seeds had been

administrated to him in sweets.

12) CLINICAL TOXICOLOGY

Ingestion of Dhatura will induce dellirium.

Combination of Hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine causes CNS

stimulation at low doses and depression at higher doses.

Intoxication with Dhatura often manifest as psychic exhilaration

along with panic attacks and vivid hallucination.

Scopolamine specially van produce a state of excitement

followed by a state of depression, and during this transition

hallucination can occur.

Leaves of Dhatura plant, when smoked are hallucinogenic and

hypnotic.

Ingestion of seed may cause a change in mental status that leads

to generalized confusion, delirium, powerful hallucinations which

leave patient in panic and severe anxiety.

Small ingestion may cause syncope severe headache.

13) SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF POISONING

External Signs & Symptoms -

Contact with leaves or flowers causes dermatitis in sensitive

person.

Internal Signs & Symptoms -

If the seeds are eaten, symptoms appear within half an hour, if

a decoction of the seeds is given within few minutes and if

alkaloids are used almost immediately. In most cases,

powdered seeds are administered in food.

The symptoms are described as "dry as a bone, red as a beet,

blind as a bat, hot as a hare and mad as a wet hen."

The earliest symptom is a bitter taste in the mouth. Due to

inhibition of salivation, there is dryness of mouth and throat

[dry as a bone] resulting in difficulty in talking, dysphagia and

unquenchable thirst.

The face is flused due to dilatation of cutaneous blood vesseles

[red as a beet]

The pupils are dilated, insensitive to light [photophobia], dilated

pupils with loss of accommodation for near vision, red and

injected conjuneivae Diplopia. Light reflex at first is sluggish

and later absent. The pollen can cause unilateral

mydriasis[cornipickers pupil]( blind as a bat)-C.K.Parikh.

The body temp is raised. The skin is dry and hot (hot as a

hare) due to inhibition of sweat secretion and stimulation of

heat regulating centre. Urinary retention and inability to pass

urine occurs. The skin is dry & hot the pulse rapid 120 to 140

per minute, full and bounding, but later becomes weak &

irregular and respiration are increased. The temp may be raised

by 2-3 ० C. Hyperpyrexid is caused by atropine, amphetamine.

Muscle tone and deep reflexes are increased, and there may be

muscular spasm.

There is vomiting. These symptoms are soon followed by

giddiness and unsteady gait,the person staggering like a

drunken individual. The mind is affected early, the patient being

at first restless and confused, and later becoming delirious,and

mutters indistinct words [mad as a wet hen]

Carphologia - Patient is subject to visual & auditory

hallucinations. He appears to grasp at imaginary threads from

the tips of his finger.

The delirium passes off in an hour or so and the patient

becomes drowsy. There may be scrlatinform rash.

The drowsiness may progress to stupor or coma and rarely

death from respiratory paralysis.

Secondary delirium may appear when the patient recovers.

The important symptoms and signs can be summarized under 9

Ds,

Viz : 1) Dryness of mouth and throat

2) Difficulty in talking

3) Dysphagia

4) Dilatation of cutaneous blood vessels.

5) Dilatation of pupils

6) Dry hot skin

7) Drunken gait

8) Drowsiness And, these may be mistaken for

undrunkenness or heat stroke.

In severe poisoning victim feel cold, agitated & combative,

urinary retention. They may develop convulsion, paralysis, coma,

respiratory failure with circulatory collapse & death.

14) CASE

1) In February 1965 five serious delirious cases of typical Dhatura

poisoning due to eating Undhiu (a mixed vegetable preparation)

accidentally contaminated with Dhatura leaves, were observed

by the editor in this wards. All of them belonged to the same

family and respoded within 24 hrs. to gastric lavage, 0.5 mg.

prostigmin, intravenous fluids and paradelhyde injections. Next

day not one of them had any recollection of being brought to

Harikrishondas Hospital.

2) A man drank two mouth full of liquid poisoned with Dhatura,

complained of a bitter taste and fell down insensible within

fourty yards of the spot where he had drunk, and did not

recover his senses until the third day. Another man was struck

down so suddenly that his feet saclded by some hot water

which he was carrying.

3) Homicidal poisoning by Dhatura -

In 1921, one Musammat Khazanu (16 yrs. old) was convicted for

the murder of her husband, Ne Ram,18 yrs.old, by

administrating Dhatura seeds in his food.

On his Post mortem examination a few suspicious seeds were

sticking to his inner surfaces of the oesophagus which was

rather congested.

A substance having the properties of Dhatura was detected in

the viscera of the deceased by the chemical examiner of uttar

pradesh K. E. V. Mt.kharanu, Allah High court Appl. No. - 645,

1921.

4) Dhatura administered as a love philtre.

A 16 yrs. old boy convicted of poisoning with Dhatura five or six

women & sentenced to one year’s rigorous imprisonment. The

poison was administrated in peras (sweets) as a love philtre

which would turn a girl, 16 years old, with whom he became

infatuated and other woman of the house in his favour. (Leader,

June, 13 1923).

5) Dhatura administrated as an abortifacient at chhindwara, man

gave some Dhatura powder to a woman.

The women felt thirsty, giddy and died three hrs. later. ( U. P.

chemical Examiner Annual Report – 1949).

6) Dhatura administered for Robbery-

Two peoples gave Dhatura in sweets, to a old man & his

grandson. After some time grandson became excited, talked

incoherently and a little later ran towards the river. Particles of

dhatura seeds were detected from the stomach of the grandson

on post mortem. (Madras chem. Examiner Annual Report-1951).

15) TREATMENT OF DHATURA POISONING

Ayurvedic literature :

1) Godugdha (cow milk) 750 ml mixed with 93 gm of Sharkara

(sugar) is given to the patient to diminish the effect of Dhatura

poisioning. Dose - 2 to 3 times a day.

2) Decoction of Karpasmoola and Karpaspushpa is mixed with

Lavana; dose of this formulation is given to patient 2 to 3 times

a day.

(Ref. R.J.N.3/8)

Modern Literature :

Following are principles of all types of poisons -

1. Stabilization of vital functions :

2. Prevention of further spread of poison :

3. Elimination of unabsorbed poison :

4. Use of antidotes:

5. Elimination of absorbed poison :

6. Symptomatic treatment :

7. Rehabilitation and secondary prevention :

Poisons have two important properties

They act very fast and many times they are fatal. Therefore

treatment begins with ascertaining that patient is alive.

1. Stabilization of vital functions :

The following things have to be checked :

A - Airway

B - Breathing

C - Circulation or coma

D - Depression of CNS.

A - clean the air way with suction machine & mouth gag is placed

between teeth.

Plastic or metal air way put in mouth

If oedema of vocal cords appear -

Intratrachial incubation -

B - Breathing

It respiratory rate is low then, best is to given mouth to mouth

respiration.

In hospital setting Ambu bag & mask is used for O2 inhalation.

C - Circulation :

Check heart beats

If asystole is there, eclectroversion has to be given [300-360J]

C- Coma

The coma cocktail is advised-

50% glucose - For hypoglycemia.

Inj. Nalaxon - For coma.

Inj. Thiamin (B1) - To regulate CNS.

2. Prevention of spread of poison :

In injected poison use of tourniquate and in indigested poison

mechanical antidotes - Demulsents, charcoal, bulky food

3. Elimination of unabsorbed poison :-

For ingested poison :

Stomach wash with 2 to 4% solution of tannic acid.

Also give sodium sulphate by mouth as purgative [Light diet &

purgation should be carried for 3-4 days to remove seeds & to

increase intestinal motility.]

4. Use of Antidotes :

i] Inj. Pylocarpine nitrate [6 - 15 mg] Hypodermically

ii] Inj. Neostigmine [2-5 mg] - slow I.V. route Neostigmine may make

the patient more comfortable, but it does not antagonize the central

action of datrua on the brain.

iii] Inj. Physostigmine [2-5 mg] - slow I.V. route at 1or2hrs intervals

relieve both peripheral and cerebral manifestations. In many cases

1 dose is sufficient to counteract almost all the effects of Dhatura.

5. Elimination of absorbed poison :

Renel excretion- Inj. Frusemide - 40 -50 ml by IV route.

Purgation is useful in both absorbed and unabsorbed

poisoning.

6. Symptomatic Treatment :

Artificial respiration and oxygen supply as need of patient.

Use Inj. Dextrose, Ringer's lactate, Normal saline in required

condition & quantity.

Tepid sponging is good for the raised temp & dry skin.

Darken the room for marked photophobia.

7. Secondary Prevention :

Adequate follow up is necessary to treat complication if any.

All patients known to have or suspected to having attemted

suicide should not be leave the hospital without being interviewed

by a psychiatrist who can institute further necessary supportive

psychotherapy.

16) POST MORTEM APPEARANCE

External appearance:

The post mortem appearance are those of asphyxia.

Internal appearance:

Dhatura seeds or their fragments may be found in the

stomach & intestines.

It is therefore necessary to make a careful search for them in

the vomited matter, stomach contents & faeces.

The oesophagus, stomach, deodenum and other internal

organs are mostly congested.

In cases the mucous membrane of the stomach may be found

slightly inflammed.

Dhatura seeds resist putrifaction and are found even when the

body is decomposed.

17) MEDICO-LEGAL IMPORTANCE

1) In India Dhatura used as criminal purposes.

2) The chemical analyser to Gov. of Bombay in his annual report

for 1957 reports that in 543 cases of poisoning Dhatura was

detected during a five year period of 1953-1957.

3) The seeds are generally used by road prisoners to stupefy

travelers (the stupefying dose is 30-50 seeds) to facilitate

robbery and theft and rarely to destroy life, although deaths

have occasionally occurred from excessive quantities.

The poison used for stupefying purpose as it is a content of

Cigaratte. The seeds as well as leaves are also mixed with

tobacco or ganja and smoked in a chilum(pipe) for the same

purpose.

4) The seeds are sometimes given to children with a view to

kidnapping them when they become unconscious or delirius.

5) The seeds are given whole or more often crushed, mixed with

rice, dal, sweets, chapatis or vegetables and sometimes with

tea, coffee or liquor. .

6) A decoction of the seeds is at times added to liquor with a view

to enhansing its intoxicating property.

7) Cases of suicidal poisoning by Dhatura are rare.

8) Accidental cases of poisoning occur among children and even

adults from eating raw Dhatura fruits mistaking them as edible

fruits or from eating dry Dhatura seeds in mistake for capsicum

seeds.

9) Accidental cases also occur from injudicious use of the seeds in

medicines by Vaidas & Hakims.

10) The seeds are ruptured to have an aphrodisiac property.

11) The juice of Dhatura leaves is used to subdue pain &

inflammation in Rheumatism.

12) If applied to an abroded surface. It may produce poisonous

symptoms.

13) The active principle of Dhatura is excreted unchanged in the

urine almost immediately on its administration and the

excretion is completed in 10 to 20 hrs.

It is therefore advisable to preserve urine in cases of Dhatura

poisoning since the urine will show the active principle on

chemical analysis, while the stomach wash may not

occasionally respond to the test.

14) The seeds of Dhatura resist putrefaction for a long time, but the

mydriatic principle contained in them appears to be destroyed

by pupefactive changes in the body. although it can be

obtained after some lapse of time in the Vomit or from the

Earth upon which the patient has vomited.

15) Some times used as abortifaicient.

16) It is sometimes used as love philter.

18) CLINICAL TOXICOLOGICAL REVIEW (JOURNAL)

Clinical toxicological review is published monthly by Rhode Island

Poison Control System. (March 2001, Vol . 23, No.6).

Dhatura is an alkaloid containing plan from the Nightshade

family, solanceae (Latin quieting) which has recently been

gaining increasing popularity amongs garderns.

The large shrub can grow 10-15 ft. high with large ovate oblong

leaves, pendulus trumpet shaped flowers.

The exotic showy flowers can grow to 10" in length and are

known for their powerful musky fragrance that become stronger

at night.

The seeds from plant are similar to Tomato seeds.

They are brown , flat disc about 1/8" in diameter.

All parts of plant are toxic.

It is native to Mexico, India, S. America.

Datura metel was used in past by Thuggee cult in India for the

purpose of drug in sacrificial victims.

Today Dhatura seeds are important for crushed and consumed

for intoxication.

In 1994, there was ten fold increase in reported ingestion

throughout florida alone.

Causes of intoxication include herbal medication overdose,

misuses as edible vegetable and accidental food contamination.

There have also been cases of accidental contamination of

Dhatura seeds in soybean seed and some cereals.

19) MEDICINAL FORMULATIONS

Sr No

Name of disease

Kalpa Referance(chapter/shlok)

Charak Samhita

1 Shwitrakushtha manahshiladilep Charak Uttarardha

7(Kushtha chikitsa)/167,

Sharangdhar Samhita

Dhaturatailam 9(Shehparibhasha)199

Bhavprakash

1 Samanyajwara 177-179

Yogratnakar

1 Vajikaranyog Kameshwar-rasa

2 Vajikaran yog Kameshwar -

modak

Bhaishajyaratnawali

1 Tridoshaj Jwara Mahajwarankush-

rasa

5(jwar-chikitsaprakaran)561

2 Jwara

(Sannipatic)

Unmmatrasa 5/600

3 Jwara Chakrika rasa 5/613

4 Jwara Aanandbhairavi

Vatika

5/620

5 Tridosh jwara Trailokyasundar-

rasa

5/623

6 Sannipatik

Jwara

Sannipatik-

bhairavo rasa

5/636

7 Kamala Paniyvatika 5/651

8 Paittik Jwara Sannipatsuryo-rasa

5/708,67

9 Pandurog shriprataplankesh-rasa

5/845

10 Ajirna Chintamanirasa 5/1004

11 Gulma Jwararth bhram 5/1135

12 Grahani Kanakprabhavati 6/73

13 Aamvat Lakshmivilasrasa 5/1224.

Antitoxic Formulation

Toxins Kalpa Referances

Sushrut

Alarkvisha(dogbite) mushik kalpa 7/53-59

Ashtang Sangraha

Mushikalaska-vish Dhatura fala (fruit) 46/69-71

Ashtang Hridayam

Kakkurdansh Dhatura fala (fruit) 38/35-37

Yogratnakar

Shwanchikitsa Dhatura Fala (fruit) Vishadikar

Shlok-1

Rasatarangini

Alark Visha Dhatura 24/376, 377

Bhaishajyaratnavali

Reference of Dhatura as a

Upavish

2/165

20) SANDARBH SHLOKAWALI

श्लो�का�वली�

धु�स्�7रो द ��� धु7�� उन्मत्त� कनक�ह्वय� ।

धुत्त7रो� तिक��स्�7रो2 मह�मह2 सिश�ति:य� ।।

म���लो मदनश्च�स्य फलो� म���लोप�त्रक� ।। (R.J.N. 3/8)

धुत्त7रो� कटु�कश्चष्णस्�था� शथातिनषू7दन ।

क� मिमघ्न� क� ष्ठशमन ति�श षू�ज्ज�रोन�शन� ।। (R.T. 24)

धुत्त7रोकपयगे न से�� पश्यति� प2�कम� ।

कम्पलो�लो�मदच्छर्दिदHस्म�ति�भ्रं�शभ्रंम�न्तिन्��� ।। (A.S.U. 40/181)

तिपब त्सेधुत्त�रोफलो�� श्वे ��� ��s तिप प�नन���म� ।

ऐकध्य� पलोलो� �Mलो� रुतिपक�य�� पय गे�ड� ।। (A.H.U.38/37)

तिनहन्तिन्� ति�षूम�लोक� म घ��न्दमिम��तिनलो� ।।

म7लोस्य शरोप�ङ्� खा�य�� कषू� धुत्त7रोक�र्धिधुHकम� ।। (S.S.K.7/53)

क�कदुम्बरिरोक�म7लो� धुत्त7रोफलोसे�य��म� ।

प2�� �र्ण्यड�लो�य न से�रोम यति�षू�पहम� ।। (Y.R.U.Vishadhikar-1)

21) BIBLIOGRAPHY

I) Ayurvedic textbooks & Samhitas

Name of book Name of author Publication

Bhavaprakash

Gangasahaya

Pandeya

Krishnachandra

Chenekar

Chaukhamba

Prakashana Varanasi,

1998

RasataranginiShri Sadanant

Sharman

Motilal Banarasi,

Reprint 1994

Varanasi

YogaratnakarShri Lakshmipati

Shastri

Chaukhamba

Sanskrit Bhavan

Varanasi 7th edition

1999.

SharangadharaPt.Parashuram

Shastri Vidyasagar

Chaukhamba

Sanskrit Bhavan

Varanasi Reprint

1999

Rajnighantu Pt.Narahari

Chaukhamba

Sanskrit Bhavan

Varanasi 1st edition

1982

Bhaishajya RatnavaliKaviraj Shri

Ambikadatta Shastri

Chaukhamba

Sanskrit Bhavan

Varanasi 2nd edition

reprint 1987.

Dhanvantari

Nighantu

Dr.Guruprasad

Sharma

Chaukhamba

Orientalia, Reprint

1982, Varanasi

II) Modern Textbook

Name of book Name of author Publication

Modi's textbook of

forensic medicine

and toxicology

N.J.Modi

M.M.Tripathi Private

Ltd. New Delhi 20th

edition, Second

Impression 1979.

Parikh's Textbook of

Medical

Jurisprudence,

Forensic medicine

and toxicology

Dr.C.K.Parikh

CBS Publishers and

distribution pvt ltd,

New Delhi Reprint

2011, 6th edition

Toxicology at glance S.K.SinghalNational Publication

New Delhi 8th edition

Indian Medicinal

Plants K.R.Kirtikar and Basu

National Publication

New Delhi 8th edition

M/S periodical

experts New Delhi

2nd edition

Web sites -

1. www.wikipedia.com

2. www.medicinalplant.flower.com

3. Global Information Hub On Integreted Medicine(Globinmed)

4. www.ayuvista.com