What Is Datura Wrightii? Other Names: California Jimson Weed, Hairy Thorn Apple, Stramoine de Wright

What is Datura Wrightii?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Datura wrightii, commonly known as sacred datura or jimsonweed, is a perennial plant native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is part of the Solanaceae family, which includes other well-known plants such as tomatoes, potatoes, and tobacco. This plant is notable for its large, trumpet-shaped flowers and its psychoactive properties. Other names include: California Jimson Weed, Hairy Thorn Apple, Hoary Thorn Apple, Recurved Thorn Apple, Sacred Datura, Sacred Thorn Apple, Stramoine de Wright.

Botanical Characteristics

Datura wrightii is characterized by its large, white to lavender flowers that bloom primarily at night. The plant can grow up to 1.5 meters in height and has a sprawling growth habit. Its leaves are broad and ovate, with a distinctive gray-green color. The plant produces spiny seed pods that contain numerous seeds, which are highly toxic.

Habitat and Distribution

This species thrives in arid and semi-arid environments, often found in desert washes, roadsides, and disturbed areas. It is well-adapted to the hot, dry climates of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is commonly found.

Cultural and Medicinal Uses of Datura Wrightii

Datura wrightii has a long history of use in traditional medicine and spiritual practices among indigenous peoples. It has been used for its hallucinogenic properties in various rituals and ceremonies. However, due to its high toxicity, the use of Datura wrightii is risky and can lead to severe poisoning or death if not handled properly.

Toxicity and Safety Concerns

All parts of Datura wrightii contain tropane alkaloids, such as scopolamine and atropine, which are responsible for its toxic effects. Ingestion of the plant can cause symptoms ranging from dry mouth and dilated pupils to hallucinations, seizures, and even death. Due to these risks, it is crucial to handle the plant with care and avoid ingestion.

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Adverse Effects of Datura Wrightii

Adverse Effects on Humans

Mydriasis: Datura wrightii contains compounds such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, which can cause mydriasis (dilation of the pupils). This was observed in a case where a child experienced painless, uniocular mydriasis after contact with the plant’s flowers2.

Ecological and Plant-Related Effects

Impact on Natural Enemies of Herbivores: The glandular trichomes of Datura wrightii, while providing resistance to several herbivorous insects, can decrease the predation rates by natural enemies of these herbivores. This is due to reduced residence time and foraging efficiency of predators on plants with glandular trichomes, potentially leading to an ecological cost1.

Associational Effects: The presence and type of neighboring plants can influence the level of herbivory on Datura wrightii. For instance, plants with velvety trichomes surrounded by sticky neighbors were more susceptible to certain herbivores, indicating complex interactions within plant communities3.

Herbivore Resistance and Susceptibility: While glandular trichomes provide resistance to some herbivores, they also increase susceptibility to others, such as the mirid bug Tupiocoris notatus. This dual effect highlights the ecological cost associated with this defensive trait5.

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Datura Wrightii Mechanisms of Action

Glandular Trichomes and Sugar Esters

Datura wrightii has two phenotypes with different trichome types: nonglandular and glandular. The glandular trichomes secrete a sticky exudate containing sugar esters (SE), which are biologically active compounds. These sugar esters, composed of glucose esterified with C6–C9 acids, affect herbivores like Manduca sexta larvae by reducing their consumption rates and slowing their development when feeding on sticky leaves compared to velvety leaves1.

Withanolides

The plant produces withanolides, including a newly identified compound named withawrightolide, which exhibit antiproliferative activities. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the growth of various cancer cell lines, such as human glioblastoma and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, with effective concentrations (IC50 values) ranging from 0.56 to 5.6 μM2.

Jasmonate-Inducible Traits

Datura wrightii can increase the production of proteinase inhibitors and polyphenol oxidase in response to methyl jasmonate, a plant hormone. This response is independent of the trichome phenotype and enhances the plant’s defense mechanisms against herbivores. Additionally, exposure to methyl jasmonate increases the production of acylsugars in glandular trichomes by 44%, further contributing to its defensive capabilities3.

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Common Complaints Associated with Datura Wrightii Use

Hallucinations and Delirium: Users often experience vivid hallucinations and delirium, which can be distressing and disorienting.

Dry Mouth and Skin: The anticholinergic effects can lead to significant dryness of the mouth and skin.

Dilated Pupils and Blurred Vision: Mydriasis (dilated pupils) is common, often resulting in blurred vision.

Increased Heart Rate: Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, is frequently reported.

Urinary Retention: Difficulty in urination is another common complaint due to the plant’s effects on the urinary system.

Confusion and Agitation: Users may experience confusion, agitation, and even aggressive behavior.

Potential for Toxicity: Overdose can lead to severe toxicity, including seizures, coma, or even death.

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Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.