Datura Species Research Articles

Correction: in the wild hybridization of annual datura species as unveiled by morphological and molecular comparisons.

The present work aimed to verify whether intermediate variants were natural crosses between Datura species (D. stramonium forms and D. ferox). Their existence has been long ago insinuated but has not been studied using morphological features and molecular tools. The variants differed in stem coloring, upper bearing forks, and fruit characters. Principal Components Analysis of 11 morphological characteristics showed that D. ferox and D. stramonium (forms stramonium and tatula) were quite different and the putative hybrids were intermittent. The D. ferox × D. stramonium f. tatula was closer to the latter of its parents. Sequencing analysis revealed identical amplified trnL intron in all variants and a 100% homology with D. stramonium accession number EU580984.1 suggested that this plastid cannot discern Datura variants. However, genomic analysis with URP markers indicated that the hybrids had >60% genetic makeup similarity with both parents suggesting that the intermediate variants were putative inter-specific hybrids. Moreover, the dendrogram stemmed from cluster analysis of the fingerprint profile of variants placed D. stramonium and D. ferox in different branches indicating their genetic differentiation from each other as well as from their hybrids. The findings suggest that the natural hybridization of annual Datura species occurs. Extrapolating, this hybridization could be the first step for speciation. More possibly, it can alter population composition, its weediness and adaptability to local conditions.

In the wild hybridization of annual Datura species as unveiled by morphological and molecular comparisons.

BackgroundThe present work aimed to verify whether intermediate variants were natural crosses between Datura species (D. stramonium forms and D. ferox). Their existence has been long ago insinuated but has not been studied using morphological features and molecular tools. The variants differed in stem coloring, upper bearing forks, and fruit characters.ResultsPrincipal Components Analysis of 11 morphological characteristics showed that D. ferox and D. stramonium (forms stramonium and tatula) were quite different and the putative hybrids were intermittent. The D. ferox × D. stramonium f. tatula was closer to the latter of its parents. Sequencing analysis revealed identical amplified trnL intron in all variants and a 100% homology with D. stramonium accession number EU580984.1 suggested that this plastid cannot discern Datura variants. However, genomic analysis with URP markers indicated that the hybrids had >60% genetic makeup similarity with both parents suggesting that the intermediate variants were putative inter-specific hybrids. Moreover, the dendrogram stemmed from cluster analysis of the fingerprint profile of variants placed D. stramonium and D. ferox in different branches indicating their genetic differentiation from each other as well as from their hybrids.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the natural hybridization of annual Datura species occurs. Extrapolating, this hybridization could be the first step for speciation. More possibly, it can alter population composition, its weediness and adaptability to local conditions.

English

The growing phenomenon of antibiotic resistance to pathogenic microorganisms has led to the concern of scientists on finding novel antimicrobial agents from natural sources. Datura species is a medicinal plant that has significant antibacterial properties and has been widely used to treat various diseases such as diabetes, leucoderma, skin disorders, ulcers, bronchitis, jaundice, hysteria, insanity, heart disease, fever, piles, etc. In this review, we focused on the antibacterial characteristics of plant with special reference to phytocompounds studied by various scientists in different species of Datura. Studies showed that maximum antibacterial work has been done on Datura metal, Datura inoxia and Datura stramonium against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Leaves were found to be most promising part as a source for antibacterial activities. Steroidal (5¹, 7¹ dimethyl 6¹– hydroxyl 3¹, phenyl 3 α-amine β–yne sitosterol) and β-carboline(1,7 dihydroxy-1-methyl 6,8-dimethoxy β-carboline) alkaloids are the two antibacterial compounds isolated from D. metel. Research showed that the Datura species are very promising plants for isolation of new antibacterial compounds.   Key words: Datura, antibiotic resistance, phytomedicine, antibacterial compound.

Rediscovering the medicinal properties of Datura sp.: A review

Datura is known as a medicinal plant and plant hallucinogen all over the world. Datura has a very special place in Ayurveda since all parts of the plant namely leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, have been used for a wide range of medication such as treatment of leprosy, rabies, insanity, etc. The extract of Datura, however, is a potent poison and its indiscriminate use may lead to delirium and acute poisoning that may lead to death. The active constituents in Datura include scopolamine, atropine, hyoscyamine, withanolides (lactones) and other tropanes. Recently, withanolide compounds have shown significant antitumor, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, sedative, cytostatic and immunosuppressive activity. The present review includes phytochemical investigations and biological activities of various Datura species wherein several novel compounds have been isolated, characterized and screened for their biological activities. Key words: Datura, chemical constituents, alkaloids, biological activities, therapeutic usage.

Pectin Methylesterase of Datura species, purification, and characterization from Datura stramoniumand its application

Pectin methylesterases (PME; EC 3.1.1.11) involved in de-esterification of pectin and have applicability in food, textiles, wines, pulp, and paper industries. In the present study, we compared PME activity of different parts of 3 Datura species and found that fruit coat showed maximum PME activity followed by leaf and seed. PME from leaves of D. stramonium (DsPME) was purified and characterized. DsPME showed optimum activity at 60 °C and pH 9 in the presence of 0.3 M NaCl. DsPME was stable at 70 °C and retained more than 40% activity after 60 min of incubation. However, enzyme activity completely abolished at 80 after 5 min of incubation. It follows Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. Km and Vmax with citrus pectin were 0.008 mg/ml and 16.96 µmol/min, respectively. DsPME in combination with polygalactourenase (PGA) increased the clarity of orange, apple, pomegranate and pineapple juices by 2.9, 2.6, 2.3, and 3.6 fold, respectively in comparison to PGA alone. Due to very high de-esterification activity, easy denaturation and significant efficacy in incrementing clarification of fruit juice makes DsPME useful for industrial application.

Molecular Phylogeny of the Jimsonweed Genus <I>Datura</I> (Solanaceae)

Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on four plastid DNA sequences to determine if the Daturae and Datura are monophyletic and to understand their relationships and classification. Species of Datura have been divided into three sections based upon the position and type of the fruit: Ceratocaulis, Datura, and Dutra. Our analyses confirmed the monophyly of the Daturae clade with two genera, Datura with herbaceous species and Brugmansia with woody species. The Datura clade consists of two distinct lineages, that of D. ceratocaula, corresponding to the monospecific section Ceratocaulis, and one that gives rise to the remaining species of the genus. The large clade readily divides into two groups but they do not correspond to the conventional classification of the genus. Species with regularly dehiscent capsular fruits are present in both groups while species with irregularly dehiscent capsules are found in only one group. Because section Dutra is polyphyletic, realignment of species within two traditional sections is necessary as follows: Datura containing D. arenicola, D. discolor, D. ferox, D. quercifolia, D. kymatocarpa, D. leichhardtii, and D. stramonium; Dutra containing D. inoxia, D. lanosa, D. metel, D. reburra, and D. wrightii. The seed margin clearly distinguishes these sections, rather than the combination of fruit position and dehiscence which has been used previously.

Potential economic pests of solanaceous crops: a new species of Solanum-feeding psyllid from Australia and first record from New Zealand of Acizzia solanicola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)

Acizzia credoensis sp. n. is described from a single population on the native plant, Solanum lasiophyllum, from semi-arid Western Australia. The host range of Acizzia solanicola Kent & Taylor, initially recorded as damaging eggplant, S. melongena, in commercial crops and gardens and on wild tobacco bush, S. mauritianum in eastern Australia, is expanded to include the following Solanaceae: rock nightshade, S. petrophilum, cape gooseberry, Physalis peruviana, and an undetermined species of angel's trumpet Brugmansia and Datura. New Zealand specimens of A. solanicola collected in early 2012 from S. mauritianum are the first record for this species from outside Australia, and possibly represent a very recent incursion. The potential for the solanaceous-inhabiting Psyllidae to vector Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum, an economically important plant pathogen, on native Australian Solanaceae is discussed. The occurrence of A. credoensis and A. solanicola on native Australian Solanum supports the Australian origin for the solanaceous-inhabiting Acizzia psyllids.

Use of Physostigmine for Hallucinogenic Plant Poisoning in a Teenager

The objective of this study was to utilize a case report to review the use of physostigmine for jimsonweed intoxication. A 15-year-old girl was found at school hallucinating and incoherent. Upon presentation to the emergency department, she was found to be tachycardic and confused with dilated pupils and dry, flushed, hot skin. She was admitted to our institution. Hallucinations and symptoms resolved after the use of physostigmine. She subsequently admitted to ingesting 'moonflower seeds,' which are derived from Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium). She was discharged when she got well. Jimsonweed is known to contain high concentrations of anticholinergic substances; hence, ingestion can result in the anticholinergic toxidrome. Signs and symptoms include hallucinations, tachycardia, dilated pupils, and disorientation. In our patient, the use of the physostigmine as an antidote resulted in a favorable outcome without any complications. Ingestion of the Datura species can result in severe toxicity. Each plant varies in the concentrations of alkaloid substances. For this reason, it is very important for individuals to become educated on the toxicities and potential risks associated with recreational use of these plants. The use of physostigmine can help in both the diagnosis and management of patients intoxicated with these substances.

Determination of tropane alkaloids atropine and scopolamine by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry in plant organs of Datura species

Hyoscyamine (atropine) and scopolamine are the predominant tropane alkaloids in the Datura genus, occurring in all plant organs. The assessment of the alkaloid content of various plant parts is essential from the viewpoint of medical use, but also as a potential risk of toxicity for humans and animals. Therefore, a reliable method for the determination of tropane alkaloid content is of high importance. The present work aimed at the elaboration of a rapid method for determination of the most abundant Datura alkaloids by LC–MS technique using a new generation of core–shell particle packed column. Tropane alkaloid content was investigated in various plant organs of four Datura taxa (D. innoxia, D. metel, D. stramonium, and D. stramonium var. tatula), grown under the same conditions, in two developmental stages. We have developed a rapid LC–MS method for the quantitative determination of atropine and scopolamine, which was successfully applied to quantify the alkaloids in different plant organs (leaves, flowers, stems, seeds) of thorn apples after a simple sample preparation step. Elaboration and validation of the method and analysis of plant extracts were done by UFLC–MS technique, employing an Ascentis Express C18 column. Detection was done in positive ionization mode (ESI+) and the method suitability was evaluated by several validation characteristics. Quantitation limits are 333 and 167pgmL−1 for scopolamine and atropine, respectively, and the method shows very good repeatability. The analysis of Datura extracts revealed significant differences depending on the species, the organ and the sampling period. Atropine was found to be dominant over scopolamine in three out of the four taxa investigated. D. innoxia showed the highest concentrations of scopolamine in all organs examined, whereas D. metel accumulated the lowest scopolamine levels. Hyoscyamine, measured as atropine, was the highest in D. stramonium var. tatula, and the lowest in D. innoxia. Samples collected in summer had higher scopolamine levels than autumn samples, concerning both stems and leaves.

Phytogeographic analysis of the genus Datura (Solanaceae) in continental Mexico

The geographic distribution of the species of Datura in Mexico was analyzed using numerical analysis of natural populations documented by herbarium specimens. A map of Mexico was divided into 239, 1° x 1° squares (latitude and longitude) which were used as sampling geographical units and in which the presence or absence of each species of Datura was recorded. Multivariate procedures were applied: a), TWINSPAN classification to define Datura´s main distribution areas; b), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) to define Datura´s main distribution gradients, and c), Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to relate distribution patterns with geographical and climatic factors. Species of Datura were found in 69% (165) of the squares. TWINSPAN defined 14 groups which, when associated with Mexico’s biogeographic provinces, were concentrated in the northwestern Mexican provinces as well as in the Altiplano Norte and Altiplano Sur and the Sierra Madre Occidental. DCA indicated that Datura’s main distribution patterns are explained by 3 principal gradients: altitude, humidity, and latitude. The CCA identified longitude, precipitation of the driest quarter, altitude, and average temperature of the warmest quarter as the most important variables affecting Datura´s distribution patterns. The Depresion del Balsas region of central Mexico is the area with greatest species richness of Datura.

Triadimefon Mediated Changes in Antioxidant and Indole Alkaloid Content in Two Species of Datura

Triadimefon Mediated Changes in Antioxidant and Indole Alkaloid Content in Two Species of Datura

P.3.c.052 Fatal poisonings with phenothiazine-derivatives in the forensic toxicology practice: analysis of 143 cases

A vast majority of the Mediterranean countries, including Greece, contain plants that are known for their hallucinogenic and other properties. The plant Phalaris aquatica is a centenarian moss that grows in most Mediterranean countries. It is also known by other names such as hardingrass and Phalaris tuberosa, and causes an intoxication called “canary grass intoxication.” Phalaris aquatica contains four groups of alkaloids: tryptamines, gramines, tyramines, and β-carbolines. 5-MeO-DMT is a hallucinogenic chemical compound that belongs to methylated indolealkylamines. It causes psychoactive, biochemical, and behavioral changes, agitation, visual and hearing impairments, as well as distortion of time perception. 5-MeO-DMT is demethylated by the enzyme CYP2D6 in an also-active metabolite, bufotenine. Ayahuasca means “the climate of souls” and is a hallucinogenic concoction of various powerful psychotropic plants. It contains a mixture of β-carbolines, especially harmaline and DMT. Peganum harmala belongs to the family Zygophyllaceae, and it is often referred to as “Syrian rue.” Two plants that thrive in Brazil, Anadenanthera colubrina and Anadenanthera peregrina, are also known for their hallucinogenic effects. The alkaloids atropine and scopolamine are competitive antagonists of muscarinic receptors of acetylcholine. Scopolamine is the most effective prophylactic agent used for preventing nausea of the travelers, whereas atropine is used in anesthesia because of its effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The plant Mandragora officinarum belongs to the family Solanaceae and is widely distributed in the Mediterranean region (including Greece). It was used for soothing, analgesic, anesthetic and aphrodisiac purposes, but also for its hallucinogenic properties as a medication. The Atropa belladonna is classified in the family Solanaceae and grows in uncultivated barren lands. It is endemic in areas of the Mediterranean countries (including Greece). The plant is also known as “deadly nightshade.” All parts of the plant contain the alkaloids atropine, hyoscine, and scopolamine, making it poisonous and hallucinogenic. Hyoscyamus niger belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is also known as “henbane,” and the inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, and antiparkinsonian properties of the plant are under investigation. Datura is a genre of plants that belongs to the family Solanaceae. The most important species of Datura are Datura innoxia, Datura metel, Datura discolor, and Datura stramonium, also known as “Jimson weed” and “zombie’s cucumber.”

Isolation and characterization of Ty1-copia group of LTRs in genome of three species of Datura: D. innoxia, D. stramonium and D. metel.

Retrotransposons (RT) constitute a major fraction of plant genome. They are implicated in evolution and sequence organization. These elements have been proposed to have major role in evolution and variation in genome size. The sequence information of these RT regions in terms of divergence and conservation could be utilized for determining the interrelationship among various copia retrotransposons within the genome. In order to assess the diversity of Ty1-copia group of retroelements, reverse transcriptase (RT) sequence was amplified from genomes of three medicinally important Datura species: D. innoxia, D. stramonium and D. metel using the primers derived from two conserved domains of RT region. A total of twenty one independent amplicons from RT regions were cloned, sequenced and compared. The intra-family divergence at amino acid level ranged from 4 to 52%. Though intra-family RT sequences are conserved, no two sequences are identical. Southern blot hybridization suggested that Ty1-copia-like retrotransposons are dispersed throughout the Datura genome. The results indicate a high degree of heterogeneity among the Ty1-copia group of retroelements in Datura species.

DATURA LEICHHARDTII MUELL. EX BENTH. STRUCTURE OF THE FLOWER.

Abstract The structure of the flower of Datura leichhardtii is described and compared with the other species of Datura so far investigated.

DATURA SANGUINEA R. AND P., ITS STEM AND LEAVES.

Abstract Datura sanguinea R. and P., the Dark-red Datura, is a perennial species growing as a shrub or small tree in Peru and Ecuador. It has been grown in England and the chief alkaloid present is hyoscine. The structure of the leaves and stem is described and compared with other medicinal species of Datura. The characters by which the dried drug may be recognised and distinguished from stramonium are given. The pollen grains are described as an additional means of differentiation.

LC-MS Quantitative Determination of Atropine and Scopolamine in the Floral Nectar of Datura Species

The present study aimed at determining selected alkaloid components in the nectar of Datura species, to elucidate whether the alkaloid content of the floral nectar can lead to intoxication. A simple and rapid liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry analysis was developed for the quantitative determination of atropine and scopolamine, the main toxic alkaloids of the Datura species. This method allowed the direct coupling of an electrospray mass selective detector to the LC system. Under these conditions, atropine and scopolamine were well separated from other components and detected with mass spectrometry (mass selective detector). Simultaneous determination of atropine and scopolamine was performed with gradient elution on an Ascentis Express C18 (Supelco) reversed-phase column based on a new fused core particle design. Liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry was used in positive ion mode. Atropine and scopolamine produced protonated species at m/z 290 and 304 (which are also the base peaks). Our data confirmed that the alkaloid characteristics for the vegetative and reproductive parts of the Datura plants may also occur in the nectar secreted by the flowers. In Datura species with large flowers and high nectar amounts, the alkaloid content increases proportionately and thus the nectar may be a potential source of intoxication.

Aspects of Datura poisoning and treatment

Introduction. Datura species, especially Datura stramonium (e.g., jimsonweed), are the focus of scores of case reports that chronicle the toxidrome of anticholinergic toxicity. Mechanisms of toxicity. Toxicity occurs because of the presence of up to 28 belladonna alkaloids, predominated by atropine and scopolamine. There are significant interspecies differences in the ratio of the belladonna alkaloids, atropine to scopolamine, and the presence of at least 26 other related alkaloids will vary, even between and among specimens of the same species. The differences may account for unexpected dose–response effects that are observed in some patients and even different profiles of toxicity. All parts of the Datura species contain belladonna alkaloids; in decreasing order, the belladonna alkaloid content is generally the greatest in the petioles (flowers), stem, fruit (seeds), leaves, and roots. Features. The most prominent symptoms are due to the blockade of peripheral muscarinic receptors that innervate exocrine glands, smooth muscle, and cardiac tissue. Therefore, the primary toxic manifestations include mydriasis, which is due to the blockade of papillary sphincter muscle and iris muscle; dry mouth, secondary to parasympathetic blockade of salivary secretion; tachycardia, caused by competition at muscarinic receptors in postganglionic parasympathetic neurons and blockade of receptors in the SA node; and fever and erythema, because of vasodilation and inhibition of sweating. Direct ocular exposure. Well known to produce mydriasis after ingestion, Datura is also notorious for producing maladies such as “gardeners eye” and “cornpickers eye,” which is a testament to the high concentrations of belladonna alkaloids in the entire plant. When the sap or dried plant material from a member of the Datura species enters the eye directly, the papillary sphincter and ciliary muscles are affected resulting in mydriasis and cycloplegia. Pupil dilation is sudden in onset and often profound. In a dose–response fashion, the mydriasis and its persistence will be dependent on the alkaloidal content and quantity of the sap. The mydriasis can be bilateral, but most commonly it is unilateral, which is frightening to the victim and to the clinician and suggestive of significant cerebral pathology. Management. As with any toxic exposure, the foundation of patient management is supportive care and patient reassurance. Because of the central nervous system effects of the belladonna alkaloids, the patient may be agitated, combative, confused, and disoriented. Initial intervention focuses on addressing those issues that protect the patient and their caregivers. In severe cases, physostigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, should be used to reverse anticholinergic toxicity. Physostigmine should be given intravenously to an adult in a dose of 0.5–2.0 mg at a rate of no more than 1 mg/min; a second dose may be administered if necessary. Children should receive 0.02 mg/kg intravenously and the rate should not exceed 0.5 mg/min. Extracorporeal elimination and forced diuresis of the belladonna alkaloids are not viable options. Conclusions. Members of the Datura species contain abundant amounts of belladonna alkaloids that can produce both local and systemic anticholinergic toxicity. Fatalities because of Datura species exposure are rare, but adverse effects are very common. Treatment is supportive with the use of physostigmine in more severe cases of poisoning.

Cytogenetical and ecological studies of some wild congeneric species in the Solanaceae distributed in upper Egypt

Cytogenetical and ecological studies in some species of the Solanaceae were made in the Mediterranean-type ecosystem in Upper Egypt. The chromosome complement of Datura innoxia (2n=24) consisted of 24 median-centromeric chromosomes; that of D. stramonium (2n=24) consisted of 22 median- and two submedian-centromeric chromosomes; that of Hyoscyamus albus (2n=68) consisted of 62 median- and six submedian-centromeric chromosomes, that of H. muticus (2n=28) consisted of 21 median- and seven submedian-centromeric chromosomes; that of Withania somnifera (2n=36; new count) consisted of 27 median- and nine submedian-centromeric chromosomes; and that of Solanum nigrum (2n=72) consists of 68 median and four submedian-centromeric chromosomes. Thirty-three reproducible polymorphic bands were resulted after four RAPD-PCR primers; those bands were used for studying the genetics similarity among the species. Average similarity coefficient was ranged from 0.05 to 0.47. RAPD bands resulted after PCR: D. innoxia and D. stramonium showed five bands each; H. albus and H. muticus showed two and one bands respectively; W. somnifera seven bands and S. nigrum showed 13 bands, different patterns were produced among congeneric species. Ionic status of hot water extract of the species revealed that Hyoscyamus species was more accumulated Na+ and Ca++, while Datura species accumulated more K+ and Mg++ and W. somnifera and S nigrum were intermediate. These strategies of ionic accumulation were in relation to the different chromosome number of species, which might help for surviving the species in desert ecosystem.

Melatonin and serotonin in flowers and fruits of Datura metel L.

Datura metel is a plant that contains several different neurologically active phytochemicals which affect human health. On-going research has examined the potential role of the human neuroindoles, melatonin and serotonin, in medicinal plants with neurological efficacy. In this report, we describe the quantification of melatonin and serotonin in flowers and developing fruits of Datura metel and the effects of cold stress on the levels of these neuroindoles in the reproductive tissues of this plant. Melatonin and serotonin were found at the highest levels in the least developed flower buds with decreasing concentrations as the flower buds matured. Cold stress significantly increased the concentration of melatonin in young flower buds. In the developing fruit, melatonin was present at relatively stable, high concentrations for the first 10 days after anthesis. After 10-15 days, the ovule had grown to a sufficient size for excision and analysis and melatonin was found to be at the highest concentrations in the developing ovule with minimal concentrations of the neuroindoles in the fleshy fruit. Together, these data indicate that melatonin may play a role in protecting the reproductive tissues during flower and seed formation in a Datura species.

Historical evidence for a pre-Columbian presence of Datura in the Old World and implications for a first millennium transfer from the New World

Datura (Solanaceae)is a small genus of plants that,for long, was thought to occur naturally in both the New and Old Worlds. However, recent studies indicate that all species in the genus originated in the Americas. This finding has prompted the conclusion that no species of Datura could have been present in the Old World prior to its introduction there by Europeans in the early 16th century CE. Further, the textual evidence traditionally cited in support of a pre-Columbian Old World presence of Datura species is suggested to be due to the misreading of classical Greek and Arabic sources. As a result, botanists generally accept the opinion that Datura species were transferred into the Old World in the post-Columbian period. While the taxonomic and geographic evidence for a New World origin for all the Datura species appears to be well supported, the assertion that Datura species were not known in the Old World prior to the 16th century is based on a limited examination of the pre-Columbian non-Anglo sources. We draw on old Arabic and Indic texts and southern Indian iconographic representations to show that there is conclusive evidence for the pre-Columbian presence of at least one species of Datura in the Old World. Given the systematic evidence for a New World origin of the genus, the most plausible explanation for this presence is a relatively recent but pre-Columbian (probably first millennium CE) transfer of at least one Datura species, D. metel, into the Old World. Because D. metel is a domesticated species with a disjunct distribution,this might represent an instance of human-mediated transport from the New World to the Old World, as in the case of the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).