Thorn Apple Research Articles

Metabolism of the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium in plant cell cultures of transgenic (rhizomania-resistant) and non-transgenic sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris), carrot (Daucus carota), purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and thorn apple (Datura stramonium).

The metabolism of the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium was investigated in heterotrophic cell suspension and callus cultures of transgenic (bar-gene) and non-transgenic sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris). Similar studies were performed with suspensions of carrot (Daucus carota), purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) and thorn apple (Datura stramonium). 14C-labelled chemicals were the (racemic) glufosinate, L-glufosinate, and D-glufosinate, as well as the metabolites N-acetyl L-glufosinate and 3-(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)propionic acid (MPP). Cellular absorption was generally low, but depended noticeably on plant species, substance and enantiomer. Portions of non-extractable residues ranged from 0.1% to 1.2% of applied 14C. Amounts of soluble metabolites resulting from glufosinate or L-glufosinate were between 0.0% and 26.7% of absorbed 14C in non-transgenic cultures and 28.2% and 59.9% in transgenic sugarbeet. D-Glufosinate, MPP and N-acetyl L-glufosinate proved to be stable. The main metabolite in transgenic sugarbeet was N-acetyl L-glufosinate, besides traces of MPP and 4-(hydroxymethylphosphinyl)butanoic acid (MPB). In non-transgenic sugarbeet, glufosinate was transformed to a limited extent to MPP and trace amounts of MPB. In carrot, D stramonium and D purpurea, MPP was also the main product; MPB was identified as a further trace metabolite in D stramonium and D purpurea.

The potential for recall insurance to improve food safety

This paper explores the food safety implications of insurance products that compensate for business losses when food contamination causes a processing firm to initiate a recall. Discoveries of meat and poultry product contamination, in particular life-threatening pathogens, are increasing. The financial losses that follow a recall can be substantial as illustrated by several recent U.S. cases—Hudson Foods, Bil Mar, and Thorn Apple Valley Inc. Additionally, contaminated food product that escapes the current recall system poses a threat to consumer safety. The conceptual analysis presented here suggests that insurance underwriters could motivate earlier recalls and more diligent implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP). With sound underwriting, these changes could ultimately reduce the incidence of illness and death from foodborne pathogens.

Differential utilization of nitrates by solanaceous species, crops (tomato and pepper) and weeds (black nightshade and thorn apple)

SummaryThe capacity of nitrate absorption, accumulation and reduction was studied in four species of the Solanaceae. Two were cultivated species, tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), and two weed species, black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) and thorn apple (Datura ferox L.), which often infest these crops. Black nightshade and thorn apple absorbed nitrates most rapidly. Maximum nitrate accumulation was observed earlier in tomato than in the other species, and as in pepper coincided with the flower bud stage. Maximum nitrate accumulation in black nightshade and thorn apple took place during flowering. Only in tomato and thorn apple did maximum nitrate reductase activity occur at the time of maximum nitrate accumulation. Growth and soil nitrate absorption was slowest in pepper, but nitrate accumulation by the plant and nitrate reductase activity was more sustained than in the other species. It was concluded that if these weeds emerge simultaneously with the crops, competition for nitrates by thorn apple, and especially black nightshade, would be greater than for the tomato crop and even more so for the pepper crop.

The Role of Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) in the Occurrence of Bois noir of Grapevines in France

AbstractAn epidemiological study on a grapevine yellows disease called bois noir was carried out for 3 years in the Rhone valley (France). This yellows is caused by a stolbur type phytoplasma. Vectors and alternative host plants were searched, and the inoculation period was determined. Detection of stolbur phytoplasma in insects and plants was obtained using primers STOLl1 f2/r1. In addition, a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used with primers P1/P7 and fU5/rU3 for detection in stolbur‐infected plants with low titre. Several thousand insects were captured and species of Hemiptera were listed. Fourteen wild or reared Hemiptera species were used in transmission trials. Thirty‐four wild species were monitored for phytoplasma DNA by PCR. A planthopper. Hvalesthes obsoletus Sign., tested positive for stolbur at a level of 28% (98,/343) in 1995 and 38% (205,529) in 1996. In 1995, two leafhoppers, Mocydia crocea (178) and Euscelis tineolatus (2/309), were infected at a much lower ratio. Successful experimental transmission to grapevine, periwinkle and thorn apple was only obtained with H. obsoletus. Among wild plant species, hoary cress (Cardaria draba L.), bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.), sweet cherry (Prunus sp.), plum (Prunus domestica L), lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.), fig tree (Ficus carica L.) and elm (Ulmus sp.) were shown to be stolbur infected and hoary cress was identified as a new host plant for H. obsoletus in France. The role of some fallow lands close to vineyards as sites where the inoculum of stolbur phytoplasma was maintained in insect vector and reservoir plants, is discussed. The natural inoculation period to grapevine was shown to extend from June to August, corresponding to the adult activity of H. obsoletus. Together with the close relationships of the phytoplasmas involved in vergilbungskrankheit, a German grapevine disease, and bois noir. The results of this study suggest that the two yellows are very close.

Metabolism of [ring‐2,6‐14]parathion in plant cell suspension cultures of carrot (Daucus carota), purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), soybean, thorn apple (Datura stramonium) and wheat (Triticum aestivum)

AbstractBy means of standardized procedures, the metabolism of [ring‐2,6‐14C]‐parathion was investigated in carrot (Daucus carota L.), purple foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.), soybean (Glycine max Merrill cv. ‚Mandarin’︁, and Glycine max Merrill cv. ‚Harosoy 63’︁ cultivated on B5 and Miller media, respectively), thorn apple (Datura stramonium L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cell suspension cultures. In the wheat and soybean (Mandarin) cells only 2.9 and 8.9%, respectively, of the applied parthion remained unmetabolized after 48 h of incubation, while 51.2, 57.9, 60.3, and 62.4% of the unchanged parent were detected in the D. purpurea, D. Stramonium, carrot and soybean (Harosoy) cultures, respectively. In all suspensions, paraoxon and 4‐nitrophenol were found as phase I metabolites, thus demonstrating that plant tissues can catalyse oxidative desulfuration and dearylation of parathion. 4‐Nitrophenol was also glycosylated with glucose and possibly galactose. Further, as yet unidentified, metabolites indicated that bio‐transformations had also occurred at the aromatic moiety. Large amounts of non‐extractable residues were detected in the wheat suspension (38.3%), while the other cultures showed a lower incorporation of 14C into insoluble cell material (0.9‐9.4%). For a prospective ecotoxicological evaluation of the metabolic fate of pesticides and xenobiotics in plants in general, the differential metabolic capacity of plant cell cultures and plants should be taken into account.

Treatment of Depression

Depressions are the most common psychiatric diseases. For treatment, plant extracts have been used for thousands of years: examples are extracts from the (sleeping) poppy (opium), deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Indian hemp (hashish), henbane (hyoscyamine), thorn apple (scopolamine), and St. John's wort (hypericum oil). In addition, psychotherapeutic measures, like playing music, dancing, playing theatre, and also the temple sleep, were used. In the 19th century, the introduction of brome (1826), codeine (1832), chloral hydrate (1869), and paraldehyde (1882), as well as the barbiturates (at the turn of the century) introduced significant improvements in pharmacotherapy. The modern thymoleptica therapy started in 1957 with the introduction of imipramine. Now about 40 active antidepressants are marketed. New drug developments should be characterized mainly by an improvement in tolerance.

Anticholinergic intoxication with commercially available thorn apple tea

Two adolescents were admitted to the hospital with acute psychosis and peripheral signs of anticholinergic intoxication. Atropine intoxication due to drinking tea made from thorn apple (Datura stramonium) was diagnosed. After conservative treatment recovery was complete.

Antinutritive effects of wheat-germ agglutinin and other N-acetylglucosamine-specific lectins.

Incorporation of N-acetylglucosamine-specific agglutinins from wheat germ (Triticum aestivum; WGA), thorn apple (Datura stramonium) or nettle (Urtica dioica) rhizomes in the diet at the level of 7 g/kg reduced the apparent digestibility and utilization of dietary proteins and the growth of rats, with WGA being the most damaging. As a result of their binding and endocytosis by the epithelial cells of the small intestine, all three lectins were growth factors for the gut and interfered with its metabolism and function to varying degrees. WGA was particularly effective; it induced extensive polyamine-dependent hyperplastic and hypertrophic growth of the small bowel by increasing its content of proteins, RNA and DNA. Furthermore, an appreciable portion of the endocytosed WGA was transported across the gut wall into the systemic circulation, where it was deposited in the walls of the blood and lymphatic vessels. WGA also induced the hypertrophic growth of the pancreas and caused thymus atrophy. Although the transfer of the gene of WGA into crop plants has been advocated to increase their insect resistance, as the presence of this lectin in the diet may harm higher animals at the concentrations required to be effective against most pests, its use in plants as natural insecticide is not without health risks for man.

Atropine poisoning after eating chapattis contaminated with Datura stramonium (thorn apple)

Journal Article Atropine poisoning after eating chapattis contaminated with Datura stramonium (thorn apple) Get access Alfred van Meurs, Alfred van Meurs 1Department of Pediatrics, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, P.O. Box 3010, Moshi, Tanzania Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Adam Cohen, Adam Cohen 2Leiden University Hospital, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Peter Edelbroek Peter Edelbroek 2Leiden University Hospital, P.O. Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Volume 86, Issue 2, March-April 1992, Page 221, https://doi.org/10.1016/0035-9203(92)90581-V Published: 01 March 1992 Article history Received: 05 August 1991 Accepted: 12 November 1991 Published: 01 March 1992

Coding and classification of d-galactose, N-acetyl- d-galactosamine, and β- d-Gal p-[1→3(4)]-β- d-Glc pNAc, specificities of applied lectins

Grouping of lectin-binding properties, based on determinant structure rather than monosaccharide-inhibition pattern, should facilitate the selection of lectins as structural probes for glycans, as well as for the interpretation of the distribution and the properties of the carbohydrate chains on the cell surface. Based on the binding specificities studied with glycan by precipitin-inhibition, competitive-binding, and hemagglutinin-inhibition assays, twenty d-galactose-or N-acetyl- d-galactosamine-(or both)-specific lectins have been divided into six classes according to their specificity for a disaccharide unit, as all or part of the determinants, and the α- d-Gal pNAc-(1→3)-Ser(Thr) unit of the glycopeptide chain. A scheme of classification is shown as follows: (a) F-specific lectins [α- dGal pNAc-(1→3)- d-GalNAc, Forssman specific disaccharide]: Dolichos biflorus (DBL), Helix pomatia (HPL), hog peanut (ABL, Amphicarpaea bracteata), and Wistaria floribunda (WFL) lectins. (b) A-specific lectins [α- d-Gal pNAc-(1→3)- d-Gal blood group A-specific disaccharide]: Griffonia (Bondeiraea) simplicifolia-A 4 (GSI-A 4), lima bean (LBL), soy bean(SBL), Vicia villosa (VVL), Wistaria floribunda (WFL), Dolichos biflorus (DBL), and Helix pomatia (HPL) lectins. (c) Tn-specific lectins [α- d-Gal pNAc-(1→3)-Ser(Thr) of the protein core]: Vicia villosa B 4 (VVL-B 4), Salvia sclarea (SSL), Machura pomifera (MPL), Bauhinia purpurea alba (BPL), HPL, and WFL, lectins. (d) T-specific lectins [β- d-Gal p-(1→3)- d-GalNAc, the mucin-type sugar sequences on human erythrocyte membrane and T antigen, or the terminal, nonreducing disaccharide end-groups of the gangliosides]: Peanut (PNA), Bauhinia purpurea alba (BPL), Machura pomifera (MPL), Sophora japonica (SJL), Artocarpus integrifolia (Jacalin, AIL), and Artocarpus lakoocha (Artocarpin) lectins. (e) Type I and II specific lectins [β- d-Gal p-(1→3 or 4)- d-GlCNAc, the disaccharide residues at the nonreducing end of the carbohydrate chains derived from either N- or O-glycans]: Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCAl), Datura stramonium (TAL, Thorn apple), Erythrina cristagalli (ECL, Coral tree), and Geodia cydonium (GCL), lectins. (f) B-specific lectin [α- d-Gal p-(1→3)-β- d-Gal p, human blood group B-specific disaccharide]: Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia B 4 (GSI-B 4) lectin. Many other GalNAc- or Gal-(or both)-specific lectins that can be used as tools are also described.

Antigenic relationships between petunia peroxidase a and specific peroxidase isoenzymes in other Solanaceae

A highly specific rabbit antiserum raised against peroxidase (PRXa) from petunia (Petunia hybrida) was used to investigate the antigenic relatedness of peroxidases in the Solanaceae. After SDS-PAGE of crude leaf extracts from a large number of species of this family, immunoblotting revealed that cross-reacting protein bands were present in all species tested. In order to determine whether these protein bands represent peroxidases, the peroxidase isoenzymes in thorn apple (Datura stramonium L.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were further analyzed. Immunoblots obtained after native PAGE revealed that the antiserum only recognized fast-moving peroxidase isoenzymes that are localized in the apoplast. Despite their serological relatedness, these peroxidases differed with respect to heat stability and apparent molecular weight. Differences in avidity for the petunia PRXa antiserum were suggested by immunoprecipitation with antibodies bound to protein A-Sepharose. The antiserum did not react with peroxidases from horseradish (Armoracea rusticana Gaertn., Mey and Scherb), turnip (Brassica napus L.), African marigold (Tagetes cresta L.), maize (Zea mays L.), and oats (Avena sativa L.). Apparently, the Solanaceae contain orthologous genes encoding the fast-moving anionic peroxidases homologous to petunia PRXa.

Uptake, Transport and Persistence of [14C]-Yeast Mannans in Plants

Low-molecular branched-chain [14C]-mannan from Candida tropicalis and high-molecular linear [14C]-mannan from Rhodotorula rubra are not taken up by intact plants. Mechanical injury of plants is a prerequisite for the uptake and transport of polysaccharides in plant tissues. Mannans injected through the epidermis into the parenchyma of tobacco leaves remain mostly confined to the place of injection or to the respective intercostal field. The presence of dimethyl sulfoxide in the solution stimulates the uptake of mannans through intact roots of tobacco, thorn apple and potato plants. Mannans injected in the intercellular space of the parenchyma tissue of tobacco leaves maintain their polymeric structure for at least five days, which almost corresponds with the duration of their antiviral activity in the plants. These results suggest the antiphytoviral activity in fact to be due to the mannans or to principles stimulated by them rather than to their catabolites.

The toxicity of Datura stramonium (thorn apple) to horses.

Meal contaminated by Datura stramonium seeds at the rate of 0.5% by weight was fed to two horses. Both horses showed clinical signs of depression, anorexia, weight loss, rapi heart and respiration rates, mydriasis, polyuria, polydipsia and diarrhoea. Both recovered with treatment. Maize screenings contaminated by the seeds had been used in the manufacture of the meal.

Datura stramonium: A Fatal Poisoning

A case report of death caused by ingestion of Datura stramonium, also referred to as jimsonweed, thorn apple, or Jamestown weed, is presented. Mass spectral data on urine extracts of a 20-year-old male showed the molecular ions and principal fragment ions of scopolamine and atropine, present in Datura stramonium.

Tissue and subcellular distribution of the lectin from Datura stramonium (thorn apple)

Plants of Datura stramonium (thorn-apple) were dissected into their component tissues and examined for the presence of the Datura lectin. This lectin was easily detected in seeds and in various parts of the flowers of adult plants. Traces were also found in green (emerged) cotyledons and roots of seedlings. The specific lectin activity in seeds contained within the fruits increased as the seeds matured. Mature seeds were homogenized in sucrose and separated by differential centrifugation into four fractions, three of which were clearly of distinct composition. Most of the lectin activity sedimented with the low-speed (cell-wall/protein-body) pellet, but a similar specific activity was recovered from the other fractions. However, if EDTA was included in the homogenization medium, three or four times more lectin activity was recovered in the soluble fraction. Immunofluorescent staining of formaldehyde-fixed sections showed that the lectin was localized in the cytoplasm, with little associated with cell walls. The possible relevance of these results to the function of the lectin in plant cells is discussed.

ABUSE OF THORN APPLE

ABUSE OF THORN APPLE

ABUSE OF THORN APPLE

ABUSE OF THORN APPLE

ABUSE OF THORN APPLE

ABUSE OF THORN APPLE

Effect of exogenous atropine on growth processes and biosynthetic aptitude of Datura innoxia mill.(Indian thorn apple) tissue culture

Effect of exogenous atropine on growth processes and biosynthetic aptitude of Datura innoxia mill.(Indian thorn apple) tissue culture

Alternaria crassa . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Alternaria crassa . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: On Datura stramonium (Jimson weed, thorn apple) and other species of Datura . DISEASE: Leaf spot of Datura. Irregular, straw-coloured, zonate spots occur first on the lower leaves, spreading upwards until later in the growing season the seed pods develop dark, sunken lesions. Heavily infected leaves are often shed. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Cuba, Cyprus, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, India, Italy, Jamaica, Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Rhodesia, Rumania, Spain, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, Uganda, U.S.A., U.S.S.R., Venezuela, Yugoslavia, Zambia. TRANSMISSION: Not known.