Origin, Distribution and Composition of Datura
Datura is a bushy plant growing upto one metre in height. It has large egg shaped leaves, very large white flowers and egg shaped fruits, covered with prickles. The dried leaves, top portion of the flower and seeds of the plant constitute the drug.
Datura is referred to in ancient Indian literature as shivashekhra because the flowers are believed to be associated with Lord Shiva. It was known to the ancient Hindu physicians. They regarded the drug as an intoxicant, with emetic, digestive and healing powers. Smoking of datura seeds as a...
