Jimsonweed
Jimsonweed
Jimsonweed (pronounced: "jim-son-weed"), also known as Datura stramonium, is a plant species from the family Solanaceae. The name "Jimsonweed" is derived from "Jamestown weed," referring to its discovery in Jamestown, Virginia, in the 17th century.
Description
Jimsonweed is a robust annual plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. It has large, jagged leaves and white or purple trumpet-shaped flowers. The plant produces a spiny capsule fruit containing numerous seeds.
Distribution
Jimsonweed is native to North America but has become widespread throughout the world. It is commonly found in disturbed soils, including along roadsides and at the edges of fields.
Uses
Historically, Jimsonweed has been used for medicinal purposes, although its use is limited due to its high toxicity. It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of asthma symptoms and as an analgesic during surgery or bonesetting. It is also used as a powerful hallucinogen in some cultures.
Toxicity
All parts of the Jimsonweed plant are toxic and can be fatal if ingested by humans or animals. The plant contains tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, which are responsible for its toxic and hallucinogenic effects.
Related Terms
- Solanaceae: The plant family to which Jimsonweed belongs.
- Scopolamine: A tropane alkaloid found in Jimsonweed and other plants in the Solanaceae family.
- Hyoscyamine: Another tropane alkaloid found in Jimsonweed.
- Atropine: A tropane alkaloid that is used in medicine to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings, and to dilate the pupils for eye examinations.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Jimsonweed
- Wikipedia's article - Jimsonweed
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