Daturae Semina, I.C.A., Datura Seeds.
Related entries: Belladonna Leaves - Belladonna Root - Atropine - Atropine Salicylate - Atropine Sulphate - Datura Leaves - Datura Seeds - Stramonium - Daturine - Hyoscyamus Leaves - Hyoscyamus Seeds - Hyoscyamine Sulphate - Scopola
Datura seeds are the product of Datura fastuosa, Linn., var. alba, Nees (N.O. Solanaceae), an annual plant indigenous to India. The seeds are auriform, 4 to 5 millimetres broad, and about 1 millimetre thick. They are thickened towards the curved margin, which is wavy, the edge exhibiting a triple ridge. They are yellowish-brown in colour, the testa being thick, and finely pitted. The hilum is prominent, and extends from the acute end of the seed to about the middle of the flattened edge. The seeds have a bitter taste, but no odour.
Constituents.—The chief constituent of the seeds is the alkaloid hyoscine (scopolamine), but traces of hyoscyamine and atropine are also present. In addition, the seeds contain resin and a fixed oil.
Action and Uses.—Datura seeds are used in India as an equivalent of stramonium seeds. A tincture is prepared, which is a useful sedative against asthmatic coughs.
PREPARATION.
- Tinctura Datum Seminum, I.C.A.—TINCTURE OF DATURA SEEDS.
- Datura seeds, bruised, 25; alcohol (70 per cent.), sufficient to produce 100. Prepared by the percolation process. Tincture of datura seeds is official in India and the Eastern Colonies for use as a respiratory sedative and antispasmodic. The action is due to the alkaloids of the seeds. Dose.—3 to 10 decimils (0.3 to 1.0 milliliters) (5 to 15 minims).
