The document discusses Dhatura, a deliriant poison belonging to the Solanaceae family, highlighting its toxic components, symptoms of poisoning, and treatment options. Key active principles include hyoscine and atropine, which exert various effects on the central nervous system, and symptoms range from dry mouth to delirium. The document also covers the medico-legal aspects of Dhatura, noting its use in criminal activities and accidental poisoning in children.

1. GOVERNMENT AYURVEDIC MEDICAL COLLEGE
AKHNOOR,JAMMU
DEPARTMENT OF AGAD TANTRA
TOPIC DHATURA (Deliriant poison )
Guided by-
Dr. Harmeet Kaur (associate professor)
Dr. Sreekala Vijayan (assistant professor) submitted by- ashina

2. CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
ACTION
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
PM APPEARANCE
MEDICO LEGAL ASPECTS
TREATMENT
.

3. PLANT PROFILE -
Family – Solanaceae
English name – Thorn apple
Indian name – dhatura
botanical name – DHATURA METEL LINN.
Synonyms – kanaka, matula, sivapriya,
Common names- thorn apple, jimson weed
hell bell and devil trumpet.

4. RASA PANCHAK -
◦RASA- tikta,katu
◦Guna – laghu, ruksha.
◦Virya- usna
◦Vipaka –katu
◦Karma –kapha –vata hara, visaghna,
◦ Kasahara.

6. Toxic part includes seeds ,flower, fruit
◦The seeds resemble
chilli seeds.
◦Poisoning occurs
only if seeds are
masticated or
swallowed.

8. ACTIVE PRINCIPLES -
◦HYOSCINE
◦ATROPINE
◦HYSOCYAMINE

9. MECHANISM OF ACTION-
CNS stimulant in early phase, but later cns
depression especially of respiratory centre.
Vagolytic action resulting in stimulation of heart.
Atropine and hyoscine blocks the acetycholine
Receptor and produces sympathomimetic and
Parasympatholytic actions.

10. Continue -
delirium, depression , drowsiness
Dilation pupil, dilation of cutaneous blood
vessel
Stimulate heat regulatory centre , drunken
gait,
Continue -

11. ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION -
◦The alkaloids are absorbed through the mucous
membrane of the GIT, respiratory tract, and through the
skin and conjunctiva .
◦It is destroyed in the liver by enzyme
◦Atropinase.
◦Part of it is excreted through the urine.

12. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS -
DRYNESS OF THE MOUTH
DYSPHAGIA (Difficulty in swallowing)
DYSARTHRIA ( difficulty in talking)
DIPLOPIA (dilation of pupil)
DRY HOT SKIN
DISTENSION OF URINARY BLADDER

13. CONTINUE -
DRUNKEN GAIT
DELIRIUM (Exhibits typically pill rolling
movement)
Dilation of cutaneous blood vessels
Diminished bowl sounds
drowsiness

14. Fatal dose – seeds (75-125)
hyoscine – 15-30 mg
Fatal period – 24 h
◦ Differential diagnosis-
Drunkeness and heat stroke .
• Diagnosis - atropine can be
Detected by radioimmunoassay
Thin layer chromatography and
Liquid chromatography .
Hysocine detected in plasma and
urine by radio receptor assay.

15. TREATMENT -
EMETICS.
◦GASTRIC LAVAGE WITH TANNIC ACID , KMnO4, or Activated
Charcoal.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTIDOTE- Physotigmine salicylate. (0.5 -1 mg
Slow iv over 5 min with ECG monitoring.
•Purgatives are recommended.
•Delirium is controlled by short acting barbituartes.

16. Postmortem Appearances-
◦ Those of asphyxia.
◦ Dhatura seeds found in the stomach.
◦ Congestion of GIT.
◦ Dhatura seeds resist putrefication and are found even when the
body is decomposed.

17. MEDICO – LEGAL ASPECTS -
Mainly as stupefying poison prior to robbery,
kidnapping, and rape. Also called as rail road
poison.
Occasionally ,it is used for suicidal purpose and for
criminal abortion.
Accidental poisoning is common in childrens who
may chew the fruit , use as an aphrodisiac ,
decoction of seeds is added to country liquor for
kick effect.