An overview of tropane alkaloids from Datura stramonium L.

Abstract

Datura stramonium L., a wild-growing plant of the Solanaceae family, is widely distributed throughout the world. It contains a variety of tropane alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine In Ayurvedic medicine, D. stramonium has been used for curing various human ailments, including ulcers, wounds, inflammation, rheumatism and gout, sciatica, bruises and swellings, fever, asthma and toothache. A few previous studies have reported on the pharmacological effects of D. stramonium; however, complete information regarding the phytochemistry remains unclear. This comprehensive review includes information on botany and phytochemistry of the major tropane alkaloids produced by D. stramonium.