Aththana – අත්තන
▪Scientific name: Datura fastuosa
▪Common name: Devil’s trumpet /Trumpet flower /Thorn apple
Datura is a commonly used plant in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda it is categorized as sub toxic. Although it is
mentioned as sub toxic; it is used to treat many diseases. It reduces the “Dathu” of the body, Therefore it
is mentioned as “Datura”.
The seeds of this plant are yellow in color so it is also known as “Kanaka”.
It is not yet found that whether to which area this plant is endemic in the world. This plant was first
found in 1753.It is taken as a medicinal plant which grow in dry zone. Therefore in srilanka as well ; we
can see this plant abundantly.
It is categorized as
- Ela aththana
- Thun bo aththana
- Kalu aththana
Among them kalu aththana is mainly used in traditional medicine.
It is an annual plant which is grown as a shrub. It is 60cm – 90cm in height. Bit shiny and soft blisters are
present. Flowers are in different forms and are in 6 different colors such as white, cream, yellow, red,
blue & purple. But in shape and size they are equal. Length of a flower is 15cm-18cm.Due to its diversity
it is mostly used in gardening.
The leaves of this plant are purple in color. Matured leaves are 15cm-18cmin in length & width 10-12cm.
External covering of the fruit has thorns on it, inside of it has lot of seeds which are in brown color.
Propagation is through seeds or branches.
Datura is a toxic plant which is grown alongside of roads. It is sold in the market as a pesticide and as a
repellent. This tree belongs to Solanaseae group which has purple color flowers grown in tropical and
temperate zones of the world.
This plant contains a chemical compound called tropane alkaloids which are severe toxic. If this
compound get added to digestive tract, it will be deadly harmful not only to human but also to animals
as well. Therefore this plant is banned to sell, buy or to grow in some countries.
But traditional medicine practitioners use this as a medicine and give a small dose for treatments as
“mathras”.When producing drugs to prevent accidents and for the safety of production; company
should take the liability. Therefore to protect the customer, a special note on that kind of medicines are
given. By doing that over the counter medication of this medicine can be prevented.
As intoxicated symptoms dizziness, lethargy, unconsciousness may occur. If you get it in over dose death
too can occur.
Companies which produce medicines commercially use the leaves, roots flowers and the whole plant
extract in producing chemicals.
In common this plant contains mainly chemical compounds such as hysosciamine, hyoscine
,scopolamine and also atropine chemical can also be extracted by using this plant.
☘ Specially medicines made of chemical compound called atropine are used by opticians to dilate
the pupils.
In this plant seeds, roots, leaves are used as medicines to heal; - Fever
- Skin diseases
- Insects attacks
- Chronic cough
- Asthma
- Eye diseases
- Rabies
Hindus worship god shiva with bale leaves and fruits of “aththana” & pray for success. They believe by
doing that the death at young age can be prevented. Therefore this plant is highly appreciated among
hindus.
