Medical importance of Datura fastuosa (syn: Datura metel) and Datura stramonium - A review

The preliminary phytochemical investigation was performed on methanolic and hydroalcoholic extract of Datura fastuosa (syn: Datura metel) revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, amino acids and phenolic compounds, while, phytochemical analysis of Datura stramonium showed that it contained alkaloids, saponins, tannins, steroids, flavonoids, phenols and glycosides. The previous pharmacological studies of Datura fastuosa showed that it possessed antimicrobial insecticidal, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, neurological, wound healing, reproductive and antispasmodic, while Datura stramonium exerted Antiepileptic, Anti-asthmatic, analgesic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, insecticidal, repellent and organophosphate protective effects. The current review highlights the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Datura fastuosa and Datura stramonium.