The Hidden Danger of Dhutra (Thorn Apple / Datura)

Introduction
Dhutra, or Datura (Thorn Apple / Jimson Weed), is a wild flowering plant whose beauty conceals a deadly truth: every part of it is toxic. Even small exposure or accidental ingestion can lead to serious harm.

Key Features

Because of its showy flowers, Datura may be mistaken for harmless plants — a dangerous error.

Where It Grows
Roadsides, wastelands, open fields, and disturbed soils. Prefers warm, tropical or subtropical climates. Datura is often labeled a weed or invasive plant.

Toxicity & Mechanism
All parts contain tropane alkaloids (atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine). The amounts vary widely between plant parts, age, soil, and environment — making any amount potentially hazardous.

Symptoms of Poisoning
Onset: ~30–60 minutes after ingestion
Duration: Often 24–48 hours (or more in severe cases)

Common symptoms:

Severe cases may involve seizures, coma, respiratory failure, cardiac problems, or death. An English mnemonic helps remember:

“Blind as a bat, mad as a hatter, red as a beet, hot as a hare, dry as a bone …”

Real Incident Example
A family of three was poisoned after eating a traditional dish (“dolma”) made using Datura flowers. All recovered under medical care.

Precautions & Safety Tips