Daturine is a chemical compound that can be found in plants of the genus Datura. Its spelling can be explained through the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription, which represents the sounds of the word. The IPA transcription for Daturine is /ˈdætjʊriːn/, which shows that the word starts with the sound /d/, followed by the vowel /æ/, the consonant cluster /tj/, and the vowel /ʊ/. The last syllable consists of the consonant /r/ and the vowel /iːn/.
Daturine is a chemical compound derived from the plant genus Datura, which encompasses various species of flowering plants commonly known as thorn apples or jimson weed. It is a potent alkaloid with both hallucinogenic and toxic properties. Daturine is classified as a tropane alkaloid due to its structure and mode of action.
In its pure form, daturine appears as a white crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It primarily acts as a competitive antagonist of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems. By blocking these receptors, daturine disrupts the normal function of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of muscular movements and various bodily processes.
The consumption or inhalation of daturine can induce a wide range of effects on the human body. These effects vary greatly depending on the individual's tolerance, dosage, and route of administration. Common symptoms of daturine poisoning may include hallucinations, delirium, confusion, dry mouth, dilated pupils, increased heart rate, loss of coordination, and even coma in severe cases. Due to its strong psychoactive properties, daturine has also been historically used for religious and shamanic rituals, as well as in traditional medicine for its sedative and analgesic effects.
Given its high toxicity and potential for abuse, daturine is considered a controlled substance in many countries. Its use is strictly regulated, and it is classified as a deliriant hallucinogen. Ingesting or exposing oneself to daturine without proper medical supervision can be extremely dangerous and may lead to severe health complications or even fatalities.
An alkaloid obtained from stramonium leaves, said to be isomeric with atropine and identical with hyoscyamine; antispasmodic, sedative, anodyne, and mydriatic; dose gr. 1/240-1/120 (0.00025-0.0005).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Daturine" is derived from the plant genus Datura, which belongs to the family Solanaceae (nightshade family). Datura comprises several species of flowering plants that are known for their toxic and hallucinogenic properties. "Daturine" refers to the alkaloids present in Datura plants, particularly scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which are responsible for their psychoactive effects. Therefore, the term "Daturine" likely originated from the scientific classification of Datura and the alkaloids found within these plants.