Four new withanolides named dmetelins A-D (compounds 1-4), along with the known compound 7α,27-dihydroxy-1-oxo-witha-2,5,24-trienolide (5) were isolated from the leaves of Datura metel L. (Solanaceae). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of detailed analysis of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry data. All the compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide...

Datura innoxia cells from suspension cultures were selected for their ability to grow and divide rapidly in normally lethal concentrations of cadmium. Cells resistant to 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 160, 200, and 250 micromolar cadmium chloride were isolated and utilized to initiate cell suspension cultures resistant to this toxic metal ion. Variant cell lines retained their ability to grow in cadmium af...

In the past few decades there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine to be a better option for their healthcare needs, owing to their natural origin and reduced side effects. Datura spp. is one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in traditional medicine. The dry flower, particularly the violet coloured, if rolled and used like cigar, will help to relive the asthma or wheezi...

Plant resistance to herbivores involves physical and chemical plant traits that prevent or diminish damage by herbivores, and hence may promote coevolutionary arm-races between interacting species. Although Datura stramonium's concentration of tropane alkaloids is under selection by leaf beetles, it is not known whether chemical defense reduces seed predation by the specialist weevil, Trichobar...

In 12 asthmatic patients with mild airway obstruction we have measured the effect on specific airway resistance (sRaw) of inhaling the smoke of one Datura stramonium cigarette. In 11 patients sRaw decreased substantially after the cigarette, the mean maximal decrease being 40% at the 30th minute. In seven patients the subsequent inhalation of 200 micrograms salbutamol caused no further decrease...

The kinetic of atropine pertraction from seeds of Datura Metel Linn plant was studied. Diisopropyl ether, n-hexane and n-heptane were used as membranes for atropine recovery. The effect of speed of agitation and time in the range of 200-300 rpm and 0-3.5h, respectively were studied using the proposed membranes. The pertraction experiments were carried outs in a batch laboratory unit. The liquid...

Xanthomonas axonopodis punicae is the causative agent of Bacterial blight of Pomegranate that is known to cause yield loss up to 70-90%. The primary disease management method involves mainly use of chemical pesticides. In present investigation the antibacterial activity of extracts of Acacia nilotica, Datura metel, cow urine and butter milk against Xanthomonas axonopodis punicae was studied by ...

Host plant choice is of vital importance for egg laying herbivorous insects that do not exhibit brood care. Several aspects, including palatability, nutritional quality and predation risk, have been found to modulate host preference. Olfactory cues are thought to enable host location. However, experimental data on odor features that allow choosing among alternative hosts while still in flight a...