stramonium

The dried leaves and flowering or fruiting tops with branches of Datura s. or D. tatula (family Solanaceae), a herb abounding in temperate and subtropical countries; it contains an alkaloid, daturine, identical with hyoscyamine. It is an antispasmodic and has been used in the treatment of asthma and parkinsonism; when abused or taken inadvertently, it may cause an atropine-like toxic psychosis. [Mod. L.]

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stra·mo·ni·um strə-'mō-nē-əm n

1) the dried leaves of the jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) or of a related plant of the genus Datura containing the anticholinergic and antispasmodic alkaloids atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine and used esp. formerly in the treatment of asthma and parkinsonism

2) JIMSONWEED

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stra·mo·ni·um (strə-moґne-əm) 1. Datura stramonium. 2. the dried leaf and flowering or fruiting tops of D. stramonium, a source of hyoscyamine and scopolamine and having anticholinergic and parasympatholytic effects. It is used in folk medicine for various respiratory problems, in Chinese medicine for pain and respiratory problems, and in homeopathy for infection, cramps, and ocular inflammation. Called also jimson weed and thorn apple.