Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

nafex - RE: [NAFEX] Datura

nafex@lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: "Stephen Sadler" <Docshiva@Docshiva.org>
  • To: "'North American Fruit Explorers'" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: RE: [NAFEX] Datura
  • Date: Fri, 10 Jun 2005 12:47:46 -0700

The poisons in Datura are water-soluble anticholinergics, which can be
absorbed through the skin. These are compounds which interfere with
chemical receptors in smooth muscle cells, affecting organs such as the
heart and bladder. It's that effect of being able to stop a human heart
that could be a little bit of a problem. It's unlikely that there are any
bugs it could kill that there isn't much, much safer control for already.

Because Datura-derived compounds are used medicinally (sometimes it's a good
idea to slow smooth-muscle contractions), the active ingredients are very
well studied. A practical test as an insecticide would be risky and
wouldn't produce any new information.

Stephen Sadler, Ph.D.
USDA 9, AHS heat zone 8,
Sacramento CA - Mediterranean climate

-----Original Message-----
From: nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:nafex-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Thomas Olenio
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2005 6:16 AM
To: North American Fruit Explorers
Subject: [NAFEX] Datura


Hello All,

Has any research been done using Datura (Angel's Trumpet) extracts for
insect control? I know all parts of the Datura are poisonous due to the
alkaloids they contain.

Any official research on them for insect control? Probably much too
poisonous for safety concerns.

I know it kills humans in high enough concentrations.

Later,
Tom








Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page