the Effects from Henbane vs Datura
Henbane and Datura belong to the family of Solanaceae, which is a category of toxic plants. Henbane and Datura are known to the mankind since ages and they have been used for medicinal purposes and also abused as both are known to produce hallucinogenic effects. However, there are notable differences between the two which will be clear after a brief description of the two.
Henbane
It was an integral ingredient in witches’ brew and has suffered a sinister reputation since time immemorial. Many narcotic alkaloids such as hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine are derived from this ugly and foul smelling plant. The plant is poisonous, and if anyone eats it even in small amounts, he feels delirium and dizziness. When eaten in large quantity, it can lead to a slow and painful death. In earlier times, henbane was used as a sedative to ease pains but it always has been a problem to determine safe dosage of this plant. The effect of henbane is similar to alcohol in the sense that the users feel a stupor followed by a comatose sleep. However, when applied locally, the plant leaves alleviate the pain in rheumatoid patients. Henbane has traditionally been used as a pain killer, especially pain arising from kidney stones and urinary tract diseases. It has also been used to treat asthma and bronchitis. Henbane contains 0.045-0.14% tropane alkaloids.
Datura
Also known as Thornapple in the west, Datura is a member of the order Solanceae. It is a toxic plant, found in warmer climates. The plant and the flower are known to mankind since ages and also its hallucinogenic effects. It derives its name from the Hindi word Dhatura, as it was called in India.
Datura is strongly narcotic and has a peculiar effect on human beings which renders it very useful as a medicinal plant. The common effects of Datura when consumed in moderate quantities are dimness of sight, dilation of pupil, giddiness and delirium. Sometimes people behave as maniacs when they have consumed large quantities of Datura. Datura has a more dangerous effect on the brain than Henbane. Those who eat Datura cannot differentiate between reality and fantasy and its effects can last for several days in continuation. Datura contains a mixture of hyocyamine and atropine with some malic acid. Datura has traditionally been a common product for suicides and murder in many parts of Asia.