Role Of Krishna Dhattura (Datura Metel Linn.) As An Ayurvedic Contraceptive

Abstract

Background: Krishna Dhattura (Datura metel Linn., Solanaceae), known in Sanskrit as Dhustura and colloquially as Black Datura or Devil's Trumpet, is one of the most pharmacologically potent plants described in the Ayurvedic Materia Medica. Classical texts classify it under Upavisha (sub-toxic substances) and document its applications in diverse therapeutic contexts including neurological disorders, pain management, skin diseases, and reproductive medicine. Among its traditional uses, its role as a contraceptive agent — termed Garbha Nirodha or Santati Niyamana in Ayurvedic literature — has been documented in regional folk medicine and select classical references, though it remains underexplored in systematic biomedical review.

Objective: To conduct a comprehensive review of classical Ayurvedic and ethnobotanical references to Krishna Dhattura as a contraceptive agent; to analyze its phytochemical constituents with documented antifertility activity; to correlate these with modern reproductive pharmacology; and to critically appraise its safety, toxicity, and potential for future drug development.

Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridayam, Dhanvantari Nighantu, Raja Nighantu, Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, and Sharangdhara Samhita) were reviewed alongside ethnobotanical databases and peer-reviewed literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (1970-2025) on Datura metel reproductive pharmacology, alkaloid biochemistry, and antifertility studies.

Results: Datura metel contains a well-characterized alkaloid profile — predominantly scopolamine (hyoscine), atropine (dl-hyoscyamine), hyoscyamine, and daturine — with demonstrated effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, ovulation, sperm motility, implantation, and early embryonic development in animal models. Classical Ayurvedic formulations using Dhustura seeds and root in micro-doses describe both temporary and potentially permanent antifertility effects, corresponding with modern pharmacological evidence.

Conclusion: Krishna Dhattura presents a biologically plausible mechanism for contraceptive action through its tropane alkaloid constituents. However, the narrow therapeutic index, significant anticholinergic toxicity, and irreversibility concerns make it unsuitable for unsupervised use. Standardized, sub-toxic formulations merit controlled experimental and clinical investigation within an ethical biomedical framework..