Atropa belladonna

A perennial herbaceous plant known for its toxic properties and historical use in medicine.

Illustration of Atropa belladonna from Köhler's Medicinal Plants.

Atropa belladonna, commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Solanaceae family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and has been introduced to North America. The plant is known for its toxic properties and has a long history of use in medicine and cosmetics.

Description

Atropa belladonna is a branching herbaceous perennial that can grow to a height of 1.5 meters (4.9 feet). The leaves are ovate and can be up to 18 centimeters (7.1 inches) long. The flowers are bell-shaped, dull purple with green tinges, and bloom from June to August. The fruit is a shiny black berry about 1 centimeter (0.39 inches) in diameter, which is highly toxic.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are responsible for its toxicity. Ingestion of the berries or leaves can cause symptoms such as dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, tachycardia, hallucinations, and convulsions. In severe cases, it can lead to death.

Historical Uses

Atropa belladonna has been used historically in various cultures for its medicinal properties. In ancient Rome, it was used as a poison, while in the Middle Ages, it was used in "flying ointments" by witches. The name "belladonna" means "beautiful lady" in Italian, referring to its use by women to dilate their pupils for cosmetic purposes.

Medicinal Uses

In traditional medicine, belladonna was used to treat a variety of ailments, including muscle spasms, pain, and inflammation. The alkaloids in the plant have anticholinergic properties, which can be used to treat conditions such as bradycardia and motion sickness. However, due to its high toxicity, its use is limited and requires careful dosing.

Modern Applications

Today, derivatives of belladonna alkaloids are used in modern medicine. Atropine is used to dilate pupils during eye examinations, as an antidote for certain types of poisoning, and to increase heart rate in bradycardia. Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness and surgery.

Cultivation

Atropa belladonna prefers well-drained, calcareous soils and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste places. It is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of environmental conditions but requires careful handling due to its toxicity.

Related pages

• Solanaceae
• Tropane alkaloid
• Atropine
• Scopolamine