Deadly nightshade

Deadly Nightshade (also known as Atropa belladonna) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family, which includes tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant (aubergine). It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. Its distribution extends from Great Britain in the west to western Ukraine and the Iranian province of Gilan in the east. It is also naturalized and/or introduced in some parts of Canada and the United States.

Description

The Deadly Nightshade is a branching herbaceous perennial, often growing as a subshrub, from a fleshy rootstock. Plants grow to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft) tall with 18 cm (7.1 in) long ovate leaves. The bell-shaped flowers are dull purple with green tinges and faintly scented. The fruits are berries, which are green, ripening to a shiny-black, and approximately 1.5 centimetres (0.59 in) in diameter.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids. The berries pose the greatest danger to children because they look attractive and have a somewhat sweet taste. The consumption of two to five berries by a human adult is probably lethal. The root of the plant is generally the most toxic part, though this can vary from one specimen to another.

Medical Uses

In the past, Deadly Nightshade was used as a cosmetic to dilate women's pupils, but this practice was stopped because of the many side effects that could be caused. Today, it is used in homeopathy and herbalism, and it is available in dietary supplement form. It is also used in conventional medicine, in small doses, to treat a variety of conditions.

See Also

• Nightshade
• Atropa belladonna
• Tropane alkaloids

References

Deadly nightshade Resources
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