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{{Short description|Species of toxic flowering plant in the nightshade family}}
{{Taxobox
{{Redirect|Deadly nightshade|other uses|Deadly Nightshade (disambiguation){{!}}Deadly Nightshade}}
| name = Deadly nightshade
{{speciesbox
| image = Koeh-018.jpg
|image = Atropa belladonna (16627871072).jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = ] from '']'' 1887 |image_caption = Plant in fruit, Catalonia, Spain
|genus = Atropa
| regnum = ]
|species = bella-donna
| divisio = ]
| classis = ] |authority = ]
| ordo = ]
| familia = ]
| genus = '']''
| species = '''''A. belladonna'''''
| binomial = ''Atropa belladonna''
| binomial_authority = ]
}} }}
'''''Atropa belladonna''''' or '''''Atropa bella-donna''''', commonly known as '''belladonna''' or '''deadly nightshade''', is a ] ] in the family ]. The drug ] is produced from the foliage, which along with the berries are extremely ], with ]ic properties.


'''''Atropa bella-donna''''', commonly known as '''deadly nightshade''' or '''belladonna''', is a toxic ] ] in the nightshade family ],<ref name="POWO">{{cite web | title=Plants of the World Online | website=Plants of the World Online | date=2012-06-01 | url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:814358-1 | access-date=2024-12-07}}</ref><ref name="Kennedy 2014">{{cite book |last=Kennedy |first=David O. |year=2014 |chapter=The Deliriants - The Nightshade (''Solanaceae'') Family |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YUNDAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA131 |title=Plants and the Human Brain |location=] |publisher=] |pages=131–137 |isbn=9780199914012 |lccn=2013031617 |access-date=2021-09-17 |archive-date=2023-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422235009/https://books.google.com/books?id=YUNDAgAAQBAJ&pg=PA131 |url-status=live }}</ref> which also includes ]es, ]es and ]. It is native to ] and ], including ], its distribution extending from ] in the west to western ] and the ]ian province of ] in the east. It is also naturalised or introduced in some parts of Canada, ] and the United States.
The species is native to ], ], and ], and has become ] in parts of ]. In areas where it has become naturalized it can often be found in shady, moist areas with a ]-rich ]. The name bella donna is derived from ] and means "beautiful woman."<ref>{{cite book |author=Spiegl, Fritz |title=Fritz Spiegl's Sick Notes: An Alphabetical Browsing-Book of Derivatives, Abbreviations, Mnemonics and Slang for Amusemen |publisher=Taylor & Francis |location=Washington, DC |year=1996 |pages=21-22 |isbn=1-85070-627-1 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref>

The foliage and ] are extremely ] when ingested, containing ]s.<ref name="Kennedy 2014"/><ref name="nsreview">{{cite journal|url=http://webspace.pugetsound.edu/facultypages/bdasher/Chem361/Review_Articles_files/Belladonna.pdf|pmid=15927926|year=2004|last1=Ulbricht|first1=C|title=An evidence-based systematic review of belladonna by the natural standard research collaboration|journal=Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy|volume=4|issue=4|pages=61–90|last2=Basch|first2=E|last3=Hammerness|first3=P|last4=Vora|first4=M|last5=Wylie Jr|first5=J|last6=Woods|first6=J|doi=10.1080/J157v04n04_06|s2cid=218876043|access-date=2017-10-17|archive-date=2018-07-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712230536/http://webspace.pugetsound.edu/facultypages/bdasher/Chem361/Review_Articles_files/Belladonna.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="mp2015">{{cite web|title=Belladonna|url=https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/531.html|publisher=MedlinePlus, US National Institutes of Health|access-date=17 October 2017|date=23 February 2015|archive-date=20 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101220172635/http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/531.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Fatur|first1=Karsten|last2=Kreft|first2=Samo|date=April 2020|title=Common anticholinergic solanaceaous plants of temperate Europe - A review of intoxications from the literature (1966–2018)|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|journal=Toxicon|language=en|volume=177|pages=52–88|doi=10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.005|pmid=32217234|bibcode=2020Txcn..177...52F |s2cid=213559151|access-date=2021-05-19|archive-date=2022-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143031/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|url-status=live}}</ref> These toxins include ], ], and ], which cause ] and ]s,<ref name="Kennedy 2014"/><ref name=nsreview/><ref name=mp2015/><ref name=Wilson2008>{{Cite book| last1 = Kuhn | first1 = Cynthia | last2 = Swartzwelder | first2 = Scott | last3 = Wilson | first3 = Wilkie | last4 = Wilson | first4 = Leigh Heather | last5 = Foster | first5 = Jeremy |year = 2008| title = Buzzed. The Straight Facts about the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy | page = 107| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=0SjhNDtBerYC&q=hallucinogenic++Atropa+belladonna&pg=PA107| isbn = 978-0-393-32985-8| publisher = ]| location = New York}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Fatur|first1=Karsten|last2=Kreft|first2=Samo|date=April 2020|title=Common anticholinergic solanaceaous plants of temperate Europe - A review of intoxications from the literature (1966–2018)|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|journal=Toxicon|language=en|volume=177|pages=52–88|doi=10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.005|pmid=32217234|bibcode=2020Txcn..177...52F |s2cid=213559151|access-date=2021-05-19|archive-date=2022-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143031/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|url-status=live}}</ref> and are also used as pharmaceutical ]s.<ref name="Kennedy 2014"/> Tropane alkaloids are of common occurrence not only in the ] tribes ] (to which the genus Atropa belongs) and ], but also in the ] tribe ]—all of which belong to the subfamily ] of the plant family Solanaceae.<ref name="Kennedy 2014"/>

''Atropa bella-donna'' has unpredictable effects.<ref name=nsreview/> The antidote for belladonna poisoning is ] or ], the same as for ].<ref>{{cite book | last = Potter | first = Samuel O.L. | title = A Handbook of Materia Medica Pharmacy and Therapeutics | publisher = P. Blakiston's | year = 1893 | location = London | pages = | url = https://archive.org/details/ahandbookmateri00pottgoog | quote = the antidote for belladonna is physostigmine or pilocarpine the same as for atropine. }}</ref>

The potentially deadly ripe fruit can be distinguished from the similar ''Solanum nigrum'' by its larger berry size, its much larger calyx than ''S. nigrum'' that extends wider than the fruit (either encasing it or extending flat), and that ''A. bella-donna'' bears its berries singly, whilst ''S. nigrum'' has its berries in clusters located on a descending stem, similar to tomatoes. ''Solanum nigrum'' has other potentially toxic look alikes and should be identified with certainty before attempts at foraging. This plant's overall structure looks similar to an ], but its flower looks a little bit different. This plant's flowers are very attractive, looking like a tomato flower, and its fruits are ball-shaped. It is very dangerous to consume.

==Name==

As with most names in biology, the ] differs from the ].

The species common name is ''deadly nightshade'' or simply ''belladonna''. The name entered English when ] used it in his illustrated ''Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes'', first published in 1597, displacing ''dwale'' as the English common name for this plant.<ref name="OED.dwale">{{cite book |title=Oxford English Dictionary |date=July 2023 |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |url=https://www.oed.com/dictionary/dwale_n2?tab=meaning_and_use#5866784}}</ref> The English translation of 1633<ref name="Herball">{{cite book |last1=Gerarde |first1=John |last2=Johnson |first2=Thomas |title=The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes |date=1633 |publisher=Norton and Whitake |location=London |url=https://www.exclassics.com/herbal/herbalv1001.htm |access-date=19 January 2025 |language=Latin, English |chapter=Volume 2, Chapter 56 |quote=...in English, Dwale, or sleeping Nightshade: the Venetians and Italians call it Belladona:...}}</ref> was seen as the best and most exhaustive work of its kind and a standard reference for some time.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Young |first=Sidney |title=The annals of the barber-surgeons of London |date=1890 |publisher=Blades, East & Blades |location=London |url=https://archive.org/details/annalsofbarbersu00youn }}</ref>

Its correct scientific name is hyphenated ''bella-donna''.<ref name="POWO"/> In his original description, Linnaeus called it ''Atropa bella donna'' with a space between 'bella' and 'donna',<ref name="SpPl">{{cite book | last=Linné | first=Carl von | last2=Salvius | first2=Lars | title=Caroli Linnaei ... Species plantarum :exhibentes plantas rite cognitas, ad genera relatas, cum differentiis specificis, nominibus trivialibus, synonymis selectis, locis natalibus, secundum systema sexuale digestas... | publisher=Impensis Laurentii Salvii | publication-place=Holmiae | year=1753 | doi=10.5962/bhl.title.669 | doi-access=free | page=}}</ref> and this space is treated by the ] (Article 60.11 Ex.42) as an error to be replaced by a hyphen.<ref name="Art60">{{cite web | title=Article 60 | website=IAPT | url=https://www.iapt-taxon.org/nomen/pages/main/art_60.html | access-date=2024-12-07}}</ref>

== History ==
''Atropa bella-donna'' has a long history of use as a medicine, cosmetic, and poison.<ref name="interview">{{cite web |title=Cult Presents: Sherlock Holmes – Bert Coules Interview |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/sherlock/coules.shtml |publisher=BBC |access-date=2023-06-08 |archive-date=2023-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528151532/https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/sherlock/coules.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=mp2015/><ref name="Fatur 140–158">{{Cite journal|last=Fatur|first=Karsten|date=June 2020|title="Headless Her still in ICU at A time" in Ethnobotanical Perspective: A Historical Review of the Uses of Anticholinergic Solanaceae Plants in Europe|url=http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s12231-020-09498-w|journal=Economic Botany|language=en|volume=74|issue=2|pages=140–158|doi=10.1007/s12231-020-09498-w|bibcode=2020EcBot..74..140F |s2cid=220844064|issn=0013-0001}}</ref> Known originally under various folk names (such as "deadly nightshade" in English), the plant was named ''Atropa bella-donna'' by ] (1707–1778) when he devised his classification system. Linnaeus chose the genus name ''Atropa'' because of the poisonous properties of these plants. ] (lit. "unturning one"), one of the ] in Greek mythology, is said to have cut a person's thread of life after her sisters had spun and measured it. Linnaeus chose the species name ''bella-donna'' ("beautiful woman" in Italian) in reference to the cosmetic use of the plant during the ], when women were believed to have used the juice of the berries in eyedrops intended to ] and make the eyes appear more seductive.<ref name=Goodman>{{cite book |first1=Laurence |last1=Brunton |first2=Bjorn |last2=Knollmann |title=Goodman and Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics "Muscarinic receptor antagonists – History" |edition=2001 |page=163 }}</ref><ref name=mp2015/><ref name="Hofmann">{{cite book |author1=Hofmann, Albert |author2=Schultes, Richard Evans |title=Plants of the Gods: Origins of Hallucinogenic Use |publisher=Van der Marck Editions |location=New York |year=1987 |pages= |isbn=0-912383-37-2 |url=https://archive.org/details/plantsofgodsorig00schu/page/88 }}</ref><ref name="Tombs">{{cite journal|vauthors=Tombs S, Silverman I |title=Pupillometry: A sexual selection approach|journal=Evolution and Human Behavior|volume=25|issue=4|pages=211–228|year=2004|doi=10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2004.05.001|bibcode=2004EHumB..25..221T }}</ref>

Extracts of ] have been in use since at least the 4th century BC, when ''Mandragora'' (]) was recommended by ] for treatment of wounds, gout, and sleeplessness, and as a love ]. In the first century BC, ] used Atropine-rich extracts from the Egyptian ] plant (another nightshade) for the above-mentioned purpose of dilating the ] of her eyes. {{citation needed|date=April 2022}}

The use of deadly nightshades as a poison was known in ancient Rome, as attested by the rumour that the Roman empress ] used the juice of ''Atropa bella-donna'' berries to murder her husband, the emperor ].<ref>According to the historian ], Livia was rumored to have squeezed the juice of the berries into a plate of figs which she fed to Augustus: Tacitus, ''Annals'' 1.5. See also John Emsley, ''Molecules of Murder: Criminal Molecules and Classic Cases'', ch. 3.6, "History of Atropine as a poison".</ref>

In the first century AD, ] recognised wine of mandrake as an ] for treatment of pain or sleeplessness, to be given prior to surgery or cautery.<ref name="holzman">{{cite journal|url=http://www.anesthesiology.org/pt/re/anes/fulltext.00000542-199807000-00030.htm;jsessionid=GSJKLv9vLCdQSmpp6vH3xdhnzWN1hy3s7JqMNFpWkHhLbKJT5vLM!741375937!-949856145!8091!-1#P89|title=The Legacy of Atropos|author=Robert S. Holzman, MD|journal=Anesthesiology|volume=89|issue=1|date=July 1998|pages=241–249|access-date=2007-05-21|pmid=9667313|doi=10.1097/00000542-199807000-00030|s2cid=28327277|doi-access=free}} citing J. Arena, Poisoning: Toxicology-Symptoms-Treatments, 3rd edition. Springfield, Charles C. Thomas, 1974, p 345</ref>
The use of nightshade preparations for anaesthesia, often in combination with ], persisted throughout the Roman and Islamic empires and continued in Europe until superseded in the 19th century by modern anaesthetics.

The modern pharmacological study of ''Atropa bella-donna'' extracts was begun by the ] ] ] (1795–1867). In 1831, the German pharmacist Heinrich F. G. Mein (1799–1864)<ref>{{cite web | title=Heinrich Friedrich Georg Mein|website=ostfriesischelandschaft.de| url=http://www.ostfriesischelandschaft.de/fileadmin/php/side.php?news_id=997&part_id=0&navi=11 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511031004/http://www.ostfriesischelandschaft.de/fileadmin/php/side.php?news_id=997&part_id=0&navi=11 | archive-date=2013-05-11 | url-status=unfit | language=de | access-date=2019-10-20}}</ref> succeeded in preparing a pure crystalline form of the active substance, named ''atropine''.<ref>{{cite book|author=Heinrich Friedrich Georg Mein|title=Annalen der Pharmacie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tT09AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA67|edition=1|volume=6|year=1833|language=de|pages=67–72|chapter=Ueber die Darstellung des Atropins in weissen Kristallen|trans-chapter=On the preparation of atropine as white crystals|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-date=2023-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112030727/https://books.google.com/books?id=tT09AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA67|url-status=live}}</ref>
<ref>Atropine was also independently isolated in 1833 by Geiger and Hesse:
* {{cite book|last1=Geiger|last2=Hesse|title=Annalen der Pharmacie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pz09AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA43|volume=5|year=1833|language=de|pages=43–81|chapter=Darstellung des Atropins|trans-chapter=Preparation of atropine|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-date=2023-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112030727/https://books.google.com/books?id=pz09AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA43|url-status=live}}
* {{cite book|last1=Geiger|last2=Hesse|title=Annalen der Pharmacie|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tT09AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA44|volume=6|year=1833|language=de|pages=44–65|chapter=Fortgesetzte Versuche über Atropin|trans-chapter=Continued experiments on atropine|access-date=2020-01-15|archive-date=2023-01-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112030728/https://books.google.com/books?id=tT09AAAAcAAJ&pg=PA44|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Description == == Description ==
]
''Atropa bella-donna'' is a branching ] perennial ] ], often growing as a ] from a fleshy rootstock. Plants can reach a height of {{cvt|2|m|ft|0}} (more commonly {{cvt|1.5|m|ft|0}}), and have ovate leaves up to {{cvt|18|cm|in|0}} long. The bell-shaped ]s are dull purple tinged yellow-green toward the base and are faintly scented. The ]s are ], which are green, ripening to a shiny black, and approximately {{cvt|1.5|cm|in|1}} in diameter. The berries are sweet and are consumed by animals (mainly birds<ref name=BSBI/>) that disperse the ]s in their droppings, even though they contain toxic ]s (see '']'').<ref name=Kay>{{cite journal |author=Kay QON |title=Edible fruits in a cool climate: the evolution and ecology of endozoochory in the European flora | journal= Fruit and Seed Production: Aspects of Development, Environmental Physiology and Ecology (Society for Experimental Biology Seminar Series)| editor-first1= C. | editor-last1= Marshall | editor-first2= J. | editor-last2= Grace| publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge, UK |year=2008 |pages=240 |isbn=978-0-521-05045-6 }}</ref> There is a pale-yellow flowering form with pale yellow fruit called ''Atropa bella-donna'' var. ''lutea''.


''A. bella-donna'' is sometimes confused with the much less poisonous ] ''Solanum nigrum'', belonging to a different genus within ].<ref name=Fatur>{{Cite journal|last1=Fatur|first1=Karsten|last2=Kreft|first2=Samo|date=2021-02-22|editor-last=Mehanathan|editor-first=Muthamilarasan|title=Nixing the nightshades: Traditional knowledge of intoxicating members of the Solanaceae among hallucinogenic plant and mushroom users in Slovenia|journal=PLOS ONE|language=en|volume=16|issue=2|pages=e0247688|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0247688|issn=1932-6203|pmc=7899348|pmid=33617573|bibcode=2021PLoSO..1647688F|doi-access=free}}</ref> A comparison of the fruit shows that black nightshade berries are spherical, have a dull lustre and grow in clusters, whereas the berries of deadly nightshade are much glossier, twice as large, somewhat flattened and are borne singly. Another distinction is that black nightshade flowers are not tubular but white and star-shaped, bearing a central cone of yellow anthers.
]
''Atropa belladonna'' is a branching ] perennial, often growing as a subshrub, from a fleshy rootstock. Plants grow to 1.5&nbsp;] (5&nbsp;]) tall with 18&nbsp;] (7&nbsp;]) long ovate leaves. The bell-shaped ]s are dull purple with green tinges and faintly scented. The ]s are ] that are green, approximately 1&nbsp;cm in diameter and when ripe, turn black with a shiny sheen. The berries are sweet and are consumed by animals that disperse the seeds in their droppings, even though the seeds contain toxic alkaloids. <ref>{{cite book |author=Kay QON |title=Edible fruits in a cool climate: the evolution and ecology of endozoochory in the European flora. In: Fruit and Seed Production: Aspects of Development, Environmental Physiology and Ecology (Society for Experimental Biology Seminar Series) (Ed. by C. Marshall and J. Grace)|publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge, UK |year=2008 |pages=240 |isbn=0-521-05045-6 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> There is a pale yellow flowering form called ''Atropa belladonna'' var. ''lutea'' with pale yellow fruit.


== Distribution ==
''Atropa belladona'' is rarely used in gardens, but when grown it is usually for its large upright ] and showy berries.<ref>{{cite book |author=Stuart, David |title=Dangerous garden: the quest for plants to change our lives |publisher=Harvard University Press |location=Cambridge |year=2004 |pages=49 |isbn=0-674-01104-X |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> It is considered a ] species in parts of the world,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ATBE |title=PLANTS Profile for Atropa bella-donna (belladonna) | USDA PLANTS |format= |work= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> where it colonizes areas with disturbed soils.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Stepp JR |title=The role of weeds as sources of pharmaceuticals |journal=J Ethnopharmacol |volume=92 |issue=2-3 |pages=163–6 |year=2004 |month=June |pmid=15137997 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.002 |url=}}</ref> ] of the small seeds is often difficult, due to hard seed coats that cause seed ]. Germination takes several weeks under alternating temperature conditions but can be speed up with the use of ].<ref>{{cite journal|author=Genova E, Komitska G, Beeva Y|title=Study on the germination of Atropa Bella-Donna L. Seeds|url=http://www.bio21.bas.bg/ipp/gapbfiles/v-23/97_1-2_61-66.pdf|journal=Bulgarian Journal of Plant Physiology|volume=23|issue=1-2|pages=61-66|year=1997|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> The seedlings need ] ] to prevent ] and resent root disturbance during transplanting.
''Atropa bella-donna'' is native across temperate southern, central and eastern Europe, northwestern ] (] and ]), and in southwest Asia in ], ] and the ].<ref name="POWO"/> In ] it is native only in ], where it grows on calcareous soils, on disturbed ground, field margins, hedgerows and open woodland; it is more widespread as an alien, including in ], ], and also ], where it is a relic of cultivation as a medicinal herb.<ref name="Streeter">{{cite book | last=Streeter | first=David | title=Collins Flower Guide | publisher=Collins | publication-place=London | date=2010 | isbn=978-0-00-718389-0 | page=}}</ref><ref name=BSBI>{{cite web |url=https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/index.php?q=plant/atropa-belladonna |publisher=Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) |title=Online Atlas of the British and Irish Flora: Deadly Nightshade ''Atropa belladonna'' L. |access-date=2016-03-11 |archive-date=2016-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311192427/https://www.brc.ac.uk/plantatlas/index.php?q=plant/atropa-belladonna |url-status=live }}</ref>


It has long been introduced and cultivated outside its native range, and is now ] north and west of its native range in Europe, and in parts of ], ], ], and ],<ref name="POWO"/> where it is often found in shady, moist locations with ]-rich ]s. In southern Sweden it was recorded in Flora of Skåne in 1870 as grown in ] gardens near Malmö.<ref name=Hylander>{{cite journal |last=Hylander|first=N. |date=1971 |title=Prima loca plantarum vascularium Sueciae. Första litteraturuppgift för Sveriges vildväxande kärlväxter jämte uppgifter om första svenska fynd. Förvildade eller i senare tid inkomna växter. |journal=Svensk Botanisk Tidskrift |volume=64 |pages=332 }}</ref> It is considered a ] species in parts of the world,<ref name=USDA>{{cite web |url=http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ATBE |title=PLANTS Profile for ''Atropa bella-donna'' (belladonna) &#124; USDA PLANTS |access-date=2008-07-08 |archive-date=2013-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130430081959/http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ATBE |url-status=dead }}</ref> where it colonises areas with disturbed soils.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Stepp JR |title=The role of weeds as sources of pharmaceuticals |journal=J Ethnopharmacol |volume=92 |issue=2–3 |pages=163–6 |date=June 2004 |pmid=15137997 |doi=10.1016/j.jep.2004.03.002 }}</ref>
== Naming and taxonomy ==


== Cultivation ==
The common names for this species include belladonna, deadly nightshade, dwale, banewort, devil's cherries, naughty man's cherries, divale, black cherry, devil's herb, great morel, and dwayberry.<ref name="Grieve">{{cite book | last = Grieve | first = Margaret | coauthors = Leyel C.F | title = Modern Herbal | publisher = Courier Dover Publications | date = 1971 | location = | pages = 584 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=KgfHxvGFHAoC&pg=PA584&dq=The+berries+are+full+of+a+dark,+inky+juice&ei=Gvq9R6WgCIfCtAOE4L2eBQ&sig=4lGsladEfMUQwL5EFZHTxG1UFYo
]
| doi = | id = | isbn = 0486227995|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> It is one of two species to be known as Deadly nightshade, the other is '']''. The first botanical description was by ] in '']'' in 1753.<ref>{{cite web| url =http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=814358-1 | title = Solanaceae Atropa belladonna L. | accessdate = 2008-03-01 | date = 2003-07-02 | work = Plant Name Details | publisher = ] | quote = Solanaceae ''Atropa belladonna'' L. ''Species Plantarum'' 2 1753 "Habitat in Austriae, Angliae montibus sylvosis." }}</ref> It is in the nightshade family ('']''), which it shares with ]es, ]es, ]s, ], ], ], and ]s.
''Atropa bella-donna'' is rarely grown in gardens, but, when grown, it is usually for its large upright ] and showy berries.<ref name=Stuart>{{cite book |author=Stuart, David |title=Dangerous garden: the quest for plants to change our lives |publisher=Harvard University Press |location=Cambridge |year=2004 |pages=49 |isbn=0-674-01104-X }}</ref> ] of the small seeds is often difficult, due to hard seed coats that cause seed ]. Germination takes several weeks under alternating temperature conditions, but can be sped up with the use of ].<ref name=Genova>{{cite journal|vauthors=Genova E, Komitska G, Beeva Y|title=Study on the germination of ''Atropa belladonna'' L. seeds|url=http://www.bio21.bas.bg/ipp/gapbfiles/v-23/97_1-2_61-66.pdf|journal=Bulgarian Journal of Plant Physiology|volume=23|issue=1–2|pages=61–66|year=1997|access-date=2008-07-08|archive-date=2008-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217031301/http://www.bio21.bas.bg/ipp/gapbfiles/v-23/97_1-2_61-66.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Seedlings require sterile soil to prevent damping off -the process of preventing soil-borne pathogens from weakening the seeds from germination- and root disturbance during transplanting, ensuring they do not resent root disturbance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Deadly Nightshade articles - Encyclopedia of Life |url=https://eol.org/pages/581107/articles |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=eol.org |language=en}}</ref>


== Taxonomy ==
The name Atropa is thought to be derived from that of the Greek goddess Atropos, one of the three fates or destinies that would determine the course of a mans life by the weaving of threads that symbolized their birth, events in that life and finally their death; with Atropos cutting these threads to mark the latter.
''Atropa bella-donna'' is in the ] family ('']''), which it shares with ]es, ]es, ], ], ], ], and ]s. The common names for this species include deadly nightshade,<ref name=BSBI/> belladonna, divale, dwale,<ref name="spiegl"/> banewort, devil's berries, death cherries, beautiful death, devil's herb, great morel, and dwayberry.<ref name="Grieve">{{cite book | last = Grieve | first = Margaret |author2= Leyel, C. F. | title = Modern Herbal | publisher = ] | year = 1971 | pages = 584 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=KgfHxvGFHAoC&q=The+berries+are+full+of+a+dark,+inky+juice&pg=PA584 | isbn = 0-486-22799-5|access-date=2008-07-08}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The name ''Atropa bella-donna'' was published by ] in '']'' in 1753.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=814358-1 | title = Solanaceae Atropa bella-donna L. | access-date = 2008-03-01 | date = 2003-07-02 | work = Plant Name Details | publisher = ] | quote = Solanaceae ''Atropa bella-donna'' L. ''Species Plantarum'' 2 1753 "Habitat in Austriae, Angliae montibus sylvosis." | archive-date = 2008-06-07 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080607234918/http://www.ipni.org/ipni/idPlantNameSearch.do?id=814358-1 | url-status = live }}</ref> ''Atropa'' is derived from the name of the Greek goddess ] ('she who may not be turned aside' i.e. 'the inflexible' or 'the implacable')—one of the three ] who would determine the course of a man's life by the weaving of threads that symbolised his birth, the events in his life, and finally his death, with Atropos cutting these threads to mark the last of these.<ref name="harris"/><ref name="groombridge"/> The name "bella-donna" comes from the two words ''bella'' and ''donna'' in the ], meaning 'beautiful' and 'woman', respectively,<ref name="spiegl">{{cite book |author=Spiegl, Fritz |title=Fritz Spiegl's Sick Notes: An Alphabetical Browsing-Book of Derivatives, Abbreviations, Mnemonics and Slang for Amusement and Edification of Medics, Nurses, Patients and Hypochondriacs |publisher=Taylor & Francis |location=Washington, DC |year=1996 |pages=21–22 |isbn=1-85070-627-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_CbA5a0u5E0C&q=belladonna&pg=PA21}}</ref> originating either from its usage as a cosmetic to beautify pallid skin,<ref name="gledhill">Gledhill, David (2008). ''The Names of Plants''. Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|9780521866453}} (hardback), {{ISBN|9780521685535}} (paperback). pp. 61, 68.</ref> or more probably, from its usage to increase the pupil size in women.<ref name="harris">{{cite book | title=The Homoeopathic Vade Mecum of Modern Medicine and Surgery: For the Use of Junior Practitioners, Students, Clergymen, Missionaries, Heads of Families, Etc | author=Edward Harris Ruddock | edition=2 | publisher=] |year=1867 | pages=503–508 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sxADAAAAQAAJ&q=belladonna+atropos+date:0-1900&pg=PA502 | author-link=Edward Harris Ruddock }}</ref><ref name="groombridge">{{cite book | title =The Naturalist: Illustrative of the Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral Kingdoms | editor = R. Groombridge | year=1839 | page=193 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vfsWAAAAYAAJ&q=belladonna+atropos+date:0-1900&pg=PA193 | publisher =R. Groombridge }} Notes: v.4–5 (1838–1839)</ref>


== Toxicity == == Toxicity ==
]


Deadly nightshade is one of the most ] plants known,<ref name="drugs">{{cite web |title= Belladonna |url= https://www.drugs.com/monograph/belladonna.html |publisher= | website= Drugs.com |access-date=28 August 2019 |date=18 April 2019 |archive-date=28 August 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190828043959/https://www.drugs.com/monograph/belladonna.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url= http://herbarium.freehostia.com/index.php| title=Herbarium of toxic plants| website=herbarium.freehostia.com|access-date=May 31, 2020|archive-date= August 17, 2011|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110817201449/http://herbarium.freehostia.com/plant.php?latin=Rhododendron+ferrugineum&commun=Rhododendron&lang=en|url-status=live}}</ref> and its use by mouth increases risk in numerous clinical conditions, such as ], ]s, ], and ], among others.<ref name=nsreview/><ref name=mp2015/> All parts of the plant contain ];<ref name=nsreview/><ref name="veterinary">{{cite web| url= http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/vet/mrls/054098en.pdf |title= Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, ''Atropa belladonna'', Summary Report | website= emea.europa.eu |year=1998 |publisher=The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products |access-date=2008-07-08 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060718184838/http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/vet/mrls/054098en.pdf |archive-date=2006-07-18 }}</ref><ref name= Toxicon /> roots have up to 1.3%,{{efn|Fresh weight percentages. Dry weight percentages would cut these figures roughly in half.}} leaves 1.2%, stalks 0.65%, flowers 0.6%, ripe berries 0.7%, and seeds 0.4% tropane alkaloids; leaves reach maximal alkaloid content when the plant is budding and flowering, roots are most poisonous in the end of the plant's vegetation period.<ref name="Raetsch-2005">{{Cite book |title=The encyclopedia of psychoactive plants: ethnopharmacology and its applications |last=Raetsch |first=Ch. |publisher= US: Park Street Press |year=2005 |pages= 80–85 }}</ref> The nectar is used by bees to make honey that also contains tropane alkaloids.<ref>{{Cite journal |last= Hazlinsky |first= B. |date=1956 |title= Poisonous honey from deadly nightshade |journal= Zeitschrift für Bienenforschung |issue=3 |pages= 93–96 }}</ref> The berries pose the greatest danger to children because they look attractive and have a somewhat sweet taste.<ref name="Grieve"/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thepoisongarden.co.uk/atoz/atropa_belladonna.htm |title= Atropa belladonna | website= thepoisongarden.co.uk |access-date= 2011-10-15 |archive-date=2019-04-06 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190406074057/http://www.thepoisongarden.co.uk/atoz/atropa_belladonna.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.wellness.com/reference/herb/belladonna-atropa-belladonna-l-or-its-variety-acuminata-royle-ex-lindl/dosing-and-safety |title= Belladonna (''Atropa bella-donna'' L. or its variety ''acuminata'' Royle ex Lindl) |publisher= | website= Wellness.com |date= 2014-06-14 |access-date= 2011-10-15 |archive-date= 2019-02-15 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190215215753/https://www.wellness.com/reference/herb/belladonna-atropa-belladonna-l-or-its-variety-acuminata-royle-ex-lindl/dosing-and-safety |url-status= live }}</ref> The root of the plant is generally the most toxic part, though this can vary from one specimen to another.<ref name= "Grieve"/><ref name="veterinary"/>
]


The active agents in deadly nightshade, ], ] (scopolamine), and ], have ] properties.<ref name=mp2015/><ref name= "giancarlo"/><ref name= Toxicon>{{Cite journal| last1= Fatur| first1= Karsten |last2= Kreft| first2= Samo| date=April 2020|title=Common anticholinergic solanaceaous plants of temperate Europe - A review of intoxications from the literature (1966–2018)|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|journal=Toxicon|language=en|volume=177|pages=52–88|doi= 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.005| pmid= 32217234| bibcode= 2020Txcn..177...52F |s2cid=213559151|access-date=2021-05-19|archive-date=2022-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143031/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|url-status=live}}</ref> The symptoms of ]ing include ] ]s, sensitivity to light, blurred ], ], loss of ], staggering, headache, ], flushing, severely dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, ], ], ], ]s, delirium, and convulsions.<ref name=mp2015/><ref name=drugs/><ref>{{cite journal |author= Mallinson T |title= Deadly Nightshade: ''Atropa belladonna'' |journal= Focus on First Aid |issue=15 |pages=5 |year=2010 |url= http://www.focusonfirstaid.co.uk/Magazine/issue15/index.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100521050422/http://www.focusonfirstaid.co.uk/Magazine/issue15/index.aspx |archive-date= 2010-05-21 }}</ref><ref name="pmid17575737">{{cite journal |author=Lee MR |title=Solanaceae IV: Atropa belladonna, deadly nightshade |journal=J R Coll Physicians Edinb |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=77–84 |date=March 2007 |pmid=17575737 |url=http://www.rcpe.ac.uk/publications/articles/journal_37_1/R-lee.pdf |access-date=2008-07-07 |archive-date=2007-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017235631/http://www.rcpe.ac.uk/publications/articles/journal_37_1/R-lee.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name= Toxicon /> In 2009, ''A. bella-donna'' berries were mistaken for ] by an adult woman; the six berries she ate were documented to result in severe ].<ref>{{cite journal |journal=Eur J Ophthalmol |year= 2009 |volume=19 |issue=1 |pages= 170–2 |title= Acute anticholinergic syndrome from ''Atropa belladonna'' mistaken for blueberries |vauthors= Mateo Montoya A, Mavrakanas N, Schutz JS |pmid= 19123171| doi= 10.1177/112067210901900130 |s2cid=9387171 }}</ref> The deadly symptoms are caused by disruption by the atropine of the ]'s ability to regulate involuntary activities, such as sweating, breathing, and heart rate. The ] for belladonna poisoning is an ] (such as ]) or a ] (such as ]), the same as for atropine.<ref>{{cite book |last= Potter |first= Samuel O. L. |title=A Handbook of Materia Medica Pharmacy and Therapeutics |publisher= P. Blakiston's |year= 1893 |location= London |pages= |url = https://archive.org/details/ahandbookmateri00pottgoog |quote= the antidote for belladonna is physostigmine or pilocarpine the same as for atropine. }}</ref>
]


''Atropa bella-donna'' is also toxic to many domestic animals, causing ] and ].<ref name="NC_State">{{cite web | publisher= North Carolina State University Department of Plant Biology |title= Poisonous Vascular Plants |year= 2000 |website= cals.ncsu.edu |url= http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantbiology/ncsc/Poisonplants/Vascular_plants.htm |access-date= 2008-07-07 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080706170159/http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantbiology/ncsc/Poisonplants/Vascular_plants.htm |archive-date= 6 July 2008 |url-status= dead }}</ref> However, cattle and ]s eat the plant seemingly without suffering harmful effects.<ref name="pmid17575737"/> In humans, its anticholinergic properties will cause the disruption of cognitive capacities, such as memory and learning.<ref name="giancarlo">{{cite book | title = From messengers to molecules: memories are made of these | chapter = Acetylcholine: I. Muscarinic Receptors |editor1=Gernot Riedel |editor2=Bettina Platt | first1= Giancarlo | last1=Pepeu| author-link1= Giancarlo Pepeu |first2= Maria Grazia | last2= Giovannini | edition = | publisher = ] | year = 2004 | isbn =978-0-306-47862-8 | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=dCyscToVVJkC&q=belladonna+acetylcholine+anticholinergic&pg=RA1-PA90 }}</ref>
]


Due to its toxicity, it is advised to not handle the plant without the use of gloves. Even in extremely small doses, when consumed, the toxicity can lead to death. In addition to this, Atropa has been known to have negative psychological effects on those that come into contact with it. Alongside the side effects of insomnia, local paralysis, and dizziness, are the interchanging states of mind swinging from excitement to absolute rabidness.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Niaef |date=2022-09-08 |title=Deadly nightshade: everything about the plant |url=https://plantura.garden/uk/trees-shrubs/deadly-nightshade/deadly-nightshade-overview |access-date=2024-12-07 |website=Plantura |language=en-GB}}</ref>
Belladonna is one of the most ] plants found in the ]. All parts of the plant contain ].<ref name="veterinary">{{cite web |url=http://www.emea.europa.eu/pdfs/vet/mrls/054098en.pdf |title=Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products, Atropa Belladonna, Summary Report |format=pdf|date=1998|publisher=The European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products |work= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> The berries pose the greatest danger to children because they look attractive and have a somewhat sweet taste.<ref name="Grieve"/> The consumption of two to five berries by children and ten to twenty berries by adults can be lethal. The root of the plant is generally the most toxic part, though this can vary from one specimen to another. Ingestion of a single leaf of the plant can be fatal to an adult.<ref name="veterinary"/>


== Legal status ==
The active agents in Belladonna, atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine), and hyoscyamine, have ] properties. The symptoms of belladonna ] include dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred ], ], loss of ], staggering, headache, ], flushing, dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, ], ], ], ]s, delirium, and convulsions.<ref name="medline">{{cite web|url=http://mplus.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-belladonna.html|title=Belladonna (Atropa belladonna L. or its variety acuminata Royle ex Lindl)|date=02/01/2008|publisher=Medline Plus|accessdate=2008-06-14}}</ref><ref name="pmid17575737">{{cite journal |author=Lee MR |title=Solanaceae IV: Atropa belladonna, deadly nightshade |journal=J R Coll Physicians Edinb |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=77–84 |year=2007 |month=March |pmid=17575737 |doi= |url=http://www.rcpe.ac.uk/publications/articles/journal_37_1/R-lee.pdf}}</ref> The plant's deadly symptoms are caused by atropine's disruption of the ]'s ability to regulate non-volitional/subconscious activities such as sweating, breathing, and heart rate. The ] for belladonna poisoning is ] or ], the same as for atropine.<ref>{{cite book | last = Potter | first = Samuel O.L. | title = A Handbook of Materia Medica Pharmacy and Therapeutics | publisher = P. Blakiston's | date = 1893 | location = London | pages =53 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=q2ku1dbnaLYC&pg=PA53&dq=the+antidote+for+belladonna+is+physostigmine+or+pilocarpine+the+same+as+for+atropine&ei=F5PAR6a0KofCtAPa_ty2CA | doi = | id = | isbn = }}</ref> ''Atropa belladonna'' is also toxic to many domestic animals and livestock causing narcosis and paralysis;<ref name="NC_State">{{cite web | author = North Carolina State University Department of Plant Biology | title = Poisonous Vascular Plants | publisher = NC State University | date = 2000 | url = http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/plantbiology/ncsc/Poisonplants/Vascular_plants.htm | format = htm | doi = | accessdate = 2008-07-07 }}</ref> however, cattle and ]s seem to eat the plant without suffering harmful effects.<ref name="pmid17575737"/>
Cultivation is legal in Europe, Pakistan, North America, and Brazil.<ref name="Raetsch-2005" /> Belladonna leaves and roots can be bought with a medical prescription in pharmacies throughout Germany.<ref name=Lindequist>{{Cite book |entry=Atropa |title= Haegers Handbuch der pharmazeutischen Praxis |edition=5th |last= Lindequist |first=U. |publisher= Berlin: Springer |year= 1992 |page=429| language= de}}</ref> In the United States, drugs containing ] such as atropine are ], and the FDA regards any ] products claiming efficacy and safety as an anticholinergic drug, to be illegal.<ref name=fda/>


== Uses == == Uses ==
Line 48: Line 79:
=== Cosmetics === === Cosmetics ===


The common name ''belladonna'' originates from its historic use by women - ''Bella Donna'' is ] for ''beautiful lady.'' Drops prepared from the Belladonna plant were used to ] women's ]s, an effect considered attractive.<ref>{{cite book |author=Hofmann, Albert; Schultes, Richard Evans |title=Plants of the Gods: Origins of Hallucinogenic Use |publisher=Van der Marck Editions |location=New York |year=1987 |pages=88 |isbn=0-912383-37-2 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Tombs S, Silverman I|title=Pupillometry: A sexual selection approach|journal=Evolution and Human Behavior|volume=25|issue=4|pages=211-228|year=2004|doi=10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2004.05.001}}</ref> Today it is known that the ] in Belladonna acts as an ], blocking receptors in the muscles of the eye that constrict pupil size.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002958.html |title=Atropine Eye Drops |format= |work= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> Belladonna is currently rarely used cosmetically, as it carries the ]s of causing minor visual distortions, inability to focus on near objects, and increased heart rate. Prolonged usage was reputed to cause blindness. The common name ''belladonna'' originates from its historic use by women, as ''bella donna'' is ] for "beautiful woman". Drops prepared from the plant were used to ] women's ]s, an effect considered to be attractive and seductive.<ref name="Hofmann" /><ref name="Tombs" /><ref name="Fatur 140–158"/> Belladonna drops act as a ], blocking receptors in the muscles of the eye that constrict pupil size.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002958.html |title= Atropine Eye Drops |access-date=2008-07-08 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080708050653/http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100002958.html |archive-date= 8 July 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> Belladonna is currently rarely used cosmetically, as it carries the ] of causing minor visual distortions, inability to focus on near objects, and increased heart rate. Prolonged usage was reputed to cause ].<ref>{{cite book |author= Wood, George Bacon |title= A Treatise on Therapeutics, and Pharmacology or Materia Medica |volume= 1 |publisher= J.B. Lippincott & Co |location= Philadelphia |year=1867 |pages= 792–795 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=hw0DAAAAQAAJ&q=%22in+one,+producing+blindness+with+large+dilatation+of+the+pupil%22&pg=PA792}}</ref>


=== Medicine === === Dietary supplements ===
In the United States, belladonna is marketed as a ], typically as an ] ingredient in over-the-counter ] products.<ref name=drugs/><ref name="fda">{{cite web |title=Sec. 310.533 Drug products containing active ingredients offered over-the-counter (OTC) for human use as an anticholinergic in cough-cold drug products. |url=https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=310.533 |publisher=Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, US Food and Drug Administration |access-date=28 August 2019 |date=1 April 2018 |archive-date=14 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814111352/https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=310.533 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although such cold medicine products are probably safe for oral use at typical atropine dosages (0.2 milligram), there is inadequate scientific evidence to assure their effectiveness.<ref name=fda/> By ] guidelines for supplements, there are no regulated manufacturing standards for cold medicines containing atropine, with some belladona supplements found to contain contaminants.<ref name=drugs/>


=== Medicinal uses ===
], derived from belladonna, reverses the effects of poisoning by ] ] used for ].<ref name="atropine">{{cite journal |author=Robenshtok E, Luria S, Tashma Z, Hourvitz A |title=Adverse reaction to atropine and the treatment of organophosphate intoxication |journal=Isr. Med. Assoc. J. |volume=4 |issue=7 |pages=535–9 |year=2002 |month=July |pmid=12120467 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> The alkaloid l-atropine was purified from belladona in the 1830s. This was an important development that enabled studies of the autonomic nervous system leading to the recognition of the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.<ref name="pmid17575737" />
], ]]]
] to recommend the use of ''A. bella-donna'' in its natural form for any condition is insufficient,<ref name=nsreview/><ref name=mp2015/><ref name=drugs/> although some of its components, in particular ''l''-], which was purified from belladonna in the 1830s, have accepted medical uses.<ref name="pmid17575737" /> ] is a ] ], that combines natural belladonna alkaloids in a specific, fixed ratio with phenobarbital to provide peripheral ] or ] action and mild sedation.<ref name="donnatal">{{cite web|url=https://www.drugs.com/pro/donnatal-tablets.html|title=Donnatal tablets|publisher=Drugs.com|date=1 March 2018|access-date=28 August 2019|archive-date=28 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190828141559/https://www.drugs.com/pro/donnatal-tablets.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Donnatal contains 0.0194&nbsp;mg of atropine.<ref name=donnatal/> According to the FDA and Donnatal ], it is ''possibly effective'' for use as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of ] (irritable colon, spastic colon, mucous colitis) and acute ].<ref name=donnatal/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.donnatal.com/prescribing-info.aspx |title=Donnatal Extentabs Prescribing Information |year=2009 |publisher=PBM Pharmaceuticals |access-date=2009-03-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227100747/http://www.donnatal.com/prescribing-info.aspx |archive-date=2008-12-27 }}</ref> Donnatal is not approved by the FDA as being either safe or effective.<ref name=donnatal/> According to the FDA, Donnatal use has significant risks: it can cause harm to a fetus if administered to a pregnant woman, can lead to heat prostration if used in hot climates, may cause constipation, and may produce drowsiness or blurred vision.<ref name=donnatal/>


The ] was a regimen for treating ] in the early 20th century.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Markel|first1=Howard|last2=M.d|date=2010-04-19|title=An Alcoholic's Savior: God, Belladonna or Both?|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/20/health/20drunk.html|access-date=2022-01-26|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2022-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126005453/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/20/health/20drunk.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
] is a ] pharmaceutical approved in the United States by the ] to "provide peripheral ]/antispasmodic action and mild sedation." It contains "natural belladonna alkaloids... combined with ]." The FDA has ordered a warning placed on the prescribing information stating that the drug is "possibly effective" for the treatment of ] and acute ] and as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of ] ].<ref></ref>


===Alternative medicine=== ==== Alternative medicine and toxicity risk ====
]
{{NPOV-sect}}

Belladonna has been used in ] for centuries for an assortment of conditions including headache, menstrual symptoms, peptic ulcer disease, inflammation, and motion sickness.<ref name="medline"/> ] that do not contain the plant but nevertheless use its name have been touted as a treatment for various conditions, but there is no scientific evidence for their efficacy.<ref name="medline"/><ref name="oxford">{{cite book|last=Vaughan|first=John Griffith|coauthors=Patricia Ann Judd, David Bellamy|title=The Oxford Book of Health Foods|publisher=Oxford University Press|date=2003|pages=59|isbn=0198504594|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=mMl9vwVDxigC&pg=PA59&lpg=PA59&dq=%22deadly+nightshade%22+homeopathic&source=web&ots=xEccdnf4ox&sig=uQu-JUHbXaEd9Ru5vJAPS9hkk0Y}}</ref><ref name="Grieve2"/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Brien S, Lewith G, Bryant T |title=Ultramolecular homeopathy has no observable clinical effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proving trial of Belladonna 30C |journal=Br J Clin Pharmacol |volume=56 |issue=5 |pages=562–8 |year=2003 |month=November |pmid=14651731 |url=http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/openurl?genre=article&sid=nlm:pubmed&issn=0306-5251&date=2003&volume=56&issue=5&spage=562 |doi=10.1046/j.1365-2125.2003.01900.x}}</ref> ] information from the ] states there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to recommend the use of traditional or homeopathic preparations of belladonna for any condition.<ref name="medline"/> The modern medical application for these ailments is similar to the traditional applications, although the latter generally indicates use for a wider range of ailments.<ref name="Grieve2">{{cite web |author=Grieve M|year=1998|url=http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/n/nighde05.html |title= A Modern Herbal-Nightshade, Deadly |publisher=botanical.com|format= |work= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref>
Belladonna has been used in ] for centuries as a pain reliever, muscle relaxer, and anti-inflammatory, and to treat menstrual problems, peptic ulcer disease, histaminic reaction, and motion sickness.<ref name=nsreview/><ref name=mp2015/><ref>{{Cite book|author=Ebadi, Manuchair|title=Pharmacodynamic Basis of Herbal Medicine|publisher=CRC Press|year=2007|isbn=9780849370502|page=203|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CMJKgfhCKzIC&pg=PA203}}</ref><ref name=oxfordbook>{{cite book|last=Vaughan|first=John Griffith|author2=Patricia Ann Judd |author3=David Bellamy |title=The Oxford Book of Health Foods|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=2003|pages=|isbn=0-19-850459-4|url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordbookofheal0000vaug_y3v1|url-access=registration|quote=deadly nightshade homeopathic.}}</ref><ref name="Fatur 140–158"/>

At least one 19th-century ] journal explained how to prepare a belladonna tincture for direct administration.<ref>{{cite journal|journal=The Eclectic Medical Journal|author1=Joseph R. Buchanan|author2=R.S. Newton|editor=Wm. Phillips and co.|title=Officinal preparations|year=1854|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3gBAAAAYAAJ&q=belladona+tincture+date:0-1950&pg=PA24|publisher=Wm. Phillips and co.}}</ref> In homeopathic practices, belladonna was prescribed by German physician ] as a ] for ] and pain diluted to such an extent that none of the plant was actually present in the preparation.<ref name=nsreview/> In the form of ], belladonna was a homeopathic medication for ] and excessive ], again with no actual belladonna present in the medication.<ref name="eb1">{{cite book|last=Lambert|first=Angela|title=The Lost Life of Eva Braun|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XgQDBAAAQBAJ&q=Koster%27s+Antigaspills&pg=PA262|date=September 3, 2014|publisher=St. Martin's Press|isbn=978-1466879966|page=262}}</ref> There is insufficient scientific evidence justifying the use of belladonna for these or any other clinical disorders.<ref name=nsreview/>

In 2010 and 2016, the US ] warned consumers against the use of homeopathic ] tablets and ]s containing belladonna as used for infants and children, stating that the products may be ], causing "seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation" especially for the lower potencies which are, counterintuitively, the ones that are more likely to include belladonna since they are less diluted.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm230762.htm|title=Consumer Updates – Hyland's Homeopathic Teething Tablets: Questions and Answers|publisher=US Food and Drug Administration|date=23 October 2010|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424112207/https://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm230762.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm523468.htm|title=FDA warns against the use of homeopathic teething tablets and gels|publisher=US Food and Drug Administration|date=30 September 2016|access-date=17 April 2018|archive-date=24 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424055736/https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm523468.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>


=== Recreational drug === === Recreational drug ===
''Atropa bella-donna'' and related plants, such as '']'' (commonly known as thornapple or jimson weed), have occasionally been used as ]s because of the vivid ]s and delirium they produce.<ref name=Bussmann>{{Cite journal|last=Fatur|first=Karsten|date=2021-01-07|editor-last=Bussmann|editor-first=Rainer W.|editor1-link=Rainer W. Bussmann|title=Peculiar plants and fantastic fungi: An ethnobotanical study of the use of hallucinogenic plants and mushrooms in Slovenia|journal=PLOS ONE|language=en|volume=16|issue=1|pages=e0245022|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0245022|issn=1932-6203|pmc=7790546|pmid=33412556|bibcode=2021PLoSO..1645022F|doi-access=free}}</ref> These hallucinations are most commonly described as very unpleasant, and recreational use is considered extremely dangerous because of the high risk of unintentional fatal ].<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Dewitt MS, Swain R, Gibson LB |title=The dangers of jimson weed and its abuse by teenagers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia |journal= West Virginia Medical Journal |volume=93 |issue=4 |pages=182–5 |year=1997 |pmid=9274142 }}</ref><ref name=Micke>{{cite journal |author=Micke MM |title=The case of hallucinogenic plants and the Internet |journal=J Sch Health |volume=66 |issue=8 |pages=277–80 |date=October 1996 |pmid=8899584 |doi= 10.1111/j.1746-1561.1996.tb03397.x}}</ref><ref name=Cummins>{{cite journal |vauthors=Cummins BM, Obetz SW, Wilson MR |title=Belladonna poisoning as a facet of pschyodelia |journal=JAMA |volume=204 |issue=11 |pages=1011 |date=June 1968 |pmid=5694682 |doi= 10.1001/jama.204.11.1011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Fatur|first1=Karsten|last2=Kreft|first2=Samo|date=April 2020|title=Common anticholinergic solanaceaous plants of temperate Europe - A review of intoxications from the literature (1966–2018)|url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|journal=Toxicon|language=en|volume=177|pages=52–88|doi=10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.02.005|pmid=32217234|bibcode=2020Txcn..177...52F |s2cid=213559151|access-date=2021-05-19|archive-date=2022-05-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524143031/https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041010120300362|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Fatur 140–158"/> The main psychoactive ingredients are the alkaloids scopolamine and, to a lesser extent, hyoscyamine.<ref>{{cite book|last=Schultes|first=Richard Evans|author-link=Richard Evans Schultes|title=Hallucinogenic Plants|others=Illustrated by Elmer W. Smith|publisher=]|location=New York|year=1976|isbn=978-0-307-24362-1|page=|url=https://archive.org/details/hallucinogenicpl00schu_0/page/46}}</ref> The effects of atropine on the central nervous system include memory disruption, which may lead to severe confusion.<ref>{{cite journal |vauthors=Hardy TK, Wakely D |title=The amnesic properties of hyoscine and atropine in pre-anæsthetic medication |journal=Anaesthesia |pages=331–336 |year=1962 |pmid=13904669 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2044.1962.tb13473.x |volume=17 |issue=3|s2cid=46569975 |doi-access= }}</ref> The major effects of belladonna consumption last for three to four hours; visual hallucinations can last for three to four days, and some negative aftereffects are preserved for several days.<ref name="Raetsch-2005" />

=== Poison ===
The tropane alkaloids of ''A. bella-donna'' were used as poisons, and early humans made ] from the plant.<ref name=Michael1998>{{Cite book| last = Michael| year = 1998| title = Alkaloids : biochemistry, ecology, and medicinal applications| pages = 20| url = https://books.google.com/books?id=bMCzyrAtrvYC&q=hallucinogenic++Atropa+belladonna&pg=PA20| isbn = 0-306-45465-3| publisher = Plenum Press| location = New York}}</ref><ref name="Fatur 140–158"/> In ], it was used as a poison by ], wife of Emperor ], on the advice of ], a woman who specialised in poisons, and ], who is rumored to have used it to kill her husband Emperor ].<ref name=Michael1998/><ref name=Timbrell2005>{{Cite book| last = Timbrell | first = John| year = 2005| title = The poison paradox : chemicals as friends and foes| pages = | url = https://archive.org/details/poisonparadoxche0000timb| url-access = registration | quote = poisons used by the wife of Claudius. | isbn = 0-19-280495-2| publisher = Oxford Univ. Pr.| location = Oxford}}</ref>

The Scots used it during a truce to poison the troops of the invading ], King of England, to the point that the English troops were unable to stand their ground and had to retreat to their ships.<ref name="groombridge"/><ref name="Fatur 140–158"/>


Medical historians also suspect that ], a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841, was poisoned using a combination of ''Atropa bella-donna'' and ].<ref>{{Cite book|title=Twelve years a slave|url=https://archive.org/details/twelveyearsasla00nortgoog|last=Northup|first=Solomon|date=1975|publisher=Louisiana State University Press|isbn=9780807101506|edition=Louisiana pbk.|location=Baton Rouge|oclc=804847817}}</ref>
''Atropa belladonna'' is used as a ] and can produce vivid real ]s in addition to its severe, adverse anticholinergic effects. Use of Belladonna for recreational purposes is considered extremely dangerous because of the risks of unintentional, fatal ].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Dewitt MS, Swain R, Gibson LB |title=The dangers of jimson weed and its abuse by teenagers in the Kanawha Valley of West Virginia |journal=W V Med J |volume=93 |issue=4 |pages=182–5 |year=1997 |pmid=9274142 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Micke MM |title=The case of hallucinogenic plants and the Internet |journal=J Sch Health |volume=66 |issue=8 |pages=277–80 |year=1996 |month=October |pmid=8899584 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Cummins BM, Obetz SW, Wilson MR |title=Belladonna poisoning as a facet of pschyodelia |journal=JAMA |volume=204 |issue=11 |pages=1011 |year=1968 |month=June |pmid=5694682 |doi= |url= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref>


== Folklore == == Folklore ==
{{main|European witchcraft|shamanism}}
]


=== Flying ointment ===
In the past, it was believed by some that witches used a mixture of belladonna, ], and other plants, typically poisonous (such as ] and ]) in ] they applied to help them fly to gatherings with other witches. ] and others have argued that flying ointments were preparations meant to encourage hallucinatory dreaming; a possible explanation for the inclusion of belladonna and opium poppy in flying ointments concerns the known antagonism between tropane alkaloids of belladonna (specifically ]) and opiate alkaloids in ] (specifically morphine), which produces a dream-like waking state. This antagonism was known in folk medicine, discussed in Eclectic (botanical) medicine formularies<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/atropa.html |title=Belladonna.—Belladonna |format= |work= |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref>, and posited as the explanation of how flying ointments might have actually worked in contemporary writing on witchcraft.<ref>{{cite book | last = Kuklin | first = Alexander | title = How Do Witches Fly?| publisher = DNA Press | date = February 1999
{{Main|Flying ointment}}
| location = | pages = | url = | doi = | id = | isbn = 0966402707
}}</ref> The antagonism between opiates and tropanes is the original basis of the ] that was provided to ] to deaden pain as well as consciousness during childbirth, and which was later modified so that isolated alkaloids were used instead of plant materials, the whole belladonna herb especially being notable for its unpredictability of effect and toxicity.<ref>{{cite book | last = Kowalchik | first = Claire | coauthors = Carr A Hylton W | title = Herb gardening | publisher = Rodale | date = 1987 | location = | pages = 1 and 158 | url = http://books.google.com/books?id=htGD3Y7WNxwC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Atropa+belladonna&lr=&source=gbs_summary_r#PPA1,M1 | doi = | id = | isbn = 087596964X }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Harner, Michael J. |title=Hallucinogens and Shamanism |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |year=1973 |pages=123-150 |isbn=0-19-501649-1 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> In the past, witches were believed to use a mixture of belladonna, ] and other plants, typically poisonous (such as ] and ]), in ], which they allegedly applied to help them fly to gatherings with other witches or to experience bacchanalian carousal.<ref>Hansen, Harold A. ''The Witch's Garden'' pub. Unity Press 1978 {{ISBN|978-0913300473}}</ref><ref name="Fatur 140–158"/> ] and others have argued that flying ointments were preparations meant to encourage hallucinatory dreaming; a possible explanation for the inclusion of belladonna and opium poppy in flying ointments concerns the known antagonism between tropane alkaloids of belladonna (]) and opiate alkaloids in the opium poppy, '']'' (to be specific, ]), which produces a dream-like waking state (]) or ] while the user is asleep. This antagonism was known in folk medicine and discussed in ] formularies.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/atropa.html |title=Belladonna.—Belladonna |work=Henrietta's Herbal |access-date=2008-07-08 |archive-date=2008-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514131307/http://www.henriettesherbal.com/eclectic/kings/atropa.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | last = Kuklin | first = Alexander | title = How Do Witches Fly?| publisher = DNA Press |date=February 1999 | isbn = 0-9664027-0-7 }}</ref> Belladonna is also notable for the unpredictability of its toxic effects.<ref>{{cite book | last = Kowalchik | first = Claire |author2=Carr A Hylton W | title = Herb gardening | publisher = Rodale | year = 1987 | pages = 1 and 158 | url = https://books.google.com/books?id=htGD3Y7WNxwC&q=Atropa+belladonna | isbn = 0-87596-964-X }}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Harner, Michael J. |title=Hallucinogens and Shamanism |publisher=Oxford University Press |location=Oxford |year=1973 |pages=123–150 |isbn=0-19-501649-1 }}</ref>


== See also == === Female attractiveness ===
Among the ancient folk traditions of the ]n (]n) / ] region of ] in the ] is the ritual for a Bukovinian girl to enhance her attractiveness by making an offering to deadly nightshade. She entered the fields on a Sunday in ], clad in her ], accompanied by her mother and bringing a bag of ], and ]. She would dig up a deadly nightshade root and leave the three offerings in its place. As she returned home, she carried the root on the top of her head. On the way both to and from home, she avoided all quarrels and arguments. If asked by anyone on the way back what she was taking home, she would not divulge the truth or the ] would break.<ref>Schenk, Gustav ''Das Buch der Gifte'' translated by Michael Bullock as ''The Book of Poisons'' pub. Weidenfeld and Nicolson 1956 page 28, quoting Hovorka, Oskar von and Kronfeld, Adolf : ''Vergleichende Volksmedizin Zweiter Band. Eine Darstellung volksmedizinische Sitten und Gebräuche, Anschauungen und Heilfaktoren des Aberglaubens und der Zaubermedizin'' 2 vols., pub. Strecker und Schröder Stuttgart 1908-9</ref>


== Gallery ==
* ]
<gallery>File:Atropa-bella-donna Staude 102 b.jpg|Specimen with abundant flowers and green, immature berries
* ]
File:Atropa belladonna L. longipedicellate flower.jpg|Single flower, showing long pedicel springing from leaf axil.
File:IMG 8028 Atropa belladonna L. Single flower in profile.jpg|Atropa belladonna L. Corolla and calyx of single flower in profile.
File:IMG 8052 Atropa belladonna L. Single flower Exterior & Interior.jpg|Atropa belladonna L. Single flower angled to show both exterior and interior.
File:IMG 8017 Atropa belladonna L. Heart of Single Flower.jpg|Atropa belladonna L. Single flower, full face, showing reticulated corolla base and insertion of (characteristically curled) stamens, and pistil.
File:Atropa belladonna 074.jpg|Single flower, three-quarter face, showing fine detail of puberulent stigma
File:Atropa belladonna L. back-lit corolla reticulation.jpg|Atropa belladonna L. single flower back-lit by bright sunlight to reveal purple reticulation of yellowish-green corolla tube.
File:Atropa belladonna back-lit corolla exterior interior contrast.jpg|Back-lit corolla, showing contrast between pubescent, ribbed exterior and more glabrous interior
File:Atropa belladonna by Danny S. 093.jpg|Cross-section of corolla, showing ripe anthers with flocculent, cream pollen
File:IMG 8073 Atropa belladonna L. Back of Calyxj.jpg|Atropa belladonna L. Reverse of fruiting calyx, showing concave backs of calyx lobes with dirt from air pollution coating sticky trichomes.
File:Atropa belladonna 'Lutea' Pokrzyk wilcza jagoda 2019-10-26 01.jpg|The translucent yellow berries of ''Atropa belladonna lutea''.</gallery>

== See also ==
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ], a pharmaceutical containing the active alkaloids in belladonna: scopolamine, hyoscyamine, and atropine, as a medication.

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}


== References == == References ==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|2}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{commons|Atropa belladonna|Deadly nightshade}} {{Wikispecies|Atropa belladonna}}
{{Commons category}}

* {{cite web | title=Compounds in deadly nightshade | work=USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. | url=http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=143 | accessmonthday=July 28 | accessyear=2005}} * {{cite web|title=Compounds in deadly nightshade |work=Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases |publisher=National Germplasm Resources Laboratory; USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program |location=Beltsville, Maryland |url=http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=143 |access-date=2005-07-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041110115105/http://sun.ars-grin.gov:8080/npgspub/xsql/duke/plantdisp.xsql?taxon=143 |archive-date=2004-11-10 }}


{{Ancient anaesthesia-footer}} {{Ancient anaesthesia-footer}}
{{Hallucinogens}}
{{Cholinergics}}
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Latest revision as of 14:33, 22 January 2025

Species of toxic flowering plant in the nightshade family "Deadly nightshade" redirects here. For other uses, see Deadly Nightshade.

Atropa belladonna
Plant in fruit, Catalonia, Spain
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Atropa
Species: A. bella-donna
Binomial name
Atropa bella-donna
L.

Atropa bella-donna, commonly known as deadly nightshade or belladonna, is a toxic perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae, which also includes tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant. It is native to Europe and Western Asia, including Turkey, its distribution extending from England in the west to western Ukraine and the Iranian province of Gilan in the east. It is also naturalised or introduced in some parts of Canada, North Africa and the United States.

The foliage and berries are extremely toxic when ingested, containing tropane alkaloids. These toxins include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which cause delirium and hallucinations, and are also used as pharmaceutical anticholinergics. Tropane alkaloids are of common occurrence not only in the Old World tribes Hyoscyameae (to which the genus Atropa belongs) and Mandragoreae, but also in the New World tribe Datureae—all of which belong to the subfamily Solanoideae of the plant family Solanaceae.

Atropa bella-donna has unpredictable effects. The antidote for belladonna poisoning is physostigmine or pilocarpine, the same as for atropine.

The potentially deadly ripe fruit can be distinguished from the similar Solanum nigrum by its larger berry size, its much larger calyx than S. nigrum that extends wider than the fruit (either encasing it or extending flat), and that A. bella-donna bears its berries singly, whilst S. nigrum has its berries in clusters located on a descending stem, similar to tomatoes. Solanum nigrum has other potentially toxic look alikes and should be identified with certainty before attempts at foraging. This plant's overall structure looks similar to an aubergine, but its flower looks a little bit different. This plant's flowers are very attractive, looking like a tomato flower, and its fruits are ball-shaped. It is very dangerous to consume.

Name

As with most names in biology, the scientific name differs from the common name.

The species common name is deadly nightshade or simply belladonna. The name entered English when John Gerard used it in his illustrated Herball, or Generall Historie of Plantes, first published in 1597, displacing dwale as the English common name for this plant. The English translation of 1633 was seen as the best and most exhaustive work of its kind and a standard reference for some time.

Its correct scientific name is hyphenated bella-donna. In his original description, Linnaeus called it Atropa bella donna with a space between 'bella' and 'donna', and this space is treated by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Article 60.11 Ex.42) as an error to be replaced by a hyphen.

History

Atropa bella-donna has a long history of use as a medicine, cosmetic, and poison. Known originally under various folk names (such as "deadly nightshade" in English), the plant was named Atropa bella-donna by Carl Linnaeus (1707–1778) when he devised his classification system. Linnaeus chose the genus name Atropa because of the poisonous properties of these plants. Atropos (lit. "unturning one"), one of the Three Fates in Greek mythology, is said to have cut a person's thread of life after her sisters had spun and measured it. Linnaeus chose the species name bella-donna ("beautiful woman" in Italian) in reference to the cosmetic use of the plant during the Renaissance, when women were believed to have used the juice of the berries in eyedrops intended to dilate the pupils and make the eyes appear more seductive.

Extracts of plants in the deadly nightshade family have been in use since at least the 4th century BC, when Mandragora (mandrake) was recommended by Theophrastus for treatment of wounds, gout, and sleeplessness, and as a love potion. In the first century BC, Cleopatra used Atropine-rich extracts from the Egyptian henbane plant (another nightshade) for the above-mentioned purpose of dilating the pupils of her eyes.

The use of deadly nightshades as a poison was known in ancient Rome, as attested by the rumour that the Roman empress Livia Drusilla used the juice of Atropa bella-donna berries to murder her husband, the emperor Augustus.

In the first century AD, Dioscorides recognised wine of mandrake as an anaesthetic for treatment of pain or sleeplessness, to be given prior to surgery or cautery. The use of nightshade preparations for anaesthesia, often in combination with opium, persisted throughout the Roman and Islamic empires and continued in Europe until superseded in the 19th century by modern anaesthetics.

The modern pharmacological study of Atropa bella-donna extracts was begun by the German chemist Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge (1795–1867). In 1831, the German pharmacist Heinrich F. G. Mein (1799–1864) succeeded in preparing a pure crystalline form of the active substance, named atropine.

Description

Atropa bella-donna flower

Atropa bella-donna is a branching herbaceous perennial rhizomatous hemicryptophyte, often growing as a subshrub from a fleshy rootstock. Plants can reach a height of 2 m (7 ft) (more commonly 1.5 m (5 ft)), and have ovate leaves up to 18 cm (7 in) long. The bell-shaped flowers are dull purple tinged yellow-green toward the base and are faintly scented. The fruits are berries, which are green, ripening to a shiny black, and approximately 1.5 cm (0.6 in) in diameter. The berries are sweet and are consumed by animals (mainly birds) that disperse the seeds in their droppings, even though they contain toxic alkaloids (see Toxicity). There is a pale-yellow flowering form with pale yellow fruit called Atropa bella-donna var. lutea.

A. bella-donna is sometimes confused with the much less poisonous black nightshade Solanum nigrum, belonging to a different genus within Solanaceae. A comparison of the fruit shows that black nightshade berries are spherical, have a dull lustre and grow in clusters, whereas the berries of deadly nightshade are much glossier, twice as large, somewhat flattened and are borne singly. Another distinction is that black nightshade flowers are not tubular but white and star-shaped, bearing a central cone of yellow anthers.

Distribution

Atropa bella-donna is native across temperate southern, central and eastern Europe, northwestern Africa (Morocco and Algeria), and in southwest Asia in Turkey, Iran and the Caucasus. In Great Britain it is native only in England, where it grows on calcareous soils, on disturbed ground, field margins, hedgerows and open woodland; it is more widespread as an alien, including in Wales, Scotland, and also Ireland, where it is a relic of cultivation as a medicinal herb.

It has long been introduced and cultivated outside its native range, and is now naturalised north and west of its native range in Europe, and in parts of North America, China, Australia, and New Zealand, where it is often found in shady, moist locations with limestone-rich soils. In southern Sweden it was recorded in Flora of Skåne in 1870 as grown in apothecary gardens near Malmö. It is considered a weed species in parts of the world, where it colonises areas with disturbed soils.

Cultivation

Belladonna cultivation, Eli Lilly and Company, 1919

Atropa bella-donna is rarely grown in gardens, but, when grown, it is usually for its large upright habit and showy berries. Germination of the small seeds is often difficult, due to hard seed coats that cause seed dormancy. Germination takes several weeks under alternating temperature conditions, but can be sped up with the use of gibberellic acid. Seedlings require sterile soil to prevent damping off -the process of preventing soil-borne pathogens from weakening the seeds from germination- and root disturbance during transplanting, ensuring they do not resent root disturbance.

Taxonomy

Atropa bella-donna is in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), which it shares with potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine, thornapple, tobacco, wolfberry, and chili peppers. The common names for this species include deadly nightshade, belladonna, divale, dwale, banewort, devil's berries, death cherries, beautiful death, devil's herb, great morel, and dwayberry.

Etymology

The name Atropa bella-donna was published by Carl Linnaeus in Species Plantarum in 1753. Atropa is derived from the name of the Greek goddess Atropos ('she who may not be turned aside' i.e. 'the inflexible' or 'the implacable')—one of the three Greek fates or destinies who would determine the course of a man's life by the weaving of threads that symbolised his birth, the events in his life, and finally his death, with Atropos cutting these threads to mark the last of these. The name "bella-donna" comes from the two words bella and donna in the Italian language, meaning 'beautiful' and 'woman', respectively, originating either from its usage as a cosmetic to beautify pallid skin, or more probably, from its usage to increase the pupil size in women.

Toxicity

Attractively sweet and cherry-like fruit of Atropa bella-donna

Deadly nightshade is one of the most toxic plants known, and its use by mouth increases risk in numerous clinical conditions, such as complications of pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, and psychiatric disorders, among others. All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids; roots have up to 1.3%, leaves 1.2%, stalks 0.65%, flowers 0.6%, ripe berries 0.7%, and seeds 0.4% tropane alkaloids; leaves reach maximal alkaloid content when the plant is budding and flowering, roots are most poisonous in the end of the plant's vegetation period. The nectar is used by bees to make honey that also contains tropane alkaloids. The berries pose the greatest danger to children because they look attractive and have a somewhat sweet taste. The root of the plant is generally the most toxic part, though this can vary from one specimen to another.

The active agents in deadly nightshade, atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine), and hyoscyamine, have anticholinergic properties. The symptoms of poisoning include dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tachycardia, loss of balance, staggering, headache, rash, flushing, severely dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and convulsions. In 2009, A. bella-donna berries were mistaken for blueberries by an adult woman; the six berries she ate were documented to result in severe anticholinergic syndrome. The deadly symptoms are caused by disruption by the atropine of the parasympathetic nervous system's ability to regulate involuntary activities, such as sweating, breathing, and heart rate. The antidote for belladonna poisoning is an anticholinesterase (such as physostigmine) or a cholinomimetic (such as pilocarpine), the same as for atropine.

Atropa bella-donna is also toxic to many domestic animals, causing narcosis and paralysis. However, cattle and rabbits eat the plant seemingly without suffering harmful effects. In humans, its anticholinergic properties will cause the disruption of cognitive capacities, such as memory and learning.

Due to its toxicity, it is advised to not handle the plant without the use of gloves. Even in extremely small doses, when consumed, the toxicity can lead to death. In addition to this, Atropa has been known to have negative psychological effects on those that come into contact with it. Alongside the side effects of insomnia, local paralysis, and dizziness, are the interchanging states of mind swinging from excitement to absolute rabidness.

Legal status

Cultivation is legal in Europe, Pakistan, North America, and Brazil. Belladonna leaves and roots can be bought with a medical prescription in pharmacies throughout Germany. In the United States, drugs containing tropane alkaloids such as atropine are prescription-only, and the FDA regards any over-the-counter products claiming efficacy and safety as an anticholinergic drug, to be illegal.

Uses

Cosmetics

The common name belladonna originates from its historic use by women, as bella donna is Italian for "beautiful woman". Drops prepared from the plant were used to dilate women's pupils, an effect considered to be attractive and seductive. Belladonna drops act as a muscarinic antagonist, blocking receptors in the muscles of the eye that constrict pupil size. Belladonna is currently rarely used cosmetically, as it carries the adverse effects of causing minor visual distortions, inability to focus on near objects, and increased heart rate. Prolonged usage was reputed to cause blindness.

Dietary supplements

In the United States, belladonna is marketed as a dietary supplement, typically as an atropine ingredient in over-the-counter cold medicine products. Although such cold medicine products are probably safe for oral use at typical atropine dosages (0.2 milligram), there is inadequate scientific evidence to assure their effectiveness. By FDA guidelines for supplements, there are no regulated manufacturing standards for cold medicines containing atropine, with some belladona supplements found to contain contaminants.

Medicinal uses

A belladonna plaster, Hunterian Museum, Glasgow

Scientific evidence to recommend the use of A. bella-donna in its natural form for any condition is insufficient, although some of its components, in particular l-atropine, which was purified from belladonna in the 1830s, have accepted medical uses. Donnatal is a prescription pharmaceutical, that combines natural belladonna alkaloids in a specific, fixed ratio with phenobarbital to provide peripheral anticholinergic or antispasmodic action and mild sedation. Donnatal contains 0.0194 mg of atropine. According to the FDA and Donnatal labeling, it is possibly effective for use as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (irritable colon, spastic colon, mucous colitis) and acute enterocolitis. Donnatal is not approved by the FDA as being either safe or effective. According to the FDA, Donnatal use has significant risks: it can cause harm to a fetus if administered to a pregnant woman, can lead to heat prostration if used in hot climates, may cause constipation, and may produce drowsiness or blurred vision.

The Towns-Lambert or Bella Donna Cure was a regimen for treating alcoholism in the early 20th century.

Alternative medicine and toxicity risk

A homeopathic preparation of belladonna

Belladonna has been used in herbal medicine for centuries as a pain reliever, muscle relaxer, and anti-inflammatory, and to treat menstrual problems, peptic ulcer disease, histaminic reaction, and motion sickness.

At least one 19th-century eclectic medicine journal explained how to prepare a belladonna tincture for direct administration. In homeopathic practices, belladonna was prescribed by German physician Samuel Hahnemann as a topical medication for inflammation and pain diluted to such an extent that none of the plant was actually present in the preparation. In the form of Doktor Koster's Antigaspills, belladonna was a homeopathic medication for upset stomach and excessive flatulence, again with no actual belladonna present in the medication. There is insufficient scientific evidence justifying the use of belladonna for these or any other clinical disorders.

In 2010 and 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration warned consumers against the use of homeopathic teething tablets and gels containing belladonna as used for infants and children, stating that the products may be toxic, causing "seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation" especially for the lower potencies which are, counterintuitively, the ones that are more likely to include belladonna since they are less diluted.

Recreational drug

Atropa bella-donna and related plants, such as Datura stramonium (commonly known as thornapple or jimson weed), have occasionally been used as recreational drugs because of the vivid hallucinations and delirium they produce. These hallucinations are most commonly described as very unpleasant, and recreational use is considered extremely dangerous because of the high risk of unintentional fatal overdose. The main psychoactive ingredients are the alkaloids scopolamine and, to a lesser extent, hyoscyamine. The effects of atropine on the central nervous system include memory disruption, which may lead to severe confusion. The major effects of belladonna consumption last for three to four hours; visual hallucinations can last for three to four days, and some negative aftereffects are preserved for several days.

Poison

The tropane alkaloids of A. bella-donna were used as poisons, and early humans made poisonous arrows from the plant. In Ancient Rome, it was used as a poison by Agrippina the Younger, wife of Emperor Claudius, on the advice of Locusta, a woman who specialised in poisons, and Livia, who is rumored to have used it to kill her husband Emperor Augustus.

The Scots used it during a truce to poison the troops of the invading Harold Harefoot, King of England, to the point that the English troops were unable to stand their ground and had to retreat to their ships.

Medical historians also suspect that Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841, was poisoned using a combination of Atropa bella-donna and laudanum.

Folklore

Main articles: European witchcraft and shamanism
Deadly nightshade leaves

Flying ointment

Main article: Flying ointment

In the past, witches were believed to use a mixture of belladonna, opium poppy and other plants, typically poisonous (such as monkshood and hemlock), in flying ointment, which they allegedly applied to help them fly to gatherings with other witches or to experience bacchanalian carousal. Carlo Ginzburg and others have argued that flying ointments were preparations meant to encourage hallucinatory dreaming; a possible explanation for the inclusion of belladonna and opium poppy in flying ointments concerns the known antagonism between tropane alkaloids of belladonna (scopolamine) and opiate alkaloids in the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum (to be specific, morphine), which produces a dream-like waking state (hypnagogia) or potentiated dreams while the user is asleep. This antagonism was known in folk medicine and discussed in traditional medicine formularies. Belladonna is also notable for the unpredictability of its toxic effects.

Female attractiveness

Among the ancient folk traditions of the Romanian (Moldavian) / Ukrainian region of Bukovina in the Carpathians is the ritual for a Bukovinian girl to enhance her attractiveness by making an offering to deadly nightshade. She entered the fields on a Sunday in Shrovetide, clad in her Sunday best, accompanied by her mother and bringing a bag of bread, salt, and brandy. She would dig up a deadly nightshade root and leave the three offerings in its place. As she returned home, she carried the root on the top of her head. On the way both to and from home, she avoided all quarrels and arguments. If asked by anyone on the way back what she was taking home, she would not divulge the truth or the spell would break.

Gallery

  • Specimen with abundant flowers and green, immature berries Specimen with abundant flowers and green, immature berries
  • Single flower, showing long pedicel springing from leaf axil. Single flower, showing long pedicel springing from leaf axil.
  • Atropa belladonna L. Corolla and calyx of single flower in profile. Atropa belladonna L. Corolla and calyx of single flower in profile.
  • Atropa belladonna L. Single flower angled to show both exterior and interior. Atropa belladonna L. Single flower angled to show both exterior and interior.
  • Atropa belladonna L. Single flower, full face, showing reticulated corolla base and insertion of (characteristically curled) stamens, and pistil. Atropa belladonna L. Single flower, full face, showing reticulated corolla base and insertion of (characteristically curled) stamens, and pistil.
  • Single flower, three-quarter face, showing fine detail of puberulent stigma Single flower, three-quarter face, showing fine detail of puberulent stigma
  • Atropa belladonna L. single flower back-lit by bright sunlight to reveal purple reticulation of yellowish-green corolla tube. Atropa belladonna L. single flower back-lit by bright sunlight to reveal purple reticulation of yellowish-green corolla tube.
  • Back-lit corolla, showing contrast between pubescent, ribbed exterior and more glabrous interior Back-lit corolla, showing contrast between pubescent, ribbed exterior and more glabrous interior
  • Cross-section of corolla, showing ripe anthers with flocculent, cream pollen Cross-section of corolla, showing ripe anthers with flocculent, cream pollen
  • Atropa belladonna L. Reverse of fruiting calyx, showing concave backs of calyx lobes with dirt from air pollution coating sticky trichomes. Atropa belladonna L. Reverse of fruiting calyx, showing concave backs of calyx lobes with dirt from air pollution coating sticky trichomes.
  • The translucent yellow berries of Atropa belladonna lutea. The translucent yellow berries of Atropa belladonna lutea.

See also

Notes

  1. Fresh weight percentages. Dry weight percentages would cut these figures roughly in half.

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External links

  • "Compounds in deadly nightshade". Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases. Beltsville, Maryland: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory; USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Archived from the original on 2004-11-10. Retrieved 2005-07-28.
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