Atropa bella-donna: Difference between revisions
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| name = Atropa belladonna | | name = Atropa belladonna | ||
| image = Atropa_belladonna_(16627871072).jpg | | image = Atropa_belladonna_(16627871072).jpg | ||
| image_caption = Atropa belladonna | | image_caption = Atropa belladonna in bloom | ||
| genus = Atropa | | genus = Atropa | ||
| species = A. belladonna | | species = A. belladonna | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Atropa belladonna''', commonly known as '''deadly nightshade''', is a perennial herbaceous plant in the [[Solanaceae]] family. It is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia | '''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. The plant is known for its toxic properties and historical use in medicine and cosmetics. | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
[[File:Atropa_bella-donna_sl27.jpg|thumb|left| | [[File:Atropa_bella-donna_sl27.jpg|thumb|left|Atropa belladonna plant with berries]] | ||
Atropa belladonna is a branching herbaceous perennial that grows to about 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are ovate and | Atropa belladonna is a branching herbaceous perennial that grows to about 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) tall. The leaves are ovate and grow in pairs. The flowers are bell-shaped, dull purple with green tinges, and bloom from June to August. The berries are shiny black and about the size of cherries. | ||
The plant contains tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are responsible for its toxic effects. These compounds can cause delirium and hallucinations, and in high doses, they can be fatal. | |||
==Habitat and Distribution== | |||
Atropa belladonna is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, scrublands, and disturbed areas. It prefers calcareous soils and is often found in limestone regions. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world. | |||
==Toxicity== | ==Toxicity== | ||
[[File:IMG_8023_Atropa_belladonna_L._Single_fruit.jpg|thumb|right|Atropa belladonna | [[File:IMG_8023_Atropa_belladonna_L._Single_fruit.jpg|thumb|right|Single fruit of Atropa belladonna]] | ||
All parts of the plant | All parts of the plant are toxic, with the berries and roots being the most potent. Symptoms of poisoning include dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tachycardia, loss of balance, staggering, headache, rash, dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and convulsions. | ||
==Historical Uses== | ==Historical Uses== | ||
[[File:Belladonna_cultivation_Hand_book_of_pharmacy_and_therapeutics_b1007511_005_tif_5x21tg304.tiff|thumb|left|Historical | [[File:Belladonna_cultivation_Hand_book_of_pharmacy_and_therapeutics_b1007511_005_tif_5x21tg304.tiff|thumb|left|Historical cultivation of belladonna]] | ||
Historically, | Historically, belladonna was used in cosmetics, medicine, and as a poison. In the Renaissance, women used belladonna drops to dilate their pupils, which was considered attractive. The name "belladonna" means "beautiful lady" in Italian, reflecting this use. | ||
In medicine, belladonna was used as an anesthetic and to treat a variety of ailments, including motion sickness and muscle spasms. The plant's alkaloids are still used in modern medicine, particularly atropine, which is used to dilate pupils during eye examinations and as an antidote for certain types of poisoning. | |||
In | |||
== | ==Cultural Significance== | ||
Atropa belladonna has a long history of use in folklore and witchcraft. It was believed to have magical properties and was used in potions and ointments. The plant's association with witchcraft and poison has made it a subject of fascination and fear throughout history. | |||
== | ==Modern Uses== | ||
[[File: | [[File:A_belladonna_plaster,_Hunterian_Museum,_Glasgow.jpg|thumb|right|A belladonna plaster]] | ||
Today, belladonna is cultivated for its alkaloids, which are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Atropine and scopolamine are extracted from the plant and used in various medications. Despite its toxicity, belladonna remains an important plant in the field of medicine. | |||
==Related | ==Related Pages== | ||
* [[Solanaceae]] | * [[Solanaceae]] | ||
* [[Tropane alkaloid]] | * [[Tropane alkaloid]] | ||
Revision as of 06:32, 5 March 2025
Species of plant known as deadly nightshade
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. The plant is known for its toxic properties and historical use in medicine and cosmetics.
Description
Atropa belladonna is a branching herbaceous perennial that grows to about 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) tall. The leaves are ovate and grow in pairs. The flowers are bell-shaped, dull purple with green tinges, and bloom from June to August. The berries are shiny black and about the size of cherries.
The plant contains tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are responsible for its toxic effects. These compounds can cause delirium and hallucinations, and in high doses, they can be fatal.
Habitat and Distribution
Atropa belladonna is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, scrublands, and disturbed areas. It prefers calcareous soils and is often found in limestone regions. The plant is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia but has been introduced to other parts of the world.
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are toxic, with the berries and roots being the most potent. Symptoms of poisoning include dilated pupils, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, tachycardia, loss of balance, staggering, headache, rash, dry mouth and throat, slurred speech, urinary retention, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, and convulsions.
Historical Uses
Historically, belladonna was used in cosmetics, medicine, and as a poison. In the Renaissance, women used belladonna drops to dilate their pupils, which was considered attractive. The name "belladonna" means "beautiful lady" in Italian, reflecting this use.
In medicine, belladonna was used as an anesthetic and to treat a variety of ailments, including motion sickness and muscle spasms. The plant's alkaloids are still used in modern medicine, particularly atropine, which is used to dilate pupils during eye examinations and as an antidote for certain types of poisoning.
Cultural Significance
Atropa belladonna has a long history of use in folklore and witchcraft. It was believed to have magical properties and was used in potions and ointments. The plant's association with witchcraft and poison has made it a subject of fascination and fear throughout history.
Modern Uses
Today, belladonna is cultivated for its alkaloids, which are used in the pharmaceutical industry. Atropine and scopolamine are extracted from the plant and used in various medications. Despite its toxicity, belladonna remains an important plant in the field of medicine.
