Atropa bella-donna

Species of plant known as deadly nightshade

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, and is known for its toxic properties and historical use in medicine and cosmetics.

Description

Close-up of Atropa belladonna flowers

Atropa belladonna is a branching herbaceous perennial that grows to about 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are ovate and can grow up to 18 cm long. The flowers are bell-shaped, dull purple with green tinges, and bloom from June to August. The berries are shiny black and about 1 cm in diameter.

Toxicity

Atropa belladonna fruit

All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are highly toxic. Ingestion of the berries or leaves can cause delirium, hallucinations, and even death. The plant's toxicity has made it a subject of interest in both historical and modern contexts.

Historical Uses

Historical illustration of belladonna cultivation

Historically, Atropa belladonna was used in cosmetics; women used the juice of the berries to dilate their pupils, which was considered attractive. The plant was also used in traditional medicine for its sedative and antispasmodic properties.

Modern Uses

Belladonna plaster from the Hunterian Museum

In modern medicine, derivatives of belladonna alkaloids are used in various medications. Atropine is used to dilate pupils during eye examinations, as an antidote for certain types of poisoning, and to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate).

Cultivation

Cultivated Atropa belladonna plant

Atropa belladonna prefers well-drained, calcareous soils and can be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and waste places. It is cultivated for its alkaloids, which are extracted for pharmaceutical use.

Ecology

Atropa belladonna in its natural habitat

The plant is pollinated by insects, and its berries are dispersed by birds. Despite its toxicity, it plays a role in the ecosystem by providing food for certain species that are immune to its effects.

Related pages

• Solanaceae
• Tropane alkaloid
• Atropine
• Scopolamine