Mandrake
Mandrake
Mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a plant species in the nightshade family (Solanaceae). The term is often used to refer to the plant's root, which has a long history of use in traditional medicine and folklore.
Pronunciation
Mandrake: /ˈmanˌdrāk/
Etymology
The term "mandrake" comes from the Middle English mandragora, which is derived from the Latin mandragoras, from the Greek mandragorás.
Description
The mandrake plant is a perennial with dark green leaves and bell-shaped flowers. The plant's root often resembles a human figure, leading to many myths and legends about its supposed magical properties.
Medical Uses
Historically, mandrake root has been used in traditional medicine for its sedative and analgesic properties. It contains several active compounds, including hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which can have potent effects on the nervous system.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mandrake
- Wikipedia's article - Mandrake
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