Deadly nightshade Atropa belladonna

Deadly nightshade

O R I G I N A N D C U LT I VAT I O N Deadly nightshade is found growing in northern, central, and southern Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa. It is cultivated world-wide, including in the USA, UK, China, and India. The plant grows on wasteland and wooded hills; it seems to flourish best on calcareous soils and in the shade.

P L A N T   D E S C R I P T I O N
This perennial herb grows to a height of 1.0–1.5 m (5 ft), has fleshy roots, and an erect branched stem with ovate leaves up to 20 cm (8 in) long. The purple, bell shaped flowers give rise to shiny black berries, about the size of small cherries. The parts used are the roots, leaves, and berries.

N U T R I T I O N A L   A N D   C U L I N A R Y   VA L U E
None.

C L A I M S   A N D   F O L K L O R E
The plant has a long usage in practice and folklore. It was included in witches’ brew to simulate the feeling of flying and, in the Middle Ages, Italian women used the berry juice to enlarge the pupil to give the eye a glistening appearance. Like all plants, deadly nightshade contains a variety of chemical substances, but the action of its extracts is normally related to alkaloids (tropane): hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and atropine. These alkaloids are included in prescription medicines, and have an antispasmodic effect on the digestive system, bladder, and urethra. They also reduce anxiety or nervous tension and relieve insomnia. In eye examinations, the alkaloids will dilate the pupil. As regards over-the-counter medicines, belladonna is included in liniments, in homeopathic preparations for acne, boils, and sunburn, and in medicines for the topical treatment of rheumatism, sciatica, and similar complaints.

E V I D E N C E
As far as can be discovered, there is no experimental evidence to support the use of belladonna in homeopathic
medicine. The inclusion of the drug in prescribed medicines seems to be well supported, as is its use in topical
preparations available over the counter.
However, it should be made clear that all parts of deadly nightshade are very poisonous and should not
be ingested. The toxicity effects are quite startling. Adulteration of other herb roots with those of deadly
nightshade has led to unpleasant situations. It has been suggested that deadly nightshade material should not be brought into contact with broken skin, and its use is not advisable during pregnancy and lactation. It is not supported in Germany.