Mandragora officinarum

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Mandragora officinarum

Mandragora officinarum (pronunciation: man-dra-gor-a offi-ci-na-rum), commonly known as the Mandrake, is a plant species belonging to the nightshade family, Solanaceae. The plant is native to the Mediterranean region and has a rich history in folklore and traditional medicine.

Etymology

The name "Mandragora" is derived from two Greek words implying 'harmful to cattle.' The Latin "officinarum" refers to its historical use in apothecaries and pharmacies.

Description

Mandragora officinarum is a perennial plant with a thick root that often resembles a human figure. The plant produces rosettes of ovate leaves and bell-shaped purple or white flowers. The fruit is a yellow or orange berry.

Medical Uses

Historically, Mandragora officinarum was used in traditional medicine for its sedative and analgesic properties. The plant contains alkaloids such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which have anticholinergic effects. However, due to its high toxicity, it is rarely used in modern medicine.

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