Belladonna
Belladonna
Belladonna (pronunciation: /ˌbɛləˈdɒnə/), also known as deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna), is a perennial herbaceous plant in the nightshade family Solanaceae. The name "belladonna" means "beautiful lady" in Italian, and was chosen because of a risky practice in Italy.
Etymology
The name Belladonna comes from Italian, and means "beautiful lady". The plant was named so because women in Italy used the juice of this plant to enlarge their pupils, which was considered attractive. However, this practice was dangerous due to the plant's toxicity.
Description
Belladonna is a perennial, growing to 1.5 meters (4.9 ft) tall. Its leaves are oval and green, and it bears purple, bell-shaped flowers and shiny black berries. All parts of the plant contain tropane alkaloids, making it poisonous.
Uses
Belladonna has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and continues to be used in some medicines today. It is used in homeopathy and for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, and as a respiratory stimulant in anesthesia.
Toxicity
Belladonna is one of the most toxic plants found in the Eastern Hemisphere. All parts of the plant are toxic, with the roots and leaves containing the highest amount of poison. It can cause hallucinations, delirium, and other psychological effects, and can be fatal if ingested in large amounts.
Related Terms
- Atropine: An alkaloid and antimuscarinic drug found in belladonna.
- Solanaceae: The nightshade family, which includes belladonna.
- Tropane alkaloids: A class of alkaloids, many of which are psychoactive, found in plants such as belladonna.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Belladonna
- Wikipedia's article - Belladonna
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