Atropa belladona toxicity

What is deadly nightshade

Characteristics of deadly nightshade

A drawing of the plant
A drawing of the plant

Scientific noun: Atropa belladonna L.

Common noun: Deadly nightshade

Family: Nightshade family- Solanaceae.

Habitat: In mountain woods, humid and dark.

Alkaloids: Atropine (C17 H 23O3 N) and hyoscyamine

Active parts: The hyoscyamine in the whole plant and the atropine in the root.

PROPERTIES OF BELLADONNA

Medicinal uses of belladonna

  • Remedies with Belladonna: It has been traditionally used to combat stomach cramps, epilepsy and asthma.
  • Medicines with belladonna: components of this plant are used to make medicines used in ophthalmologic examinations,

Given the toxicity of this plant it should not be used in home remedies

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Belladonna photos

Belladonna toxicity

Belladonna toxicity is very high. Many people, especially children, have been poisoned by eating its bright fruit.

Symptoms of belladonna poisoning

The main symptoms of belladonna poisoning include:

  • Pupil dilation
  • Dry mouth and skin,
  • Hallucinations
  • Tremors
  • Paralysis and coma.

Medical treatment of  belladonna poisoning

  • Stomach rinsing
  • Heart stimulants
  • Emetics.

punto rojo More information about plants.

This article was endorsed by Vicente Martínez Centelles - Founder of the web and director. Teacher of natural sciences, expert in plants, natural remedies and botanical photography.
Editorial
Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

26 July, 2020

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