Atropa Belladonna

Classification: -

Kingdom: Plantae

Class: Magnoliopsida

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Atropa

Species: Atropa belladonna

Common name: Deadly Nightshade

Scientific name: Atropa belladonna

Introduction:

Atropa belladonna, commonly known as deadly nightshade is highly toxic plant. It has been used as medicine since ancient times as surgical anesthetic and other symptoms also. The name “belladonna” is derived from an Italian word meaning “beautiful lady”. It is used by women to dilate their pupils for cosmetic purposes. This plant belongs to the same family of tomatoes and potatoes. The parts of plant such as leaves, berries, roots and stems contain harmful chemicals which can be very poisonous.

Habit and Habitat:

Atropa belladonna is perennial herb. This plant can be found in parts of Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. It is herbaceous plant that grows in shady, moist environments. It is typically found in woodlands, along forest edges and disturbed soils. This plant lives for several years and grows up to 1.5 to 2 meters tall. It has thick branching stem with bushy shape and can spread out as it grows. The leaves of plant are large, soft and dark green in color. The flowers of plant bloom in early summer to late autumn. The roots of plants are thick and fleshy which grows deep into the ground. They store food and water which helps in growth of the plant.

Morphology and Anatomy:

The plants of Atropa belladonna grows up to 1.5 meters tall having thick, branching stems. The leaves of plant are ovate shaped, dark green in color and arranged alternately. The flowers of belladonna are bell- shaped, purple or dull brown in color with greenish tinge. They have small shiny black berries that look like cherries which are highly toxic in nature. This plant produces strong chemicals called alkaloids which contains atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine. These chemicals are stored in the leaves, roots and berries which can affect nervous system.

Medicinal uses:

Atropa belladonna has an ancient history of medicinal uses. Alkaloids which are extracted from the plants are used as medicine in modern age for the treatment of conditions like motion sickness, muscle spasms and Parkinson’s disease. Atropine is the main compound which is used as an antidote for certain types of poisoning and in anesthesia.

Causes:

Atropa belladonna has high toxicity content due to tropane alkaloids. It is poisonous plant that can affect nervous system. The berries of this plant might look attractive but can be very harmful, especially to children. If someone eats berries, leaves or roots of the plant it can cause serious illness or death of a person. Some common symptoms found in plants of belladonna are:

- Dry mouth and difficulty in swallowing

- Fast heartbeat

- Blurred vision

- Seizures