PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Atropa belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is a highly poisonous plant containing anticholinergic tropane alkaloids [PMID:29653183, PMID:30000920].
Background
Atropa belladonna is ranked among the most poisonous plants in Europe and other parts of the world [PMID:29653183, PMID:39540784]. It is a member of the nightshade family [PMID:19401984].
Traditional uses
Historically, belladonna has been used for headache, airway obstruction, and irritable bowel syndrome [PMID:30000920]. It has been used for thousands of years in the treatment of depression [PMID:7857505] and as a sedative or hypnotic agent [PMID:27086450]. In rural India, belladonna paste has been applied to the nipple to reduce milk secretion during lactation and to treat breast abscesses [PMID:30000920].
Active compounds
The plant contains tropane alkaloids, specifically atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine [PMID:29653183, PMID:30000920]. It also contains pyrrolidine alkaloids [PMID:36451537].
Mechanism of action
The alkaloids in Atropa belladonna act as anticholinergics [PMID:29653183, PMID:30000920].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CTachyarrhythmias
Intoxication by Atropa belladonna L. can induce tachyarrhythmias [PMID:23748541].
Safety & adverse effects
Atropa belladonna is highly toxic, particularly at high doses [PMID:29653183]. Acute poisoning symptoms include flushing, vomiting, mydriasis, gibberish (meaningless speech), dry mouth, tachycardia, lethargy, and coma [PMID:39540784, PMID:14992329]. Severe cases may involve encephalopathy and the requirement for mechanical ventilation [PMID:39540784]. Ingestion can lead to acute psychosis [PMID:12743348] and potential death [PMID:29653183]. Topical application to the breast may contribute to breast gangrene [PMID:30000920].
Pregnancy & lactation
Due to variable potency and a narrow therapeutic index, belladonna should be avoided both orally and topically during lactation [PMID:30000920]. Long-term use may reduce milk production by decreasing serum prolactin [PMID:30000920].
Evidence summary
The available evidence consists primarily of historical reviews, case reports of poisoning, and toxicological reviews, indicating high toxicity and a narrow therapeutic index.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000920 (2006) — Historical notes on botulism, Clostridium botulinum, botulinum toxin, and the idea of the therapeutic use of the toxin. · Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society
- 2.PMID: 29653183 (2018) — Atropa belladonna neurotoxicity: Implications to neurological disorders. · Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association
- 3.PMID: 12743348 (2003) — Recurrent autumnal psychosis. · Postgraduate medical journal
- 4.PMID: 39540784 (2024) — Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) and Other Weed Poisonings in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Analysis of 54 Children. · Turkish archives of pediatrics
- 5.PMID: 19401984 (2009) — [Intoxications with plants].