Medical Blog Articles

Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade)

Belladonna, commonly known as Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), is a perennial herb belonging to the Solanaceae family. Renowned for its striking purple flowers and glossy black berries, the plant has long captivated both healers and historians. Its name, meaning “beautiful lady” in Italian, reflects its historical use in cosmetics, where extracts were applied to dilate pupils for an alluring appearance. Medicinally, belladonna contains potent tropane alkaloids—atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine—that exert anticholinergic effects. These compounds have been employed to relieve muscle spasms, reduce secretions, and manage certain inflammatory conditions, though their therapeutic window is narrow and toxicity risk is high. While modern pharmacology recognizes belladonna derivatives in controlled medical use, the plant itself remains a symbol of the fine line between remedy and poison, embodying the dual nature of nature’s pharmacopeia.