Belladonna
Atropa
Atropa is a plant traditionally associated with European folklore and has been used in various cultural contexts. It is primarily known for its toxic properties, though specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific research has focused on enhancing the hyoscyamine yield in Atropa belladonna through metabolic engineering, achieving an increase of 6.511 mg/g DW over wild-type plants. Additionally, studies have explored the acaricidal activity of Atropa belladonna extract combined with bifenthrin against Tetranychus urticae mites without adverse effects on natural enemies. The co-expression of rolB and rolC genes from Atropa belladonna has shown metabolic antagonism, particularly in tropane alkaloid biosynthesis and plant morphology. Historical toxicity reports highlight the potential dangers associated with Atropa species, including Solanum dulcamara and Solanum nigrum, emphasizing their documented use and poisoning cases from berry ingestion. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Atropa.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study employed metabolic engineering to enhance hyoscyamine yield and purity in Atropa belladonna, achieving a 6.511 mg/g DW increase over wild-type plants.
- The study found that Atropa belladonna extract, especially when combined with bifenthrin, showed enhanced acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae without negatively impacting natural enemies.
- Co-expression of Atropa belladonna rolB and rolC genes showed metabolic antagonism, with rolC primarily regulating tropane alkaloid biosynthesis and influencing plant morphology and drought tolerance.
- The study found that Atropa belladonna, Solanum dulcamara, and Solanum nigrum pose significant toxic risks due to their alkaloid content, with documented cases of poisoning from berry ingestion.
- Rebound anticholinergic toxicity occurred late in a patient with belladonna poisoning due to reabsorption of residual alkaloids.
Frequently asked questions
What is Belladonna?
Belladonna (Atropa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Belladonna?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Belladonna; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study employed metabolic engineering to enhance hyoscyamine yield and purity in Atropa belladonna, achieving a 6.511 mg/g DW increase over wild-type plants.
How strong is the evidence for Belladonna?
The strongest finding for Belladonna carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Belladonna safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Belladonna in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Belladonna interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Belladonna in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Belladonna?
Belladonna is also known as: Красавка (растение), Atrope.
Is Belladonna a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Acaricidal Activity and Potential Application of Atropa belladonna. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Case of Belladonna Poisoning With Late-Onset Reappearance of Anticholinergic Toxicity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Pull-Block Metabolic Engineering Strategy for High-Yield and High-Purity Hyoscyamine Production in Atropa belladonna. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Toxic Risks of Nightshade Species: A comprehensive review of the documented toxicity of Atropa belladonna, Solanum dulcamara, and Solanum nigrum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unraveling the pleiotropic functions of Rhizobium rhizogenes rolB and rolC genes on phenotype, secondary metabolism, and drought tolerance in Atropa belladonna. literature abstract metadata