FolkKB

Belladonna

Atropa

Atropa is a plant traditionally associated with traditional medicine practices in Europe and parts of Asia. While its specific uses are not well-documented, it has been historically linked to various cultural and folkloric traditions, often related to cosmetics and poison due to the presence of toxic alkaloids. Scientific studies have shown that metabolic engineering can enhance hyoscyamine yield in Atropa belladonna, potentially improving the effectiveness of certain applications. Additionally, research indicates that combining Atropa belladonna extract with bifenthrin can increase acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae without harming natural enemies, suggesting potential agricultural benefits. However, Atropa species such as A. belladonna, Solanum dulcamara, and Solanum nigrum are known to pose significant toxic risks due to their alkaloid content, with documented cases of poisoning from berry ingestion. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded in the literature, but caution is advised given its potential toxicity.

At a glance
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. D PMID
  • The study found that Atropa belladonna extract, especially when combined with bifenthrin, showed enhanced acaricidal activity against Tetranychus urticae without negatively impacting natural enemies. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID
  • Rebound anticholinergic toxicity occurred late in a patient with belladonna poisoning due to reabsorption of residual alkaloids. D PMID

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

  1. T2 Acaricidal Activity and Potential Application of Atropa belladonna. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 A Case of Belladonna Poisoning With Late-Onset Reappearance of Anticholinergic Toxicity. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 A Pull-Block Metabolic Engineering Strategy for High-Yield and High-Purity Hyoscyamine Production in Atropa belladonna. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Toxic Risks of Nightshade Species: A comprehensive review of the documented toxicity of Atropa belladonna, Solanum dulcamara, and Solanum nigrum. literature abstract metadata
  5. 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

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