Mediterranean mandrake
Mandragora officinarum
Mandragora officinarum, commonly known as mandrake, is a traditional plant that has been used in various cultures. Its use in specific traditions and practices is not well-documented, though it has been associated with magical and medicinal purposes in some historical contexts. Scientific evidence regarding Mandragora officinarum's efficacy is limited. A study quantified hyoscyamine and scopolamine levels in several Solanaceae plants, including mandrake, but found varying concentrations or absence of these compounds in the analyzed samples. Another review discusses toxicological aspects, traditional use, and analytical methods for detecting psychoactive substances in Mandragora officinarum, noting its tropane alkaloids with anticholinergic properties that have been used in medical applications. However, the exact clinical impact remains debated. Safety profiles for mandrake are generally favorable; no major issues or adverse effects have been recorded. There is also no evidence of significant drug interactions reported to date.
- 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 quantified hyoscyamine and scopolamine levels in four Solanaceae plants, finding varying concentrations or absence in the analyzed samples.
- The study reviews toxicological aspects, traditional use, and analytical methods for detecting psychoactive substances in twelve plant specimens, including Mandragora officinarum.
- Mandragora officinarum contains tropane alkaloids with anticholinergic properties used in various medical applications, though their exact clinical impact remains debated.
- The study found that Persian medicine suggests gradually reducing opium use and replacing it with other plants like mandrake to manage addiction.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mediterranean mandrake?
Mediterranean mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) 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 Mediterranean mandrake?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Mediterranean mandrake; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study quantified hyoscyamine and scopolamine levels in four Solanaceae plants, finding varying concentrations or absence in the analyzed samples.
How strong is the evidence for Mediterranean mandrake?
The strongest finding for Mediterranean mandrake carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Mediterranean mandrake safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Mediterranean mandrake in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Mediterranean mandrake interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Mediterranean mandrake in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Mediterranean mandrake?
Mediterranean mandrake is also known as: Мандрагора лекарственная, mandragore.
Is Mediterranean mandrake 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 Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Treatment of opium addiction in persian medicine: A review study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Beauty of the beast: anticholinergic tropane alkaloids in therapeutics. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Simultaneous quantification of hyoscyamine and scopolamine using HPLC-DAD in four Solanaceae: Hyoscyamus niger, Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna and Mandragora officinarum. literature abstract metadata