Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is a plant that grows from Western Europe to the Himalayas. Itâs also grown in the US. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
Belladonna has chemicals that can alter the function of the body’s nervous system and cause changes to saliva, sweat, pupil size, urination, digestive functions, and others. Belladonna can also cause increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Despite known safety concerns, people use belladonna for asthma, the common cold, hemorrhoids, Parkinson disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses and Effectiveness
There is interest in using belladonna for a number of purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Safety and Side Effects
When applied to the skin: Belladonna is possibly unsafe. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if the poisonous chemicals in belladonna can be absorbed through the skin.
When given as a suppository (rectally): Belladonna is possibly unsafe. There isn’t enough reliable information available to know if the poisonous chemicals in belladonna can be absorbed from the rectum.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy: Belladonna is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It contains potentially toxic chemicals and has been linked to reports of serious side effects.
Breast-feeding: Belladonna is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. It can reduce milk production and also passes into breast milk.
Children: Belladonna is likely unsafe when taken by mouth. Consuming as few as 2 berries can be fatal in small children. Also, severe side effects and death have occurred in infants treated with homeopathic teething products containing belladonna.
Heart disease: Belladonna might cause rapid heartbeat and might make some heart conditions worse.
Down syndrome: People with Down syndrome might be extra-sensitive to the chemicals in belladonna and their harmful effects.
Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions: Belladonna might slow down the stomach and intestines, which could make some GI conditions worse.
Narrow-angle glaucoma: Belladonna might make narrow-angle glaucoma worse.
Interactions with Medications
- Cisapride (Propulsid)
- Belladonna contains atropine. Atropine can reduce the effects of cisapride. Taking belladonna with cisapride might reduce the effects of cisapride.
- Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs)
- Belladonna can block a chemical in the body called acetylcholine, which has many important functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, also block acetylcholine. There is some concern that taking them together might increase the risk for confusion, blurred vision, increased sweating, and increased heart rate.
Interactions with Herbs and Supplements
- There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with Foods
- There are no known interactions with foods.
Dosage
Other Names
Atropa belladonna, Atropa acuminata, Baccifère, Belladona, Belladone, Belle-Dame, Belle-Galante, Bouton Noir, Cerise du Diable, Cerise Enragée, Cerise d’Espagne, Deadly Nightshade, Devil’s Cherries, Devil’s Herb, Divale, Dwale, Dwayberry, Grande Morelle, Great Morel, Guigne de la Côte, Herbe à la Mort, Herbe du Diable, Indian Belladonna, Morelle Furieuse, Naughty Man’s Cherries, Poison Black Cherries, Suchi.
Source: MedlinePlus