SOLANACEAE

The Solanaceae is a worldwide family but with many members in the Southern Hemisphere and its greatest diversity in tropical Central and South America. Although it contains many useful food plants such as the potato, tomato, tamarillo, pepino, aubergine and all the capsicums, the Solanaceae often also contain powerful alkaloids some of which may be used in small quantities in drugs but many of which can be deadly poisons.

The family consists of herbaceous plants, shrubs, climbers and small trees. Some have prickles or produce unpleasant scents when bruised.

There are native and naturalised species in other parts of the world. Medicinal plants of the Solanaceae include Capsicum and the poisonous:

Atropa belladonna deadly nightshade
Datura stramonium thorn apple
Hyoscyamus niger henbane
Solanum dulcamara bittersweet

Atropa belladonna [Restricted Herb]

Deadly nightshade

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Family Solanaceae

Description

A stout, shrubby perennial, growing from whitish roots to 1–1.5 m tall. Lower leaves petioles over 7 cm, in upper leaves they are shorter. Lamina large, elliptic-ovate, with short, glandular hairs, mainly on veins and a pointed tip. Flowers solitary, pendulous, on recurved pedicels growing from the leaf axils. Calyx lobed to halfway up the corolla which is campanulate, brownish purple-mauve and tinged with green. Fruit a broad-ovoid, slightly flattened berry, glossy black with purple juice. Seeds numerous. Flowers late summer to autumn. N.B. All parts are poisonous but especially the fruit, which is juicy and sweet so tempting to children.

Habitat and cultivation

Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, growing in woods, thickets and waste places. Naturalized in other countries and also cultivated for medicine since the 19th century.

Parts used

Dried aerial parts collected when the plant is in flower. The dried root is also used but it is higher in alkaloids and is used in much lower doses.

Active constituents

1) Alkaloids of tropane-type1–3—herba (min. 0.3%), radix (min. 0.4%), however the levels fluctuate with maturation of the plant as well as plant part.4 Includes mainly hyoscyamine and its racemate, atropine, scopolamine (hyoscine), smaller amounts of atropamine and belladonnine and also calystegines (herba)5

2) Flavonoids mostly derived from kaempferol and quercetin

3) Volatile bases including nicotine

4) Coumarins including scopoletin

There are steroidal glycosides in the seeds.6

Actions

1) Spasmolytic

2) Anticholinergic

3) Anhidrotic

4) Anti-asthmatic

Scientific information

From ancient times Atropa was known to be potentially toxic and the name is supposedly derived from “Atropos” one of the three Fates who “cut the thread of life”. In the 1830s its importance to the pharmaceutical world was established when atropine was isolated. Both root and leaf extracts were official medicines until relatively recent times.7

Atropine was shown over a century ago to inhibit vagal stimulation of the heart and it became a drug for use in bradycardia and to treat heart block after myocardial infarction. The mode of action of the alkaloids is through their competing with acetylcholine for muscarinic receptor sites in the central and autonomic nervous systems, the parasympathetic system is the one that uses mainly acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter.

Atropine, scopolamine and Atropa tincture at low dose reduce heart rate and increase respiratory sinus arrhythmia (vagotonic) but at higher doses they have the opposite effect and are described as vagolytic.8 The anticholinergic activity of the herbal extract is greater than that of the alkaloids alone.9

Medicinal uses

Atropa is a restricted herb but where it is legal for herbalists to use it, it is used to treat:-

Its action also reduces glandular secretions including saliva, hydrochloric acid, sweat and mucus. The root is used for external applications too as a counter-irritant and analgesic to treat:-

Pharmacokinetics

Studies show that atropine has a short half-life and total plasma clearance of it occurs within 4 hours, excretion occurring in urine, either in its original form, or as a metabolite.10

Precautions and/or safety

There are many reports of intoxication by Atropa occurring mostly through accidental ingestion by children or from the incorrect identification of them as other species of edible berries.11 The most common symptoms are difficulty speaking or dysarthria, tachycardia, mydriasis (excessive dilation of pupils), hallucinations, urinary retention, pyrexia and flushing and in more severe cases lethargy and coma, permanent consequences or fatalities are however uncommon.12–15 Consumption of the berries, which are a rich source of alkaloids, can manifest as psychosis.16 Side-effects may also be caused just by contact with the plant.17

Capsicum annuum

Cayenne pepper, chilli pepper

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Family Solanaceae

Description

Shrubs of varying height, grown as annuals in cold climates and perennials in hot climates. Whole plant tender when young but perennials develop a woody trunk and are evergreen all year in hot areas. Stem erect, angular. Branches are brittle and split or break easily. Leaves stalked, entire, oval or elliptic, bright dark green. Flowers shortly stalked, and pendant, erect with a whitish corolla with 5 wide-spreading lobes. Fruit a very variable berry with thick rind and dry walls, usually oblong, conical and bright red. It contains small flat, white seeds.

Habitat and cultivation

Native of Central and tropical South America, Capsicum annuum is cultivated in hot climates worldwide. Cayenne peppers are grown from seed which may take about 3 weeks to germinate. They will grow where tomatoes grow but need a longer season, warmer conditions and high light intensity to fruit well. They need fertile but not over rich soil and should never be allowed to dry out. They may be grown in pots, inside or outside, but are susceptible to mites indoors. Drought and frost tender.

N.B. Some people may be “burned” just by handling peppers and contact with the inner walls and seeds of fresh hot peppers should be avoided. The burning is made worse by water and may be relieved by putting the hands in milk.

Parts used

The ripe fruits of a number of species have been used, the main ones are C. annuum, C. frutescens, C. chinense, C. pendulum, C. pubescens and C. baccata.18 Within C. annuum there are a large number of sub-species and natural populations are heterogeneous.24 The medicinal value of the herb is directly related to its pungency.19

Active constituents

1) Alkaloids called capsaicinoids (0.1–1.0%20,21) including capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (both can account for up to 90% of the herb's pungency), their glucosides22 and up to 16 minor capsaicinoids.23–29 The capasaicinoids are based on vanillylamine20,25 and vary in type and content depending on species, state of maturity, nutritional and environmental conditions,23 processing and storage.24,30

2) Flavonoids including derivatives of quercetin, luteolin and apigenin31,32

3) Carotenoid pigments including carotenes and xanthophylls predominantly capsanthin24,33

4) Diterpene glycosides called capsianosides34–36

5) Phenolics either as free acids or derivatives of sinapic, p-coumaric, ferulic and caffeic acids31,32,36

Also volatile oil, fatty acids37 and steroidal saponins.38

In the seeds

6) Steroidal saponins—capsiciosides A-D39

Nutritional constituents

Vitamins: High in A, C and E,40 also contains B complex

Minerals: Iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sulphur

Actions

Internally

1) Stimulant

2) Spasmolytic

3) Diaphoretic

4) Carminative

Externally

5) Rubefacient

6) Antiseptic

7) Counter-irritant

Scientific information

Records of Capsicum's use date back as far as 7000 BC. The pungent type of chilli pepper originated in Mexico and reached Europe first, in the 15th Century, before becoming established in Asia.41

The main active constituent, capsaicin, was identified in the mid 19th Century although its therapeutic potential was only fully recognised a century later.18 The capsacinoid glucosides are much less pungent but still retain some of the beneficial biological activities of the alkaloids themselves.22

Capsicum has been an official medicine for both internal and external use in pharmacopoeias throughout Europe7 and it is still employed as a food-flavouring, medicine and ingredient in the cosmetic industry worldwide.42 Much of the scientifically identified action of the herb is due to pharmacological effects of capsaicin, mediated through the nervous system, however Capsicum does contain other significant constituents. It is approved by German Commission E for external use to treat painful muscle spasms.

Anti-oxidant

In vitro—Constituents with anti-oxidant activity include phenolics, vitamins, saponins and capsaicin.29,32,43–46

Nervous system

When capsaicin is applied to the skin it causes a triple response of itch and/or pain, flare and wheal. If contact is prolonged it produces a refractory period where nerves become desensitised not only to further exposure to capsaicin but also to other noxious stimuli.18 This effect occurs through stimulation of vanilloid-1 receptors (now called transient receptor potential channels of the vanilloid 1 receptor class or TPRV1s) which are present in specific sensory neurons of the skin, called nociceptors. These receptors integrate pain stimuli, especially those associated with inflammation, as well as stimuli from noxious chemicals and heat.18 They are not only found as sensors in skin (peripheral nerves) but also occur in the spinal cord and central nervous system where they perceive pain associated with internal tissues.

The neurological mechanism of action of capsaicin involves an increased influx of sodium and, most especially, calcium ions through non-selective ion channels. Depolarisation of nerve fibres follows this influx, with release and subsequent depletion of neurotransmitter peptides, including substance P and calcitonin-gene related peptide.47 It can take several hours to build up neurotransmitter levels again and during this time nerve fibres are effectively anaesthetised.48 The neurotransmitters are believed to be responsible for the signs of neurogenic inflammation namely plasma extravasation, vasodilation and leukocyte recruitment.18 They may also cause degranulation of mast cells49 and their action has been shown to involve increased levels of inflammatory mediators50 but this does not include histamine release.49 Capsaicin can also cause sensory loss by denervation of nerve fibres. This loss may be short-term as seen in epidermal and sub-epidermal layers of skin when it is applied under occlusive dressings51 or more long term and possibly permanent when capsaicin is used at very high doses. TPRV1s are ubiquitous in the body being found in nerves innervating many other tissues as well as in non-neuronal tissues47 and capsaicin can influence activity in a range of cells, at least in part, through altered levels of sodium and calcium ions.52,53 The study of vanilloid receptors is relatively new and their biochemical complexity and significance is yet to be fully elucidated.

Apart from their role in the analgesia of painful conditions, the level of TPRV1s is increased in tissues associated with a number of pathological conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, vulvodynia and rectal hypersensitivity and this may give capsaicin a potential role in their treatment.18,54 Its pungency is however a limiting factor to its usefulness as a systemic therapeutic agent.

In vivo—There are a number of clinical trials of Capiscum in topical preparations. It has been beneficial for:-

Gastro-intestinal system

In vitro—Permeability of gastro-intestinal epithelial cells to macromolecules is increased by contact with Capsicum an effect that may increase absorption of both nutrients and allergens in vivo.68

In vivo—Studies of Capsicum's effects on the gastro-intestinal tract found that it:-

Capsicum does not appear to increase oro-caecal transit time72,74 or alter faecal output volume71 but may increase bowel motion frequency slightly.74

Ingestion of large amounts of strong chilli can cause reflux,75 however moderate dietary amounts do not worsen heartburn in sufferers of the condition (though it may hasten its onset)70 nor do they increase reflux induced by a fatty meal.76 Prolonged exposure to capsaicin may actually reduce the perceived discomfort associated with reflux due to nerve analgesia.70

Capsicum has been commonly contra-indicated in peptic ulceration, as it was believed to damage the gastric mucosa and increase acid production. However chilli consumption in normal Indian diets did not delay healing, or cause visible damage, to the gastric mucosa during standard treatment of duodenal ulcers77 and may even have protected against ulcer development.78

Cancer

Studies relate predominantly to capsaicin. Those conducted using non-human models have shown capsaicin's potential as an antitumour and cancer-preventative agent is contradictory and that it can both protect against and promote cancer cell growth, a phenomenon that has yet to be explained.79

In vitro—Capsicum itself is cytotoxic to buccal mucosa fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner80 and greatly potentiates the anti-cancer activity of green tea.81

Capsaicin does not appear to have tumour promotion activity in human models.82 On the contrary it has been shown to prevent promotion by known chemical carcinogens83,84 (probably due in part to anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory actions82) and also to biochemical changes which occur through increased levels of intracellular calcium.85 Capsaicin does not appear to induce apopotosis in normal cells86 but does so in cancer cells including neuroblastoma, leukaemia, prostate, melanoma, gastric, liver and breast cancer cells.24,85–90 The cells vary in their sensitivity to capsaicin's cytotoxicity.90 It also has anti-angiogenic activity and inhibits chemotactic motility, DNA and protein synthesis.90,91

Capsanthin too may have potential as an aid to cancer treatment as it enhances the effect of chemotherapeutic agents in cell lines that have become multi-drug resistant.92

In vivo—There are large numbers of people who consume chillies as part of their daily diet and have done so for generations. Epidemiological studies have produced contradictory data of the link between dietary chilli and the risk of developing cancers with some showing a positive risk42 (stomach,93 gall-bladder94) and others showing no correlation.95

Capsicum has been used to treat oral mucositis, a side-effect of cancer chemo- and radio-therapy, because capsaicin is readily “perceived” by superficial nerve sensors in mucous membranes producing a reduction in pain perception that allows patients to continue their treatment.96 This analgesia is however of short duration.97

Circulatory system

In vitro—Capsicum inhibits platelet aggregation possibly through inhibition of phospholipase A282 whilst capsaicin can dilate coronary arterial vessels.98

In vivo—Capsicum consumption transiently increased heart rate and blood pressure partly due to its pungency but also through some as yet undetermined mechanism.108 A clinical trial found a chilli supplement was of some benefit to healthy men, increasing myocardial perfusion and reducing resting heart rate, but of no apparent benefit to women.99 There were no significant changes in blood pressure or lipid profiles for either gender with its short-term use99 but regular consumption of chilli-containing food was protective against lipoprotein oxidation,100 increased fat metabolism (oxidation) in women101 and carbohydrate metabolism (oxidation) in men.102

Eating hot chillies does not worsen the symptoms associated with existing haemorrhoids.103

Endocrine system

In vitro—There is evidence that Capsicum could benefit diabetes treatment through activation of a control mechanism for lipid and glucose metabolism via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.104

In vivo—Capsicum and capsaicin stimulate the sympathetic nervous system which in turn may be responsible for its noted increase on metabolic energy expenditure or thermogenesis.105,108 Increased thermogenesis has been demonstrated in non-obese people, although at very high levels the effect is blunted in this group (due to desensitization).105 A blunted response to capsaicin-stimulated thermogenesis also occurs in obese people given doses that were effective for the non-obese.106 Dietary use of Capsicum can increase resting metabolic rate,107 raise body temperature,108 increase heat loss,108 increase carbohydrate metabolism109 and at high enough doses can reduce dietary fat and protein intake as well as decreasing appetite.105,110,111 Some of these effects have been achieved using the herb in an encapsulated form, so that the action does not seem to be mediated by oral sensation.105 Both hypothalamus and brain stem appear to be involved in these processes being stimulated indirectly through nerve signals, by direct contact with circulating capsaicin108 and by increased serum adrenalin and nor-adrenalin levels.109

Capsicum is used in Jamaica to treat diabetes with capsaicin identified as responsible for decreasing blood glucose levels. Postprandial insulin levels112 and blood glucose113 have been reported to be reduced by the herb although another study failed to find it altered basal metabolic rate, insulin or blood glucose levels.99

Administered with a glucose-load low dose capsaicin increased both the level of glucose absorbed and mobilisation of glycogen by glucagon, in healthy people, mediated through stimulation of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves.114 It may increase glucose absorption through increased blood flow in the gastro-intestinal tract, it also increases subsequent glucose utilisation i.e. carbohydrate metabolism. Capsicum has been used in a number of weight loss supplements but its efficacy has not been tested in any clinical trials to-date.115

Antimicrobial

In vitro—Ground chilli was inactive in inhibiting the growth of Candida species116 but one of its saponins has good activity against a number of fungi including Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus and Pneumocystis carinii.117,118

The herb is active against cercaria (larvae) of the parasitic Schistosoma mansoni,119 Helicobacter pylori,120 Streptococcus pyogenes and some Bacillus and Clostridium species.121 Capsaicin does not appear to have a role in the antimicrobial activity, having shown little antibacterial activity to a number of common pathogens.121,122

In vivo—Capsicum, Phytolacca and Guaiacum used together in the treatment of tonsillitis improved patients’ ability to swallow and reduced earache, headache and fatigue.123

At high doses Capsicum does not appear to have any activity against H. pylori124 (this lack of effect may be due to inappropriate research methodology).125

Other

In vitro—Capsaicin promotes a two-fold increase in the absorption of NSAIDs through skin tissue,126 inhibits 5-LOX activity127 and causes contraction of bronchial smooth muscle.128

In vivo—Due to its ability to desensitize nerves capsaicin preparations have been successfully and safely used intravesically in the treatment of overactive bladders.41,129 Unfortunately its irritant nature makes its oral use difficult to tolerate.

Capsaicin is effective as a cream in the treatment of pruritus50,130 and as a nasal spray for vasomotor rhinitis.131

Carotenoids are anti-oxidant and epidemiologically associated with a lowered risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer and macular degeneration.132

Medicinal uses

Cardiovascular system

Gastro-intestinal tract

Externally

Pharmacy

Three times daily  
Infusion of dried herb (powdered) –   30–120 mg†
Tincture 1:20 (60%) –   30–1 ml
Tincture 1:3 (60%) –   0.06–0.2 ml

Topical use of Capsicum can cause irritation of skin at concentrations above 1%. As a gargle 1.25–2.5 ml of 1:3 tincture or 0.5–1 g of powder to 500 ml of boiling water.

Chillies retain two thirds of their vitamin A and C content even after cooking.41

Precautions and/or safety

Chilli as a regular part of the diet may reduce iron absorption by up to 38%.133

There are a few reports of contact dermatitis from handling the herb including contact eczema,134 urticaria135 and Sweet's syndrome (characterised by erythema, papules, pustules and haemorrhagic bullae)136 but this appears to be quite rare. Occupational exposure to inhaled chilli dust was not found to be associated with any pathology.137

Although considered safe at recommended doses,42 in vitro and animal studies have produced contradictory results regarding Capsicum and capsaicin's potential for genotoxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity—both toxic and protective effects have been demonstrated and the exact effect may be concentration dependent.42 Capsaicin is mutagenic21 (this effect was however moderated when whole Capsicum extract was used138), induces single strand breaks, albeit without damage, in DNA90,139 and causes oxidative damage to DNA.140 On the other hand it is also antigenotoxic,141 did not act as a co-mutagen and was protective against damage by aflatoxin and tobacco mutagens.21

DNA single strand breaks are not significantly produced by normal levels of Capsicum139 but there is concern that if capsaicin-containing preparations are over-used or applied over large areas the constituent's ability to pass through skin may cause its cellular levels to rise to concentrations near those capable of causing such breaks.90 There may then be a potential for genotoxicity through imperfect strand repair,90 inflammatory alterations in cell function and/or free radical release.139 Although in vivo studies have not to-date indicated an increased cancer risk from using capsaicin topically it has been suggested that as skin irritation is associated with increased tumour incidence and capsaicin causes irritation it may become a risk factor.42

Pepper spray prepared from Capsicum relies on the irritant nature of capsaicin which when sprayed into eyes causes increased tear production, inflammation, burning pain, blepharospasm and swelling.142 Although the eyes do not appear to sustain permanent damage this spray can stop the blink reflex for up to 5 days.143,144 It can also cause nasal irritation, broncho-constriction, shortness of breath, severe coughing and sneezing. In excessive amounts capsaicin can be a strong irritant to receptors involved in circulatory and respiratory reflexes,145 it may permanently damage sensory nerves and could possibly cause death.

Historical uses

To drive cold from the body; ward off disease, coughs, gastric ulcers, appetite stimulation, hair growth, rheumatism, gout, bronchitis, bronchial catarrh, toothache; to help with delirium tremens. Externally as a cataplasm; for relaxed uvula, cutaneous allergies, rhinitis, post-herpetic neuralgia, cluster headache.

Datura stramonium [Restricted Herb]

Thorn apple, Jimson weed

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Family Solanaceae

Description

A foetid annual growing over 1 m. Stems light green, glabrous, and larger branches are U-shaped with 2 equal rounded forks. Petiole over 8 cm; lamina large, over 20 cm. Leaves pointed, coarsely lobed or sharp toothed. Flowers solitary, axillary and short stalked. Calyx 4–5 cm long, ribbed and reflexing at fruiting. Corolla greenish white, funnelform 6–8 cm long, lobes pointed and twisted in the bud. Fruit erect, ovoid, 4–5 cm with numerous slender spines over 1 cm long, splitting into 4 when seeds ripen. Seeds reniform and black when ripe. Flowers from late spring to late summer.

There are four varieties of D. stramonium identified according to geographical location and varying in colour and smoothness of the capsule. Genetically purple flowers are dominant to white flowers and spines are dominant to smooth capsules.146

Habitat and cultivation

Native to tropical and subtropical America, naturalized in similar climates world-wide, growing along roadsides, in waste places and cultivated ground.

Parts used

Dried leaves and flowering tops.

Active constituents

1) Alkaloids at least 25 have been identified146,147 (comprising 0.2–0.45%).148 Active alkaloids are of the tropane-type2,149 including mainly L-hyoscyamine and scopolamine (hyoscine) in ratio 2:1,148 also atropine. Content varies with geographical location,146 plant part (highest in tender stems) and state of maturation (higher in younger plants).148

2) Flavonoids including derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol

Also contains withanolides, coumarins, tannins and glycoprotein (lectin).150

Actions

1) Spasmolytic

2) Anti-asthmatic

3) Mucolytic

Scientific information

Datura was introduced to Europe by the Romany gypsies around the 16th Century, the name, Datura, being derived from the Indian word “dhat” meaning a poison. The herb has been an official medicine in India and Britain, used in the treatment of parkinsonism.7 Its alkaloids and actions are like those of Atropa.

Datura has recently been shown to be antimutagenic in standard tests151 and to have antibacterial activity against some gram-positive bacteria.152 The lectin can bind to brain cancer cells, in vitro, inducing them to differentiate.153

Medicinal uses

Datura is a restricted herb and due to its high alkaloid level is used infrequently and in very small doses to treat:-

The medicinal effects of Datura can be achieved through its ingestion as well as by using it as a smoke inhalation. In this latter form it reduces airway resistance in asthmatics154 and at one time was available in a proprietary preparation to aid asthma treatment.155

Hyoscyamine is identifiable in the urine of people intoxicated by Datura.156,168

Precautions and/or safety

There are many reports in the literature of intoxication from this herb.157–163 Symptoms of toxicity are similar to those for Atropa and due to the anticholinergic activity of the alkaloids. They include hallucination, tachycardia, agitation, mydriasis and confusion. Toxicity can occur as early as 5–15 minutes after consumption of the herb, persist for 24–48 hours and the resultant depression and short-term memory loss can last for several weeks.159 Eye contact with the herb may be sufficient to cause mydriasis.164

The annual incidence of poisoning by Datura does not appear to be high165,166 although numbers may be increasing due to its free and easy availability. Datura, seeds especially, can occur as a food contaminant causing accidental poisoning167 but many cases of intoxication are intentional being induced by young people using it for its hallucinogenic action.157 Toxicity from Datura occurs at lower levels than other members of this family.159 As the lethal dose is close to that required to produce hallucinations severe cases of toxicity are not uncommon.160 Its use can lead to coma and around 5% of reported poisonings are fatal.160 Deaths have been recorded both in animals and humans.159,168 Injestion of just 10 flowers can be fatal to humans.

Hyoscyamus niger [Restricted Herb]

Henbane

Description

A densely hairy, viscid annual or biennial with 30–60 cm tall flower-stems. Basal stemmed leaves in a rosette, stem leaves clasping, sessile. Lamina 15–20 cm oblong coarsely dentate or with lobes. Flowers, subsessile, dull yellow strongly netted with purple veins, clustered at the top of the stem, in 2 rows in the axils of the leaf-like bracts. Filaments white, anthers and style purple. Fruit a more or less globose capsule containing many seeds. Flowers from spring to winter. Whole plant smells nauseating.

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Family Solanaceae

Habitat and cultivation

Native to Europe, West Asia and North Africa henbane is naturalized in many countries, growing in waste places along roadsides and in sandy areas by the sea. It is always grown from seed.

Parts used

Dried leaves with or without flower heads.

Active constituents

1) Alkaloids of tropane-type (0.05–0.15%) predominantly L-hyoscyamine169 and scopolamine (hyoscine) in ratio 1.2:1, also atropine and other alkaloids including calystegines.170 Levels of alkaloids vary with geographical location.

2) Flavonoids including derivatives of quercetin and kaempferol171

Also contains volatile amines. The seeds of the herb are used in Chinese traditional medicine and their constituents include lignanamides, withanolides, phenolic acids and sterols.172,173

Actions

1) Antispasmodic

2) Sedative

Scientific information

The medicinal value of henbane has been known for thousands of years. It was used as an analgesic (both internally and topically), as a smoke inhalation174,176 and as eye drops.175 Apart from its therapeutic value, it was also used in “witchcraft” because of its hallucinatory properties and as a poison, featuring in some notorious crimes like that of Dr. Crippen who used it to murder his wife.176

Although not much used now Hyoscyamus featured in many pharmacopoeias until the latter part of last century.7 In modern medicine the isolated alkaloids have been used, the demand for scopolamine having been higher than for hyoscyamine and atropine177 as its effect is one of sedation whereas the latter alkaloids are cerebral stimulants/hallucinogens.7 The alkaloids decrease secretions including those of mucous membranes, stomach, salivary and sweat glands. Hyoscyamus is considered a milder herb than the related Atropa belladonna.

Recent research has found that the seeds have a range of antimicrobial activity.178

Medicinal uses

Hyoscyamus is a restricted herb that is used to treat:-

Precautions and/or safety

As for the other tropane alkaloid-containing herbs in the Solanaceae, there are a number of reports of henbane intoxication, either accidental or through people seeking “highs”, although it use does not appear to result in many fatalities.179–184 Symptoms of poisoning are as for other anticholinergic agents—mydriasis, tachycardia, arrhythmia, agitation, convulsion and possibly coma.185 Eye contact with the herb may be sufficient to cause mydriasis.186

__________

† 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) dried powder in a cup (250 ml) of boiling water. Use 15 ml diluted per dose.