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(Atropa belladonna)
INTRODUCTION :
Atropa Belladonna (black or deadly nightshade) is a perennial shrub that grows up to 4,5 feet tall with oval leaves, greenish purple flowers and black globular berries. The plant is native to Europe. Atropa belladonna is well known for it's deliriant and toxic effects. In ancient Greece an extract of the 'Belladonna' plant was frequently used by woman to enlarge the pupils and it is believed to be be of the main ingredients of the hallucinogenic brews of mediaeval Europe. Atropa belladonna is used for centuries as a treatment for asthma and hay fever because it possesses antispasmodic properties.
CHEMISTRY :
The active constituents in Atropa belladonna are atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine. The same alkaloids are also extracted from Henbane (hyoscyamus niger), Thorn apple (Datura stramonium) and Brugmansia species. In the leaves of the Atropa belladonna the alkaloid contents were reported to be 0,4% in the leaves, 0,5% in the roots and 0,8% in the seeds.
Atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine interfere with the acetylcholine transference in the synapses. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter of the parasympathetic nervous system. These substances don't prevent the liberation of the neurotransmitter but merely block the receptor sites. This blocking action prevents specific acetylcholine binding to appropriate receptors. Atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine increase parasympathetic activity. they produce Sleep EEG patterns and abolish the awakening effect (ß-waves), decrease heart rate, stimulate salivary glands, etc. Atropine is an acetylcholine antagonist, it reverses it's effects completely.
Atropine counteracts the effects of cholinesterase-inhibitors. Nerve gasses, like sarin, and some organic insecticides (alkylphosphates: malathion, parathion, etc ) inhibit cholinesterases.
Cholinesterase is an enzyme that inactivates acetylcholine molecules at the synapses. The enzyme inactivates the neurotransmitter by splitting it into choline and acetic acid. Inhibition of these cholinesterases, resulting in accumulation of acetylcholine in the nervous system, is quit toxic, because it will paralyse breathing apparatus. Atropine reverses the esterase inhibitors effects by preventing specific acetylcholine binding to the receptor sites, producing synaptic depression, thus neutralizing the toxic effects of anticholinesterases.
EFFECTS :
Drowsiness, visual, tactile and auditory hallucinations. Confusion, temporary memory loss, restlessness and convulsions. Higher, toxic doses can lead to coma and eventually death.
Autonomic changes are dilated pupils, rise in body temperature, dry mouth and being overly active.
The effects of these alkoloids usually consist of stimulation in low doses and depression in higher, toxic doses. The 'delirium alike' effects are much more pronounced then perceptual changes, and can last from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the dosage.
DURATION :
The effects of these alkoloids usually consist of stimulation in low doses and depression in higher, toxic doses. The 'delirium alike' effects are much more pronounced then perceptual changes, and can last from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on the dosage.
SIDE EFFECTS :
Some people who have experienced a full blown belladonna trip state it has nothing but side effects. Therefor the eventual use of this plant has to be done with care. The same for the other so called "herbs of the witches" (Nightshades).
Side effects can be a dry mouth, temporary memory loss, confusion and flushing of the face. After taking a high dosage side effects like flashbacks and a heavy feeling in the legs can occur even 2 or 3 days after.
USAGE :
Atropa belladonna (like other Nightshades) is used as a tea, a smoke or as an ointment (witches ointment).
A TIP FOR GERMINATING ATROPA BELLADONNA SEEDS :
The seeds will have a higher germinating force when the seeds have been exposed to frost for a few weeks. The frost will break the seed's dormant, causing the seeds to germinate more easily. |
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