Popular names: sleepy dope, wolfberry, crazy cherry.
BELLADONNA ORDINARY, BELLADONA (Atropa belladonna L.)Perennial herbaceous plant of the nightshade family (Solonaceae), up to 2 m high. The rhizome is cylindrical, thick, up to 8 cm in diameter, many-headed, with numerous massive branched roots. The stem is straight, branching, green, sometimes with a purple tint, glandular-pubescent in the upper part. Leaves ovate, pointed, glabrous, entire, dark green. The upper leaves are much smaller than the lower ones, arranged in pairs, the lower ones are alternate. The flowers are large (2-3 cm) with a brown-violet or dirty-purple corolla (brownish or yellow from the inside with purple veins), solitary, drooping, coming out of the leaf axils. The fruit is a slightly flattened, 2-celled, multi-seeded, black, shiny, juicy berry, resembling a cherry in size and shape, supported by a green calyx, sweet in taste. The juice of the berries is dark purple. Seeds up to 2 mm long, reniform or slightly angular, rounded, flat or pitted, numerous, black. Blossoms in the first year of vegetation from August, in subsequent years – from May until the end of the growing season, the fruits ripen in July – September. Distributed in the wild in the mountains in the Crimea, the Caucasus, the Carpathians. Also grows in Western Europe, Central and Asia Minor, North Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Himalayas, USA, South America. It grows in single specimens or in small thickets on forest edges, glades, along roadsides, along rivers at an altitude of 200-1000 m or more. Prefers moist, loose, humus soils. Belladonna is included in the Red Book of the RSFSR. Belladonna is a highly poisonous plant (poisonous: the whole plant and especially the fruits)! There is poisoning of a person with honey, made from pollen and nectaries of the belladonna. The generic name for the plant was given by the name of the ancient Greek goddess of fate Atropos – one of the three sister goddesses of moira living on Olympus. Moira alone know the dictates of fate. Clotho spins the thread of human life, while determining its period. moira Lachesis takes out, without looking, the lot that falls to a person in life. The third moira – Atropos – puts everything that her sister has assigned to a person in life into a long scroll, and what is listed in the scroll of fate is inevitable. No one, neither mortals nor gods, is able to change the fate determined by moira. The great goddesses are inexorable, but the most terrible is Atropos. In ancient Rome, it was believed that it was she who cut the thread of human life. This was depicted by the French sculptor Debe: crowned with fruits, the goddess Clotho holds the spindle and thread of human life, and the goddess Atropos in a cypress wreath is about to cut this thread. In the East, this plant was used 2500 years ago. In the Middle Ages, the “ointment of witches” was famous, which caused hallucinations in people. Belladonna has long been known in Russia and, in connection with its cosmetic use, was called belladonna, or beauty. The modern name has been used since the 30s of the XIX century; in the form of “bel dam” or “beladon” was first recorded in the dictionary of 1788. Both words mean “beautiful lady” in translation (the first is borrowed from French, the second from Italian). At the beginning of this century, the Bulgarian method of treating parkinsonism, or trembling paralysis, was widely known. Only one person owned the method of treatment – the Bulgarian peasant Ivan Raev. He did not disclose the secret of the treatment, but sent a box to everyone who wished, which contained some roots, black powder, pills and a recipe for their use. The Italian queen Elena bought the secret of his medicine from Raev for 4 million lire. Its composition turned out to be simple: the main component was belladonna root, in addition, calamus rhizome, animal charcoal and dough pills flavored with nutmeg. Queen Helena established hospitals in Italy and the German city of Kassel for the treatment of this remedy.
COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS
Leaves, grass, sometimes roots serve as medicinal raw materials. Grass and leaves are harvested in June – July. The leaves are cut off by hand, first – the lower ones, after 2-3 weeks – the grown leaves from the branches, then the plants are mowed and the leafy upper parts of the plants are cut off. After mowing, leaves with young shoots that have appeared and have reached standard sizes are also subject to harvesting. The cut grass is cut into pieces up to 4 cm long. Dry immediately under a canopy or in a dryer at a temperature of 40 ° C, laying out a thin layer, since biologically active substances are destroyed during slow drying. The roots are dug up in autumn or early spring, shaken off the ground, washed, cut, withered at 50°C and dried at 40°C. The shelf life of raw materials is 2 years. Until the First World War, belladonna leaf was imported, received it mainly from Germany.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The pharmacological properties of the plant are determined by atropine. It has pronounced neurogenic and antispasmodic properties. Under its influence, the tone of smooth muscle organs decreases – the intestines, biliary tract, gall bladder, bladder, bronchi, uterus. Due to the blocking of m-cholinergic receptors of the circular muscle of the iris, the pupil expands (mydriatic effect). Atropine inhibits the function of glandular organs – salivation and sweating are reduced, the formation of gastric juice and pancreatic juice is reduced. Due to a decrease in the inhibitory effect on the heart of the vagus nerve, heart contractions become noticeably more frequent. Atropine also has some central anticholinergic effects, which are most pronounced in the cortical regions and in the reticular cholinergic structures of the brain.
APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
The amount of alkaloids is part of the complex product “Bellazone” anticholinergic and adrenopositive action, used in parkinsonism and Parkinson’s disease. Atropine preparations are included in the International Pharmacopoeia as a parasympatholytic and antispasmodic agent – for gastric and duodenal ulcers, pylorospasm, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, spasms of the intestines and urinary tract, bronchial asthma, bradycardia, atrioventricular blockade, myocardial infarction, in the eye and anesthesiology practice. Atropine is part of the antispasmodic and anticholinergic product “Kellathrin”, used for spasms of blood vessels and abdominal organs, bronchial asthma. In homeopathy, the extract is used for spasms of blood vessels and muscles; with mastitis, erysipelas, scarlet fever, tonsillitis, headache, facial neuritis, convulsions, otitis media, conjunctivitis, rheumatic scleritis, iritis, iridocyclitis, dacryocystitis, optic and trigeminal neuritis, retinitis, gynecological diseases, nephritis, chorea, epilepsy, urinary tract diseases, respiratory infections, laryngitis , dysentery. In folk medicine, tincture – for impotence, paralysis, rheumatism, rabies, syphilis. In France – with migraine, neuroses, facial neuralgia, painful tics, constipation, gastralgia, intestinal, hepatic and renal colic, epilepsy, hysteria, chorea, tetanus. Roots. Official in the CIS and in a number of other countries of the world. Alkaloids are part of the products: Corbella – for Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism due to encephalitis and atherosclerosis, with intoxication; Belloid – with vegetative dystonia, increased irritability, insomnia, Meniere’s syndrome, neurogenic disorders associated with dysmenorrhea, hyperthyroidism; Solutan – for bronchial asthma and bronchitis, as a bronchodilator and expectorant for inhalation. In Bulgaria (extract) – for the treatment of African trypanosomiasis. In folk medicine, a decoction is an analgesic for gout, rheumatism, neuralgia. Roots, leaves. The extracts are part of anti-asthmatic preparations and products (Astmatol cigarettes), gastric tablets and complex products – Becarbon, Besalol, Urobesalol, Bepasal, Bellalgin, Bellastezin – as an antispasmodic, anticholinergic , analgesic, antiseptic, with gastralgia, colitis, enterocolitis, accompanied by spasms and pain, with cystitis, pyelitis, pyelonephritis; in the composition of candles “Betyl”, “Anuzol” – for hemorrhoids and anal fissures; products “Bellataminal” and “Bellaspon” containing the amount of alkaloids – with increased irritability, insomnia, neurodermatitis, vegetative dystonia. Aerial part. Official in the Netherlands and Venezuela. In folk medicine – for rabies, depression, hysteria, whooping cough, scarlet fever, paralysis with loss of speech, arthritis, sciatica, mental, skin, venereal diseases, jaundice, urinary and gallstone disease, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, obesity, diseases organs of the gastrointestinal tract, colic, gastralgia. Leaves (Folium Belladonnae). Official in the CIS and the bulk of the countries of the world. Preparations – extract, tincture, tablets as an antispasmodic and analgesic – for peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, spasms of smooth muscles, gallstone disease, bradycardia. The powder is part of the anti-asthmatic collections and products used for bronchial asthma and bronchitis; tincture – in the composition of “Drops Zelenin” and other combined forms. In folk medicine – with diarrhea, colic, insomnia; infusion, extract – for spasmophilia, paralysis, depression, epilepsy, neuralgia, convulsions, pulmonary tuberculosis, rabies, salivation; externally (applications, poultices) – for breast cancer, tumors, infiltrates. Fruits. Used in homeopathy. In folk medicine, tincture is used for dysentery. Seeds. Used in homeopathy. In folk medicine – with diarrhea, colic, insomnia; infusion, extract – for spasmophilia, paralysis, depression, epilepsy, neuralgia, convulsions, pulmonary tuberculosis, rabies, salivation; externally (applications, poultices) – for breast cancer, tumors, infiltrates. Fruits. Used in homeopathy. In folk medicine, tincture is used for dysentery. Seeds. Used in homeopathy. In folk medicine – with diarrhea, colic, insomnia; infusion, extract – for spasmophilia, paralysis, depression, epilepsy, neuralgia, convulsions, pulmonary tuberculosis, rabies, salivation; externally (applications, poultices) – for breast cancer, tumors, infiltrates. Fruits. Used in homeopathy. In folk medicine, tincture is used for dysentery. Seeds. Used in homeopathy.
DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES
Atropine sulfate (Atropini sulfas) is a white, odorless, crystalline or granular powder. Easily soluble in water and alcohol. Solutions are neutral; to stabilize the injection solutions, a hydrochloric acid solution is added to pH 3.0-4.5, sterilized at 100°C for 30 minutes. Assign atropine inside, parenterally and locally (in the form of eye drops). Inside appoint adults in powders, tablets and solutions (0.1%) at 0.00025-0.0005-0.001 g per reception 1-2 times every day. Under the skin, intramuscularly and intravenously, 0.00025-0.0005-0.001 g is administered. Children are prescribed, depending on age, 0.00005-0.0005 g per reception. Higher doses for adults inside and under the skin: single – 0.001 g, daily – 0.003 g. Atropine is available in the form of powder, ampoules and syringe tubes of 1 ml of a 0.1% solution; tablets of 0.0005 g; 1% eye ointment and eye films in plastic cases, 30 pcs. containing 1.6 mg of atropine sulfate in each film. Belladonna tincture (Tinctura Belladonnae) is a clear greenish or reddish-brown liquid with a peculiar odor and a bitter taste. Prepared from belladonna leaves (1:10) in 40 ° ethanol, contains 0.027-0.033% alkaloids. Assign inside: adults 5-10 drops per dose, children 1-5 drops per dose, depending on age and body weight (1 drop per 7-10 kg of weight). Higher doses for adults: single – 0.5 ml (23 drops), daily – 1.5 ml (70 drops). Produced in bottles of 10 ml. Belladonna tincture is part of Zelenin drops and other combined medicinal forms. Thick belladonna extract (Extractum Belladonnae spissum) is a thick mass of dark brown color, a peculiar smell. Contains from 1.4 to 1, 6% alkaloids. Included in combination products. Single doses – 0.01-0.015-0.02 g. Higher doses for adults inside: single – 0.05 g, daily – 0.15 g. Dry belladonna extract (Extractum Belladonnae siccum) – brown or light brown powder with a slight smell, peculiar taste, hygroscopic. Contains 0.7-0.8% alkaloids. In the manufacture of medicinal forms, the dry extract is used in double the amount in relation to the thick extract due to the lower content of alkaloids. Higher doses for adults inside: single 0.1 g, daily 0.3 g. Anti-asthma collection (Species antiasthmaticae) – see. Dry belladonna extract (Extractum Belladonnae siccum) is a brown or light brown powder with a slight odor, a peculiar taste, and is hygroscopic. Contains 0.7-0.8% alkaloids. In the manufacture of medicinal forms, the dry extract is used in double the amount in relation to the thick extract due to the lower content of alkaloids. Higher doses for adults inside: single 0.1 g, daily 0.3 g. Anti-asthma collection (Species antiasthmaticae) – see. Dry belladonna extract (Extractum Belladonnae siccum) is a brown or light brown powder with a slight odor, a peculiar taste, and is hygroscopic. Contains 0.7-0.8% alkaloids. In the manufacture of medicinal forms, the dry extract is used in double the amount in relation to the thick extract due to the lower content of alkaloids. Higher doses for adults inside: single 0.1 g, daily 0.3 g. Anti-asthma collection (Species antiasthmaticae) – see.Datura vulgaris.Solutan (Solutan) – a complex product containing in 1 ml: liquid belladonna extract 0.01 g, liquid dope extract 0.016, liquid primrose extract 0.017, ephedrine hydrochloride 0.017, sodium iodide 0.1, novocaine 0.004 g, glycerin and aqueous alcohol up to 1 ml. The drug has a bronchodilator and expectorant effect. Used for bronchial asthma and bronchitis. Assign inside 10-30 drops 3 times every day after meals. With asthmatic attacks, 60 drops are prescribed per reception. Also used for inhalation. In case of an overdose of the product, side effects characteristic of products of the belladonna group (dry mouth, dilated pupils, etc.) are possible. Solutan is CONTRAINDICATED in glaucoma. Tablets “Bellataminal” (Tabulettae Bellataminalum). Coated tablets containing phenobarbital 0.02 g, ergotamine tartrate 0.0003 g, the amount of belladonna alkaloids is 0.0001 g. It is similar in composition and action to the Bellaspon product. The drug has a calming effect on the central nervous system, reduces the excitability of the central and peripheral adrenergic and cholinergic systems of the body. Applied with increased irritability, insomnia, menopausal neuroses, neurodermatitis, autonomic dystonia. Assign 1-2 tablets 2-3 times every day. Bellataminal due to the content of ergotamine, which can cause contraction of the uterus and blood vessels, is CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy and during childbirth, with spasms of the vessels of the heart and peripheral vessels, in advanced cases of atherosclerosis. Tablets “Becarbon” (Tabulettae Becarbonum) contain belladonna extract 0, 01 g, sodium bicarbonate 0.3 g. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times every day for intestinal spasms, increased acidity of gastric juice. Tablets “Besalol” (Tabulettae Besalolum) contain an extract of belladonna 0.01 g, phenyl salicylate 0.3 g. Prescribed for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, 1 tablet 2-3 times every day. Tablets “Bepasal” (Tabulettae Bepasalum) contain phenyl salicylate 0.3 g, papaverine hydrochloride 0.03 g, belladonna extract 0.012 g. Antispasmodic, anticholinergic and antiseptic agent. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times every day for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Tablets “Bellalgin” (Tabulettae Bellalginum) contain analgin and anestezin 0.25 g each, belladonna extract 0.015 g, sodium bicarbonate 0.1 g. Antispasmodic, antacid and an analgesic. Assign 1 tablet 2-3 times every day, mainly for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, accompanied by increased acidity, muscle spasms, pains. Tablets “Bellastezin” (Tabulettae Belllastesinum) – a complex product containing 0.015 g of belladonna extract. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times every day with spasms of the stomach and intestines. Gastric tablets with belladonna extract (Tabulettae Stomachicae cum extracto Belladonnae) contain belladonna extract 0.01 g, wormwood extract 0.012 g, valerian extract 0.015 g. Take 1 tablet 2-3 times every day. There are also tablets of the following composition: a) belladonna extract 0.015 g, hexamethylenetetramine 0.25 g; b) belladonna extract 0.015 g, sodium bicarbonate and phenyl salicylate 0.25 g each; c) belladonna extract 0.015 g, phenyl salicylate and bismuth nitrate 0.25 g each; e) belladonna extract 0.015 g and phenyl salicylate 0.25 g (or 0.5 g). Corbella tablets (Tabulettae Corbella) contain a dry extract of belladonna root. Each tablet contains 0.001 g of belladonna root alkaloids, expressed as atropine. It has an anticholinergic effect and the ability to weaken trembling and reduce the tone of the subcortical nodes. It is used for parkinsonism (including on the basis of chronic epidemic encephalitis and on the basis of atherosclerosis), chronic manganese poisoning and other intoxications. The course of treatment begins with taking 1 tablet every day at bedtime and, gradually increasing the dose, bring it to the most effective for this patient. To obtain a lasting effect, it is recommended to prescribe the highest doses that are well tolerated by patients for a long time. Tablets are produced in a pack of 50 pcs. Corbella tablets are CONTRAINDICATED in case of general exhaustion, kidney diseases, decompensation of cardiac activity, severe tuberculosis, glaucoma. Dry mouth, paresis of accommodation, dizziness and other complications associated with the atropine-like action of the product are possible during treatment with the product. In case of poor tolerance, the dose of the product is reduced. Candles “Betiol” (Suppositoria Bethiolum) contain belladonna extract 0.015 g, ichthyol 0.2 g, suppository base 1.185 g. Used for hemorrhoids and anal fissures. Available in a pack of 10 pieces. Candles “Anuzol” (Suppositoria Anusolum) contain belladonna extract 0.02 g, xeroform 0.1, zinc sulfate 0.05, glycerin 0.12, bases for candles 2 g. Used for hemorrhoids and cracks anus. Produced in a pack of 10 pieces. Candles are also produced containing belladonna extract, 0.015 g each. Decoction of belladonna roots, Bulgarian infusion. Prepare as follows: 5 g of coarsely ground raw materials are placed in a glass dish, pour 100 ml of white table intolerant wine (8-10 °) and add 0.09 g of animal charcoal, heat, boil for no more than 10 minutes, cool the resulting broth for 2 hours, filter through paper filter. Wine broth is prepared for no more than 15 days. Take 1 teaspoon, gradually increasing the dose to 2 tablespoons per reception. Store in a dark cool place. A decoction is used for Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism of various etiologies. CONTRAINDICATIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: belladonna products are contraindicated in glaucoma and sudden organic changes in the cardiovascular system. Belladonna poisoning begins most often when eating its berries (especially by children). When working on plantations and collecting wild-growing raw materials, the toxic effect of the plant can manifest itself from touching the face, eyes, etc. with hands. Honey collection near belladonna plantations, readily visited by bees that do not poison themselves, is dangerous. Signs of poisoning: dry mouth and nasal cavity , dilated pupils, blurred vision, redness of the face, spreading to the body, resembling a rash with scarlet fever, headache, delirium, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, vomiting, diarrhea, urination disorder. Pulse and respiration first slow down, and then quickly become more frequent. First aid: gastric lavage with a weak solution of potassium permanganate and a suspension of carbolene. 1 ml of a 1% solution of hydrochloric pilocarpine under the skin after 15 minutes until dry mouth disappears. Salicylic acid physostigmine 0.5-1.0 ml 0, 1% solution under the skin. A 0.5% solution of physostigmine salicylic acid is instilled into the eyes. Chloral hydrate (2 g) is also administered in an enema. * Horses, cattle, and poultry are sensitive to belladonna. When horses eat 120-180 g of grass, and cows eat 60-100 g of leaves or 30-50 g of root, they may experience acute poisoning. Demoiselle poisoning is observed in sheep and pigs. For rabbits, belladonna is almost safe.
APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS
In veterinary medicine – as a painkiller. The extracts have flea appealing properties. Red and blue dyes can be obtained from the plant. It can be cultivated throughout the European part of the CIS, but Ukraine and the Krasnodar Territory provide the best raw materials. The yield of leaves is 0.8-1.0 t/ha, above-ground mass – 1.2-1.5, seeds – 0.1-0.2 t/ha. It is cultivated in almost all European countries, in Pakistan, the USA, South America.
ELEMENTS OF AGROTECHNICAL CULTIVATION
Propagated by sowing seeds to a depth of 1.5-3 cm in rows. Weight of 1000 seeds – 0.6-1.3 g. Seeding rate – 8 kg/ha, row spacing – 60-70 cm.