Belladona tincture. Belladonna Tincture: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions Unveiled
What are the medicinal uses of belladonna tincture. How does it affect the human body. What precautions should be taken when using belladonna products. Is belladonna safe for over-the-counter use.
The Dark History of Belladonna: From Beauty Aid to Deadly Poison
Belladonna, scientifically known as Atropa belladonna, is a plant with a fascinating and somewhat sinister history. Its name, which translates to “beautiful woman” in Italian, stems from its historical use by Renaissance women to dilate their pupils, believing it enhanced their allure. However, this seemingly innocent beauty practice belies the plant’s true nature as a potent and potentially deadly poison.
The plant’s alternative moniker, “deadly nightshade,” offers a more accurate representation of its dangerous properties. Throughout history, belladonna has been associated with various nefarious uses, earning its berries nicknames such as “murderer’s berries,” “sorcerer’s berries,” and even “devil’s berries.” Literary enthusiasts might recognize it as the poison that induced Juliet’s death-like slumber in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Physical Characteristics of Belladonna
- Native to Europe and parts of Asia
- Can grow up to 5 feet tall
- Features purple flowers
- Produces dark, inky berries with a slightly sweet taste
Despite its ominous reputation, belladonna has found its way into modern medicine and is more commonly used than many people realize. From eye drops used during eye examinations to various medications and supplements, the plant’s derivatives play a role in contemporary healthcare practices.
The Toxic Nature of Belladonna: Understanding the Risks
The toxicity of belladonna cannot be overstated. Ingesting even a small quantity of its leaves or berries can be fatal to humans, with children being particularly vulnerable. The plant’s toxicity extends beyond ingestion; mere skin contact with its leaves can cause irritation.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has unequivocally stated that belladonna is unsafe when taken orally. This warning underscores the importance of treating any belladonna-containing product with extreme caution.
How toxic is belladonna?
Belladonna’s toxicity is so potent that consuming a small amount of its leaves or berries can be lethal. The plant affects both humans and some animals, with children being at higher risk due to their smaller body size. Even touching the leaves can lead to skin irritation, highlighting the need for caution when handling any part of the plant.
Medicinal Benefits of Belladonna: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite its toxicity, belladonna has not been entirely dismissed by the medical community. The plant contains two chemicals, atropine and scopolamine, which have significant medicinal properties when properly extracted and administered.
Atropine: Uses and Benefits
- Effective at relaxing muscle spasms
- Helps regulate heart rate
- Used to dilate pupils during eye examinations
- Serves as an antidote for certain insecticides and chemical warfare agents
Scopolamine: Applications in Medicine
- More effective at reducing body secretions, such as stomach acid
- Used in treating motion sickness (often administered via skin patch)
When combined with other medications like Phenobarbital, these belladonna derivatives can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Spastic colon
- Stomach ulcers
- Parkinson’s disease
- Diverticulitis
- Motion sickness
- Excessive nighttime urination
- Pink eye
Over-the-Counter Belladonna Products: Availability and Claims
Despite its known toxicity, belladonna products are surprisingly accessible to the general public. They can be purchased over the counter at local pharmacies and health food stores, often marketed as nutritional supplements. These products come in various forms, including tablets, tinctures (liquid), ointments, and pump sprays.
Manufacturers of belladonna-containing products claim they can help with a range of conditions:
- Colds and flu
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Inflammation
- Joint and back pain
- Earache
- Gout
One notable example is the sale of teething tablets and gels containing belladonna by a large American manufacturer of homeopathic products. Although these products were subject to a safety recall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they have since returned to the market.
Safety Concerns: Navigating the Risks of Belladonna Use
The use of belladonna, particularly in over-the-counter products, raises significant safety concerns. While it may be safe when prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed, the use of belladonna in unregulated supplements and homeopathic remedies is more problematic.
Regulatory issues surrounding belladonna products
A major concern regarding belladonna-containing products is the lack of rigorous testing and regulation. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test homeopathic and herbal supplements for safety or effectiveness. This regulatory gap means that consumers cannot be certain about the safety or efficacy of many belladonna products available on the market.
Lack of evidence for claimed benefits
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), there is insufficient evidence to support many of the uses claimed on belladonna product labels. This lack of scientific backing raises questions about the validity of these products and their potential risks versus benefits.
Belladonna in Modern Medicine: Balancing Benefits and Risks
The use of belladonna in modern medicine represents a delicate balance between harnessing its beneficial properties and mitigating its risks. When used under medical supervision, belladonna derivatives can be valuable tools in treating various conditions.
Controlled medical applications of belladonna
In controlled medical settings, belladonna derivatives are used for several purposes:
- Ophthalmology: Atropine is commonly used in eye drops to dilate pupils during eye examinations.
- Gastrointestinal disorders: Belladonna alkaloids can help in managing conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ulcers.
- Motion sickness: Scopolamine patches are effective in preventing and treating motion sickness.
- Antidote: Atropine serves as an antidote for certain types of poisoning, including some insecticides and chemical warfare agents.
These applications highlight the plant’s potential when used correctly and under proper medical supervision.
The Future of Belladonna in Medicine and Supplementation
As research continues and regulatory frameworks evolve, the role of belladonna in medicine and supplementation may change. Current trends suggest a move towards more stringent regulation of herbal and homeopathic products, which could impact the availability and formulation of belladonna-containing supplements.
Potential for new medical applications
Ongoing research may uncover new therapeutic uses for belladonna alkaloids. Scientists continue to explore the plant’s potential in areas such as:
- Pain management
- Neurological disorders
- Autoimmune conditions
However, any new applications will likely be developed under strict medical supervision and regulatory oversight.
Challenges in regulation and public education
The widespread availability of belladonna products, coupled with a lack of public awareness about their risks, presents ongoing challenges. Efforts to educate consumers about the potential dangers of unregulated belladonna use and to improve regulatory oversight of these products are likely to continue.
Making Informed Decisions About Belladonna Use
Given the potent nature of belladonna and the lack of regulation surrounding many belladonna-containing products, consumers should approach its use with caution. Here are some guidelines for making informed decisions:
- Consult a healthcare professional: Before using any belladonna product, especially for medicinal purposes, consult with a qualified healthcare provider.
- Be wary of unsubstantiated claims: Be skeptical of products that make broad health claims without scientific backing.
- Understand the risks: Educate yourself about the potential side effects and risks associated with belladonna use.
- Choose regulated products: If prescribed belladonna-derived medication, ensure it comes from a reputable pharmacy and is approved by regulatory bodies.
- Avoid self-medication: Do not attempt to self-treat serious conditions with over-the-counter belladonna products.
The history and current use of belladonna present a complex picture of a plant with both dangerous and beneficial properties. While its alkaloids have found important applications in modern medicine, the unregulated use of belladonna in supplements and homeopathic remedies remains a concern. As research continues and regulatory frameworks evolve, the role of this intriguing plant in healthcare and supplementation may change, but its potential for both harm and healing is likely to ensure its continued significance in medical discussions.
Remedy with a Dark Past
Belladonna: Remedy with a Dark Past
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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Susan York Morris — Updated on December 21, 2017
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna) is a poisonous plant that has been used as a medicine since ancient times. It is named “Belladonna” for the “beautiful women” of Renaissance Italy, who took it to enlarge their pupils, which they found more alluring.
But it also goes by a more sinister name — deadly nightshade — that implies a darker history. Indeed, not only are its dark berries sometimes known as murderer’s berries, sorcerer’s berries, and even devil’s berries, they are thought to be the poison that caused Juliet to appear dead in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.”
Despite its ominous name, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve never used belladonna. It’s an ingredient in a number of medications, and also sold as a supplement. When your eye doctor dilates your eyes, belladonna is in the eye drops.
But how safe is it?
Belladonna, native to Europe and parts of Asia, can grow up to 5 feet. It has purple flowers and dark, inky berries that are slightly sweet.
Belladonna’s so toxic that eating a small quantity of its leaves or berries can be fatal to humans, particularly children, and some animals. Simply touching the leaves can irritate your skin. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it is not safe when taken orally.
Despite its toxicity, belladonna has some medicinal benefit. The chemicals atropine and scopolamine, which are derived from belladonna, have important medicinal properties.
Atropine and scopolamine have almost the same uses, but atropine is more effective at relaxing muscle spasms and regulating heart rate. It’s also used to dilate the pupils during an eye exam. Atropine can also be an antidote for insecticides and chemical warfare agents.
Scopolamine has many sources, including belladonna, and is more effective at reducing body secretions, such as stomach acid. It can also help motion sickness, via skin patch.
Combined with Phenobarbital or other medications, these chemical derivatives of belladonna (atropine or scopolamine) are used to treat a number of conditions, including:
- irritable bowel syndrome
- spastic colon
- stomach ulcers
- Parkinson’s disease
- diverticulitis
- motion sickness
- excessive nighttime urination
- pink eye
You can purchase belladonna products over the counter at your local pharmacy or health food store. One large American manufacturer of homeopathic products even sells teething tablets and gels that contain belladonna. (Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a safety recall for the tablets, they are back on the market.)
Usually marketed as nutritional supplements, belladonna is sold in tablets, tincture (liquid), ointments, and in a pump spray. Companies claim it helps with:
- colds
- flu
- fever
- cough
- sore throat
- inflammation
- joint and back pain
- earache
- gout
Belladonna should be safe for you if your doctor prescribes it and you take it as directed. If you are considering using an over-the-counter product, remember that there are a number of concerns about belladonna specifically, and herbal products in general.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t test homeopathic and herbal supplements for safety or effectiveness. According to the NIH, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that belladonna is effective for the uses we see on product labels.
When it comes to deadly nightshade, unless it’s been prescribed by your doctor, you might want to take a pass.
Last medically reviewed on September 17, 2014
How we reviewed this article:
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
- Belladonna. (2011, September 13)
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/531.html - Belladonna, broomsticks and brain chemistry. (n.d.)
rsc.org/Education/EiC/issues/2008Jan/BelladonnaBroomsticksBrainChemistry.asp
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Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.S., R.D., L.D., CDE — By Susan York Morris — Updated on December 21, 2017
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Pharmacy stock bottle: Tr. Belladon. (Tincture Belladonna)
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- Description
- The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
- For neuralgia, relaxing spasm, rheumatism, jaundice, hernia, phimosis [tightening of the foreskin], paraphimosis [painful retraction of the foreskin], obstinate constipation, whooping cough, nervous cough, asthma, laryngismus stridulus [spasm of the larynx with crowing inhalations], nervous vomiting, tetanus, stychnia poisoning, epilepsy, epidemic meningitis, incontinence of urine, pupil dilation, photophobia [painful sensitivity to light], perspiration, excessive salivation, mammary secretion control, typhoid fever, cardiac dropsy, protection against scarlatina [scarlet fever] [The National Dispensatory, Second Edition, 1880]
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- bottle, apothecary
- bottle, pharmacy shelfware
- Other Terms
- Pharmaceutical; bottle; Pharmaceuticals; Drugs; Liquid
- date made
- ca 1890
- Physical Description
- glass (overall material)
- belladonna, tincture (drug ingredient)
- paint; resin; paper (overall material)
- Measurements
- overall: 7 1/4 in; 18. 415 cm
- overall: 7 1/4 in x 2 1/4 in; 18.415 cm x 5.715 cm
- ID Number
- MG.M-11550.01
- catalog number
- M-11550.01
- accession number
- 261408
- subject
- Pain & Neuralgia Drugs
- Rheumatism & Arthritis Drugs
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Medicine
- Health & Medicine
- The Antibody Initiative
- Botanical Medicine
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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💊 Ingredients of the preparation Bellea tincture ✅ Application of the preparation Bellea tincture Keep for yourself Search for analogues Description of the active ingredients of the preparation belladonna tincture The scientific information provided is general and cannot be used to make decisions. Update date: 2020.04.27 Marketing authorization holder: MOSCOW PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY, CJSC ATX code: B02BA02 (Menadion) Active substance: Ph.Eur. European Pharmacopoeia Dosage form
Release form, packaging and composition |
h26 | Keratitis |
h30 | Iridocyclitis |
h40 | Chorioretinal inflammation |
h44 | Retinal vascular occlusions |
I44 | Atrioventricular [atrioventricular] block and bundle branch block [His] |
J44 | Other chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
J45 | Asthma |
K25 | Gastric ulcer |
K27 | Peptic ulcer |
K11. 7 | Disorders of the secretion of the salivary glands |
K26 | Duodenal ulcer |
K29 | Gastritis and duodenitis |
K80 | Cholelithiasis [cholelithiasis] (including hepatic colic) |
K82.8 | Other specified diseases of the gallbladder and cystic duct (incl. dyskinesia) |
K85 | Acute pancreatitis |
K86.1 | Other chronic pancreatitis |
N23 | Renal colic, unspecified |
R00.1 | Bradycardia, unspecified |
R10. 4 | Other and unspecified abdominal pain (colic) |
S05 | Injury of the eye and orbit |
T44.0 | Cholinesterase inhibitors |
T44.1 | Other parasympathomimetic [cholinergic] agents |
T56 | Metal toxicity |
Z01.0 | Eye and vision examination |
Z51.4 | Preparatory procedures for subsequent treatment or examination, not elsewhere classified |
Dosage regimen
The method of administration and dosing regimen of a particular drug depends on its form of release and other factors. The optimal dosage regimen is determined by the doctor. Compliance of the dosage form of a particular drug with indications for use and dosing regimen should be strictly observed.
Individual. The dose, frequency and duration of use depend on the indications, the age of the patient and the dosage form used.
Side effects
Systemic use: Headache, nervousness, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, sleep disturbances, ataxia, speech disturbance, agitation (especially in elderly patients), dry mouth, loss of taste, loss of appetite, constipation.
In case of overdose: nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, tachyarrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, impotence, lactation suppression, idiosyncrasy, urticaria, decreased sweating, hyperthermia.
When applied topically: visual disturbances, mydriasis, accommodation paralysis, increased intraocular pressure, photophobia.
Contraindications for use
Glaucoma, suspected glaucoma, stenosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal atony, acute ulcerative colitis, mechanical intestinal obstruction, atonic constipation, benign prostatic hyperplasia, pronounced atherosclerosis, acute pulmonary edema, cardiac decompensation, tachy arrhythmia, acute bleeding, myasthenia gravis, lactation (breastfeeding), hypersensitivity to belladonna.
Use in pregnancy and lactation
Use of belladonna during pregnancy is possible only if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the potential risk to the fetus.
During lactation (breastfeeding) the use of belladonna is contraindicated.
Use in impaired renal function
Use with caution in patients with kidney disease.
Special instructions
Use with caution in patients with polyneuropathy, hyperthyroidism, ischemic heart disease, chronic heart failure, hypertension, kidney disease, diaphragmatic hernia, reflux esophagitis. Long-term use is not recommended for cholelithiasis and nephrolithiasis.
At high ambient temperatures, belladonna may cause heat stroke.
Influence on the ability to drive vehicles and mechanisms
It is not recommended to use fast psychomotor reactions in patients whose activities require a high concentration of attention.
Drug Interactions
Demoiselle reduces or eliminates the effect of m-cholinomimetics, anticholinesterase agents.
Potentiates the arrhythmogenic effect of MAO inhibitors, cardiac glycosides, clonidine, anticholinergic properties of quinidine, novocainamide, the effects of barbiturates, adrenomimetics, antihistamines, tranquilizers.
Forms a precipitate with lead acetate, calcium salts, tannin, tincture of lily of the valley.
Keep
If you want to place a link to the description of this drug – use this code
belladonna tincture . Description of the drug in the reference book Vidal.
Instructions Demoiselle tincture – Medical portal imedica.by
Name: Tincture of belladonnae (Tinctura Belladonnae)
Indications for use:
Preparations of belladonna (extracts, tinctures) are used as antispasmodic (relieving spasms) and painkillers for gastric ulcer, cholelithiasis and other diseases accompanied by smooth muscle spasms tours abdominal organs, with bradycardia (rare pulse) due to overexcitation of the vagus nerve.
How to use:
Adults: 5-10 drops per dose; children 1-5 drops per reception, depending on age. Higher doses for adults: single – 0.5 ml (23 drops), daily – 1.5 ml (70 drops).
Side effects:
Dry mouth, dizziness, disturbance of accommodation (impaired visual perception), tachycardia (rapid heartbeat).
Contraindications:
Contraindicated in glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure).
Release form:
In vials of 10 ml.
Storage conditions:
List B. At room temperature, protected from light.
Additionally:
Prepared from belladonna leaves (1:10) in 40% alcohol; contains 0.027-0.033% alkaloids.
Attention!
The description of the drug “ Tincture of belladonna ” on this page is a simplified and supplemented version of the official instructions for use. Before purchasing or using the drug, you should consult your doctor and read the annotation approved by the manufacturer.
Information about the drug is provided for informational purposes only and should not be used as a guide to self-medication. Only a doctor can decide on the appointment of the drug, as well as determine the dose and methods of its use.
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But you wanted to find Demoiselle tincture. On this page you will find instructions for the use of Demoiselle Tincture, as well as additional elements that are beyond the scope of the usual instructions. This is an almost complete description of all concomitant reactions, properties, combinations and contraindications, as well as a complete list of incompatibilities with other drugs.
The standard annotation for the preparation of belladonna tincture includes: data on the pharmacological action, indications for use, method of application, side effects, contraindications, use during pregnancy, overdose, interaction with other drugs, form of release, storage conditions, composition (current substance). And you can also look at the nosological classification according to ICD-10 and find which pharmacological group the drug belongs to, and you can easily find an analogue.
We are glad that you have chosen to search for annotations and instructions for the use of medicines from imedica.by. You will find information about the medicine Demoiselle tincture (classification, composition, storage conditions, release form, interaction with other drugs, overdose, use during pregnancy, contraindications, side effects, method of application, indications for use and pharmacological action). This is the most detailed information about CIS medicine instructions. We hope that it will help you in the speedy treatment of yourself.