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Solanaceae IV: Atropa belladonna, deadly nightshade
1Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Summary
Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna) contains the potent alkaloid atropine. Its isolation in the 1830s revolutionized the study of the autonomic nervous system and neurotransmitters.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Botany
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Atropa belladonna, or Deadly Nightshade, has a long history associated with poison and medicinal use.
- Ancient Greeks and Romans recognized its toxicity, while medieval figures utilized it for nefarious purposes.
Observation:
- The plant's name, Atropa belladonna, reflects its deadly nature and pupil-dilating properties.
- In the 1830s, scientists successfully isolated the pure alkaloid, I-atropine, from the plant.
Findings:
- The isolation of I-atropine provided a crucial tool for investigating the autonomic nervous system.
- This research directly contributed to the identification of acetylcholine as a key neurotransmitter in mammals.
Implications:
- The availability of pure atropine led to significant advancements in understanding neurotransmission.
- However, its potent nature also resulted in numerous accidental and intentional deaths, highlighting the importance of careful handling and research.
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