Stem plant
Solanaceae, mandrake.
Medicinal drug
Mandragorae radix – mandrake root.
Ingredients
Tropane alkaloids: atropine, L-hyoscyamine, scopolamine.
Effects
Parasympatholytic: see under belladonna.
Indications
The drug is hardly used phytotherapeutically today because of its toxicity. Mandrake is used mainly in alternative medicine, for example, in homeopathy. In certain circles also as an intoxicant, hallucinogen, aphrodisiac and amulet.
Adverse effects
See under Belladonna
Interesting facts
Mandragora has been one of the most famous magic plants since ancient times and was considered magical. In the root was believed to see a small male, it was used as an amulet and good luck charm (see illustrations).
