Belladonna is an herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of indications, including headache, menstrual symptoms, peptic ulcer disease, inflammation, and motion sickness. Belladonna is known to contain active agents with anticholinergic properties, such as the tropane alkaloids atropine, hyoscine (scopolamine) and hyoscyamine.

There are few available studies of belladonna monotherapy for any indication. Most research has evaluated belladonna in combination with other agents such as ergot alkaloids or barbiturates, or in homeopathic (diluted) preparations. Preliminary evidence suggests possible efficacy in combination with barbiturates for the management of symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome. However, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence regarding the use of belladonna for this or any other indication.

There is extensive literature on the adverse effects and toxicity of belladonna, related principally to its known anticholinergic actions. Common adverse effects include dry mouth, urinary retention, flushing, papillary dilation, constipation, confusion and delirium. Many of these effects may occur at therapeutic doses.

Synonyms

Atropa belladonna, atropa belladonna-AE, beladona, belladone, belladonnae herbae pulvis standardisatus, belladonna herbum, Belladonna Homaccord, Belladonna Injeel, Belladonna Injeel Forte, belladonna leaf, belladonna pulvis normatus, belladonnae folium, belladonna radix, belladonne, deadly nightshade, deadly nightshade leaf, devil's cherries, devil's herb, die belladonna, die tollkirsche, divale, dwale, dwayberry, galnebaer, great morel, herba belladonna, hoja de belladonna, naughty man's cherries, poison black cherries, powdered belladonna, Solanaceae (family), solanum mortale, solanum somniferum, stryshon, strygium, tollekirsche, tollkirschenblatter.

Selected Combination Products: Bellergal®, Bellergal-S®, Bellergil®, Bel-Phen-Ergot S®, B&O Supprettes®, Cafergot-PB®, Distovagal®, Phenerbel-S®, PMS-Opium & Beladonna®.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence

Irritable bowel syndrome

Belladonna has been used historically for the treatment of irritable bowel, and in theory its mechanism of action should be effective for some of the symptoms. However, of the few studies that are available, none clearly show that belladonna alone (not as part of a mixed product) provides this effect.

Airway obstruction

Belladonna can cause relaxation of the airway and reduce the amount of mucus produced. A study in infants demonstrated possible beneficial effects of belladonna on airway obstruction during sleep. However, due to lack of high-quality human research in this area, there is not enough evidence to form a clear conclusion.

Ear infection

Little reliable research is available on the use of belladonna for ear infections. Other therapies have been shown effective and are recommended for this condition.

Headache

The available studies of belladonna in the treatment of headache are not well designed and do not show a clear benefit. More studies are needed to test the ability of belladonna alone (not in multi-ingredient products) to treat or prevent headache.

Nervous system disorders

The autonomic nervous system, which helps control basic body functions like sweating and blood flow, is affected in several disorders. To date, human studies have shown no benefit from belladonna in treating these disorders.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Bellergal® (a combination of phenobarbital, ergot, and belladonna) has been used historically to treat PMS symptoms. Limited study in women reports improvement in symptoms. More studies are needed before a strong recommendation can be made.

Radiation therapy rash (radiation burn)

There is a lack of reliable scientific evidence available for the effectiveness of belladonna for rash after radiation therapy. Further study is needed before a recommendation can be made.

Menopausal symptoms

Bellergal® (a combination of phenobarbital, ergot, and belladonna) has been used historically to treat hot flashes. However, in human studies belladonna supplements have not shown effectiveness.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Abnormal menstrual periods, acute infections, anesthetic, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, bedwetting, chicken pox, colds, colitis, conjunctivitis (inflamed eyes), difficulty passing urine, diuretic (use as a "water pill"), diverticulitis, earache, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), excessive sweating, excessive unintentional muscle movements, fever, flu, glaucoma, gout, hay fever, hemorrhoids, inflammation, kidney stones, measles, motion sickness, mumps, muscle and joint pain, dilation of the pupils, nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, pain from nerve disorders, Parkinson's disease, pancreatitis, peritonitis, poisoning (especially by insecticides), rash, scarlet fever, sciatica (back and leg pain), sedative, short bowel syndrome, sore throat, stomach ulcers, teething, toothache, ulcerative colitis, warts, whooping cough.

Pages: 1   2   3  

Tags: Herbal Medicine

About the Author

MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.