Perennial semi-woody plant.

Sedative and narcotic (root and leaf); antiviral, antiprotozoal and hypoglycemic (50% EtOH leaf extract); anodyne, diuretic, mydriatic, narcotic, sedative.

Plants for a Future

Alkaloid-1-hyoscyamine, tropane, hyoscine and atropine (leaf and root).

As a sedative and narcotic (root and leaf); gastrointestinal hypermotility, hyper-secretion, peptic ulcer, spastic constipation, spastic dysmenorrhoea, nocturnal enuresis, bronchial asthma and whooping cough (leaves); sunstroke and painful menstruation (plant); as specific antidote to opium and muscarine poisoning (berries).

The plant is particularly dangerous for children since the fruit looks attractive and has a sweet taste. The toxins are concentrated in the ripe fruit.

Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.