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The Deadly Nightshade Plant Is Called That For a Reason.
Atropa Belladonna is the classic deadly nightshade.
All parts of this plant are toxic, especially fruits and seeds. The alkaloids in these plants are atropine, l-hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. They all have anticholinergic activities, including dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, bowel obstruction, dilated pupils, blurred vision, rapid heart rate, and decreased sweating.
This plant likes shady, moist locations with limestone-rich soils and has become naturalized in parts of North America.
Toxic Dose
The toxicity of these plants is variable. The concentration of these alkaloids varies depending on the species, growing conditions, and part of the plant ingested.
Chewed seeds may cause more toxicity than those swallowed intact.
Death is rare but may occur due to dangerous behavior while in a delusional state or from environmental exposure.
Pharmacokinetics
The symptoms usually occur within 1 to 4 hours after ingesting seeds or plant parts. It may occur as soon as 15 to 30 minutes after smoking or ingestion of a tea.
There may be a delay in absorption due to the initial anticholinergic effects.
