Page 62 - Pharmacognosy-II (06-PG 303)

2. Increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. E.g. benzodiazepines.
3. May alter blood pressure.
4. May have additive effects when taken with anti-cholinergics (drying medications), beta-

adrenergic agent, cardiac glycosides, antipsychotics, diuretics, stimulants, drugs used for
the eye, drugs used to alter heart rate or heart rhythm.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Not recommended to be used during pregnancy

5. Atropine is known to be excreted into breast milk.
6. Anticholinergics may decrease milk production.

Intoxication

• The risk of poisoning in children is important because of possible confusion with other
berries.

• Atropa Belladonna acute intoxication is a severe condition.
• The treatment is mainly symptomatic including gastrointestinal decontamination with

activated charcoal. In severe cases, physostigmine can be used as an antidote.
• Consumption of any part of the plant can result in severe anticholinergic toxicity.
• Clinical symptoms are those seen in atropine poisoning, particularly hallucinations and

mydriasis.

Authentication:

• Morphological, Microscopical and Organoleptic characters.
• Chemical: test for Alkaloids (Mayer’s test) (exhausted powder will show negative results).
• Chromatography.
• Specific tests.

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