In modern taxonomy of the family Solanaceae (Solanoceae) brings together about 2 700 species sympetalous plants belonging to the class of bipartite.The family includes valuable nutritional, medicinal and ornamental plants Solanaceae.Most species of this family grows in temperate, tropical and subtropical zones - mostly in South and Central America as well as Eurasia.Some species belonging to the family Solanaceae, have been used in medical practice, however, such medicinal plants Solanaceae as mandrake and belladonna, used with great caution.
Mandragora officinalis
All types of mandrake is a rare, being found difficult to plant.Mandragora officinalis growing in Southern Europe (Calabria, Sicily).The roots of this plant, is shaped like a human figure from antiquity attributed the ability to cure all parts of the body.Round fruit Solanaceae plants also endowed with miraculous properties.In ancient Egypt and Rome, "apples" the mandrake was used as a means of enhancing libido.Since time immemorial, drugs mandrake was used as a drug, which have anesthetic, sedative and hypnotic effect.Current research of active ingredients mandrake revealed the presence in the roots of plants tropane alkaloids that have a depressing effect on the nervous system, including on some of the higher vegetative centers.Preparations made on the basis of plant root, is used to relieve muscle, neurological and joint pain as well as pain and spasms in gastrointestinal disorders.Alcohol tincture of the root include drugs against vitiligo and other skin diseases as well as in some cases it is recommended to take as a sleep aid.Medicinal Plants of the family Solanaceae should be taken with great caution, because they may have severe side effects and even cause death.Separate use of the mandrake can lead to irreversible consequences - loss of memory, impaired function of the brain.
Belladonna (deadly nightshade)
Solanaceae plants are often absolutely amazing titles.Despite the fact that the specific name of the genus belladonna belladonna is translated from Italian as "beautiful woman", the plant is often styled a sleepy stupor, mad mad berry and cherry.In the Middle Ages, this plant was used as the source of the poison.Because belladonna ointment did that rubbed into the body of women who have been witches.Ointment acted as a "lie detector": under the influence of toxic substances unfortunate victims of torture recognized in everything that had to be inquisitors.Hazardous herb in modern folk medicine does not apply, however, the pharmacological properties of belladonna, coincide with those of the group of alkaloids atropine, used in medical practice.The extract of belladonna include in the funds that are used to treat asthma, gastritis and other diseases.With the help of the drug based on the extract of this plant is to study the state of the fundus vessels.Belladonna, like other Solanaceae plants are dangerous, doctors prohibit the use of self-treatment.
