General Introduction of Belladonna
Belladonna alkaloids are tropane alkaloids recognized for their potent anticholinergic activity.
They are used in clinical practice for their mydriatic, antispasmodic, and anti-secretory effects.
Synonyms
Common Name: Deadly nightshade alkaloids
Scientific Name: Atropa belladonna alkaloids
Other Names: Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine alkaloids
Biological Source
Plant: Derived from the dried leaves and roots of Atropa belladonna.
Family: Solanaceae
Composition
Major Alkaloids: Atropine, Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine.
Chemistry & Chemical Classes
Chemical Class: Tropane alkaloids
Structure:
Characterized by a bicyclic tropane ring with ester linkages.
Atropine is a racemic mixture of d- and l-hyoscyamine.
Solubility: Lipid-soluble, which facilitates penetration into the central nervous system.
Therapeutic Uses
Atropine:
Used as a mydriatic (pupil dilator) in ophthalmology.
Treats bradycardia (slow heart rate) and reduces secretions during surgery.
Scopolamine:
Used to prevent motion sickness and as a sedative.
Hyoscyamine:
Acts as an antispasmodic for gastrointestinal and urinary conditions.
Commercial Applications
Atropine: Found in eye drops for ophthalmic procedures.
Scopolamine: Formulated as transdermal patches for motion sickness management.
Additional antispasmodic and anticholinergic drugs are available.