ABSTRACT
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action All parts of the plant contain quantities of tropane alkaloids, including hyoscine (scopolamine), hyoscyamine, and norhyoscine.1 Other common plant genera containing similar tropane alkaloids included Brugmansia, Datura, and Hyoscyamus. The tropane alkaloids antagonize the actions of acetylcholine and muscarinic, cholinergic receptors, and therefore have a profound effect upon the autonomic nervous system involving the heart, the digestive system, the eye and the central nervous system. The tropane alkaloids have hallucinogenic properties that have led to human abuse and fatalities. Deadly nightshade has a long history of human medicinal use and toxicities, and acquired the name belladonna meaning beautiful lady, because extracts from the plant were used to cause dilation of the pupils in women to enhance their beauty.2
