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Deadly nightshade (Atropena
belladonna) is the natural source
of the alkaloid atropine. The term atropena is derived
from
Atropos because of its high toxicity. Atropos is
the Greek
goddess of Fate and is responsible for the final part
of a mortal
life, the unturning inevitability of death. Atropine
was a popular
choice of poison amongst professional poisoners during
the
Middle Ages because of the slowness of their effects
which
allowed the perpetrator to escape before suspicions were
aroused. According to the Scottish legend, the soldiers
of
Macbeth slipped atropine into the drinks of the invading
Danes
then slaughter them in their slumber. In Roman time,
ladies
in the Court used the juice from the berry to dilate
their pupils
to make them look more sensual and attractive and hence
the
name belladonna (beautiful lady). Atropena belladonna
can
be translated as femme fatale.
In ophthalmology, it is used in cycloplegic refraction,
post-
operative dilatation as following trabeculectomy and
in the
treatment of anterior uveitis to prevent posterior synechiae.
Atropine also dumbs nerve endings and lessen pain when
applied locally. |
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