What are the potential uses of Atropa belladonna in medicine?
Despite its toxic nature, Atropa belladonna has a history of medicinal use. Atropine, derived from the plant, is used in modern medicine to treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), as a pre-anesthetic to reduce saliva production, and as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning. Scopolamine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness. However, caution is imperative due to the narrow therapeutic window and potential for toxicity.
