Evidence supporting the use of: Belladonna
For the body system: Bladder

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as deadly nightshade, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe. Historically, extracts of belladonna have been used for a variety of purposes, including as a remedy for bladder spasms and urinary incontinence. The primary active compounds in belladonna are tropane alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which are known to have anticholinergic effects. These substances act by inhibiting the action of acetylcholine on muscarinic receptors, leading to relaxation of smooth muscle, including that found in the bladder.

In traditional and historical medical practice, belladonna preparations were sometimes prescribed to manage overactive bladder symptoms, urinary urgency, and enuresis (bedwetting), as well as to relieve bladder pain from cystitis. However, while these uses are well documented in herbal and historical texts, modern scientific validation for the safety and efficacy of belladonna in treating bladder-related conditions is limited and the potential for significant side effects (such as dry mouth, blurred vision, confusion, and even toxicity) has led to a decline in its use for these purposes. Currently, safer and more effective pharmaceutical anticholinergics are preferred in clinical practice. Thus, while its use is justified by tradition, scientific support remains limited.

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