Evidence supporting the use of: Belladonna
For the health condition: Chest Pain

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as deadly nightshade, has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Europe. Historically, it was used for a variety of ailments due to its anticholinergic properties, which can result in muscle relaxation and pain relief. In the context of chest pain, particularly chest pain related to angina or spasms, belladonna was sometimes employed in folk and homeopathic remedies as an antispasmodic to relieve discomfort. Its active compounds, such as atropine and scopolamine, can decrease smooth muscle spasms and reduce secretions. However, the evidence supporting belladonna’s effectiveness for chest pain is extremely limited and primarily anecdotal. There are no high-quality clinical trials or robust scientific studies that validate its safety or efficacy for this indication. Furthermore, belladonna’s toxicity and narrow therapeutic window make its use potentially dangerous, with side effects including dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, confusion, and, in severe cases, hallucinations or death. In summary, while belladonna has a traditional basis for use in managing certain types of pain, including chest pain, this is not supported by scientific evidence. Its use today is rare and discouraged due to the risks associated with its toxicity and the lack of proven benefit.

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Products containing Belladonna

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