Evidence supporting the use of: Belladonna
For the health condition: Convulsions

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

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, including for convulsions. Historically, belladonna preparations were used as antispasmodics and to relieve muscle cramps or spasms, which sometimes included convulsive symptoms associated with various illnesses. The active compounds in belladonna, such as atropine and scopolamine, have anticholinergic properties that can reduce muscle spasms and some involuntary movements. However, its traditional use for convulsions was based more on symptom management than on a targeted understanding of seizure disorders.

Scientifically, there is little to no modern evidence supporting the safe use of belladonna for convulsions or epileptic seizures. In fact, belladonna and its alkaloids can be toxic and may exacerbate certain types of seizures or cause serious adverse effects, including confusion, delirium, and potentially life-threatening toxicity. Contemporary medicine does not recommend belladonna for convulsions, and its use is considered unsafe without strict medical supervision.

In summary, while there is a traditional basis for using belladonna to address convulsive states, scientific validation is lacking, and significant safety concerns exist.

More about Belladonna
More about Convulsions

Products containing Belladonna

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.