Synopsis

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

Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) is a plant historically used in traditional medicine, primarily in ancient Greek, Roman, and medieval European herbalism. It contains tropane alkaloids, such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which have notable anticholinergic effects. Traditional uses were mainly for its sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, as well as for treating pain, neuralgia, and various nervous disorders. The connection to the sympathetic nervous system comes from the pharmacological action of its alkaloids, which inhibit muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby indirectly stimulating sympathetic activity by suppressing parasympathetic (cholinergic) tone. However, the use of henbane to deliberately "support" the sympathetic nervous system is primarily based on its physiological effects rather than explicit traditional indications for this purpose. There is limited direct scientific research on henbane's efficacy or safety in modulating the sympathetic nervous system, and its use is associated with significant toxicity risks, including delirium, hallucinations, and potentially fatal poisoning. Therefore, while the plant’s effects on the autonomic nervous system are well-documented pharmacologically, its use in supporting the sympathetic nervous system is justified more by traditional use and historical pharmacology than by robust modern scientific validation.

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