Belladonna Alkaloids: Definition, History, and References
Introduction
Belladonna alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring alkaloids derived from plants of the nightshade family, Atropa belladonna. They are a widely used class of medications with a long history of therapeutic use for the treatment of various conditions. This article will provide an overview of belladonna alkaloids, including their definition, history, and references.
Definition
Belladonna alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring alkaloids derived from the nightshade plant, Atropa belladonna. These alkaloids include atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine. They are used as anticholinergics to treat various conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, and allergies. They are also used as anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants.
History
The first recorded use of belladonna alkaloids was by the ancient Greeks. They used belladonna to treat a variety of conditions, including hysteria, mania, and insomnia. The use of belladonna alkaloids as anesthetic agents and muscle relaxants began in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, they were used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, asthma, and allergies.
References
1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). (2017). Monograph: Atropine. Retrieved from https://www.ashp.org/Drug-Shortages/Current-Shortages/Monograph/Atropine
2. Drugs.com. (2019). Belladonna Alkaloids. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/monograph/belladonna-alkaloids.html
3. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). (2018). Atropa belladonna. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845307/
4. The Merck Manual Consumer Version. (2017). Belladonna Alkaloids. Retrieved from https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/professional/drug_information/drug_interactions/belladonna_alkaloids.html