Extract of belladonna

Extract of belladonna is a herbal remedy with antispasmodic properties. Consider its features: indications for use, the form of release, dosage.

Belladonna or belladonna is a poisonous plant that contains atropine (affects the nervous system and can provoke severe poisoning). Also in the composition of the medicinal plant are such substances: scopolamine, hyoscyamine, atropamine. These alkaloids have analgesic and bronchodilating properties, relieve spasms from smooth muscle organs, stimulate the cardiovascular system, normalize urine and bile excretion.

The complex composition of belladonna is used in the manufacture of painkillers and antispasmodics. With proper application, the plant relieves pain and spasms of various types, helps with inflammatory lesions of the abdominal cavity organs and diseases of the nervous system.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5]

Indications of the extract of belladonna

All indications for the use of the extract of belladonna are based on the medicinal properties of its active components:

• Chronic hyperacid gastritis
• Stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer
• Chololithiasis
• Spasms of smooth muscles of the abdominal cavity organs
• Bile, renal and intestinal colic
• Hemorrhoids
• Cracks in the anus
• Bronchial asthma
• Increased sweating
• Hypersalivation
• Bradycardia
• AV blockade

In addition to the above indications, solutions based on atropine are used in ophthalmology in keratitis, iritis, iridocyclitis.

Belladonna is very widely used in alternative medicine. Homeopathic remedies based on it are suitable for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and respiratory tract, pathologies of the nervous and digestive systems, rheumatism. Increased dosages help in the treatment of migraine, enuresis and epilepsy.

[6], [7],

Release form

To date, the pharmaceutical market of belladonna extract is presented in such forms of release:

• Dry extract - water-soluble powder. It is prescribed for ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, renal colic, bradycardia and as an antidote for severe poisoning with morphine or fungi.
• Alcohol tincture - is made from leaves of a plant. It is part of ophthalmic drugs and medicines for the treatment of the nervous system.
• Rectal suppositories - are used for inflammation of the abdominal cavity with pronounced painful sensations and for removing the increased tone of the muscles of the intestine. Suppositories are effective for anal fissures, hemorrhoids, painful menstruation.

Extract of belladonna is a part of many medicines prescribed for bronchial asthma, neurological diseases, insomnia, weakened intestinal peristalsis and increased intraocular pressure. The plant in the form of drops and granules is used in homeopathy. It helps with gout, allergies, neuralgia, diseases of the cardiovascular system, abscesses and other pathologies.

[8], [9]

Pharmacodynamics

The composition of belladonna includes atropine, which has an antispasmodic effect. Pharmacodynamics indicates a selective blockade of m-cholinergic receptors, which provokes their resistance to acetylcholine. As a result, the muscle tone and smooth muscle organs decrease, the production and acidity of gastric juice decreases, cardiac contractions become more frequent, the activity of the bronchial epithelium is suppressed, the respiration is stimulated and the pupil dilates.

[10], [11], [12], [13]

Pharmacokinetics

Regardless of the form of release, after application, the extract of belladonna quickly spreads through the body, providing therapeutic effect. The pharmacokinetics of the active substance indicates the metabolism of atropine and other components in the liver. About 80% of the accepted dose of the drug is excreted by the kidneys 2 hours after application, the remaining 20% within 12-36 hours.

[14]

Dosing and administration

The way of application and the dose of the extract of belladonna depends on the form of release and the medical indications.

• Dry extract: 10-30 mg 2-3 times a day. The maximum available single dose should not exceed 50 mg.
• Rectal suppositories: 1 suppository 2-3 times a day, maximum dose 10 suppositories per day.
• Alcohol tincture: 5-10 drops of tincture 3-4 times a day. The highest single dose of 23 drops, daily 70 drops.

During treatment, care must be taken when driving vehicles and work requiring increased concentration of attention, good eyesight and rapid psychomotor reactions.

[16],

Use of the extract of belladonna during pregnancy

The possibility of using an extract of belladonna during pregnancy is determined by the attending physician. The use of the drug is possible in the event that the potential benefit to the mother, higher risks for the fetus. Medications based on belladonna are not recommended for breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Extract of belladonna has contraindications for use, which are related to the activity of its components. The herbal remedy does not apply when:

• Hypersensitivity to atropine and other components
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Hypertrophy of the prostate
• Discharge of urine outflow
• Atony of the intestine
• Acute bleeding
• Pregnancy and lactemia
• Intestinal obstruction

Because of the pronounced antispasmodic effect and the above contraindications, the medicine can be used only for medical purposes.

[15],

Side effects of the extract of belladonna

Despite its many useful properties, belladonna requires caution during the application and full compliance with medical recommendations. Side effects of the extract of belladonna are manifested by such reactions:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: dry mouth and thirst, impaired taste, changes in intestinal motility, atony, changes in the tone of the bile duct and gall bladder.
• Disorders from the kidneys and urinary tract: delay urination.
• Cardiovascular system: arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, palpitations, hot flashes, reddening of the face.
• Neurological disorders and pathologies on the part of the organs of vision: dizziness and headaches, increased intraocular pressure, photophobia.
• Respiratory system: a decrease in the secretory activity and tone of the bronchi.

Also, allergic reactions of varying severity, immune system disorders, increased sweating and other are possible.

Overdose

Abuse of the extract of belladonna causes unfavorable symptoms from many organs and systems. Overdosing manifests itself as an increase in adverse reactions. The patient is faced with attacks of nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, lowering blood pressure, increased excitability and irritability, seizures, insomnia, hallucinations, CNS depression and respiratory system.

To eliminate signs of overdosage, gastric lavage is necessary, parenteral administration of cholinomimetics and anticholinesterase agents is also indicated. In the future, symptomatic therapy is performed.

[17], [18]

Interactions with other drugs

Extract of belladonna is a part of different medicines. When complex therapy with the use of this plant is very important to monitor its interaction with other drugs, which it includes.

• MAO inhibitors cause cardiac arrhythmia, and when using narcotic drugs, an analgesic effect is weakened.
• Diphenhydramine and diprazine increase the action of belladonna.
• Systemic glucocorticosteroids, nitrates and haloperidol increase the risk of increased intraocular pressure.
• Penicillin drugs increase the effect of both drugs.
• When the interaction of atropine with ketoconazole, ascorbic acid, attapulgite, pilocarpine and oxprenolone, the effect of the latter decreases.

The effect of drugs with this plant extract can be enhanced with simultaneous use with antiparkinsonian agents, antispasmodics, some antihistamines and non-selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors. Because atropine can inhibit the intestinal peristalsis, this changes the absorption of other drugs.

[19]

Storage conditions

The plant extract has several forms of release, each with its own storage conditions. So, dry powder preparation and rectal suppositories must be stored in a place protected from moisture, sunlight and inaccessible to children. Storage temperature should not exceed 25 ° C. Alcoholic tincture of belladonna should be kept at room temperature, away from sunlight.

[20], [21], [22], [23]

Shelf life

Extract of belladonna, like any medicament, has its expiration date. Preparations based on the plant should be used within 24-36 months from the date of manufacture (indicated on the packaging). At the end of this period, the medicine must be disposed of and contraindicated.

[24]