Belladonna: biological source, morphology, microscopy

1. Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry –II
(BP504T)
Institute of Pharmaceutical Research,
GLA University, Mathura
Module I: Belladonna

2. Objective of the class
• Introduction to Tropane alkaloids
• Belladonna
 Biological source
Cultivation and collection
Morphology
Microscopy
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 2

3. TROPANE ALKALOID
• Tropane alkaloid Tropane is a bicyclic amine that has a pyrrolidine and a piperidine
ring sharing a common nitrogen atom and 2 carbon atoms.
• Tropane does not occur naturally in free form rather it is found as part of esters in
plant species. Esters of tropane are generally secondary metabolites of these plants.
• Tropane alkaloids are esters of hydroxytropanes and various acids (tropic, tiglic).
• Tropane moiety is formed from ornithine
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 3

4. Approximately 200 alkaloids are known in this group, and they are distributed in a
small number of Angiosperm families especially Solanaceae (they are found in about
twenty genera like Atropa and Scopolia contains hyoscyamine , Datura stramonium
contain hyoscine and atropine mainly is found in Atropa belladona), Erythroxylaceae
(Cocaine is found Erythroxylum coca)
Cocaine Hyoscyamine
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 4

5. BELLADONNA
• Synonyms:
Folia belladonnae, Belladonna herb, Belladonna leaves, deadly nightshade leaves,
Sag-angur Patti
• Botanical source:
It consists of dried leaves and flowering tops of Atropa belladonna (European
belladonna) or Atropa acuminata (Indian belladonna).
• Family: Solanaceae
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 5

6. • Geographical source:
Plant is a native of Central and Southern Europe. It is cultivated in England,
Germany, Balkan countries, America and India.
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 6

7. Cultivation:
For sowing the seeds are selected which would produce strong sturdy plants, rich in
leaves is containing high percentage of alkaloids.
Seeds are sown ill nurseries and seedling is transplanted deep in well-drained, moist,
calcareous and loamy soil in April.
Water clogging is harmful to the plants. Addition of farmyard manure has favorable
effect on the growth of plants weeds are removed.
Berries are crushed to get the seeds for cultivation.
Sowing is done in May and July. The seedlings are ready for transplantation by the end
of September. Fertilizers like urea, potash and superphosphate.
Collection:
The leaves are collected in dry weather in late summer. The leaves as well as the
flowering tops are cut and sundried or dried in shade. During drying, care is taken to
retain the green color.
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 7

8. Morphology
Leaves: Type- Simple; Form-Broadly ovate;
Color- yellowish-green; Arrangement –
alternate, arranged in pairs on the upper stems,
each pair with a large and a small leaf; Margin-
acuminate; Surface- slightly hairy; Petiolate,
petiole 4cm length
Flower: Color- purple; Fruits: Color- green to
dark purplish black; Type- berry; Odor: slight
and characteristic; Taste: bitter and acrid.
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 8

9. Microscopy
Dorsiventral leaf
Epidermal cells with striated cuticle layer
Anisocytic stomata
Collenchyma above & below the mid rib
Unicellular covering trichomes and
unicellular glandular trichomes
Calcium oxalate crystals
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 9

10. Root of the plant contains the greatest amount of toxins.
Deadly nightshade is known as belladonna, which means
"beautiful lady" in Italian. Unusual name of the plant
originates from old habit of Italian women to use eye
drops made of deadly nightshade to dilate pupils and
produce seductive gaze.
How fast can Belladonna kill you?
Deadly nightshade berries pose the greatest danger
to children, as they are attractive and are
deceptively sweet at first bite. Yet just two
berries can kill a child who eats them, and it takes
only 10 or 20 to kill an adult.
Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 10

11. Sonia Singh, Assistant Professor, GLA University, Mathura 11