Atropa belladonna
Atropa
Belladonna Alkaloids
Solanaceous Alkaloids
Materia Medica
The plastid chromosome of Atropa belladonna and its comparison with that of Nicotiana tabacum: the role of RNA editing in generating divergence in the process of plant speciation. (1/21)
The nuclear and plastid genomes of the plant cell form a coevolving unit which in interspecific combinations can lead to genetic incompatibility of compartments even between closely related taxa. This phenomenon has been observed for instance in Atropa-Nicotiana cybrids. We have sequenced the plastid chromosome of Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), a circular DNA molecule of 156,688 bp, and compared it with the corresponding published sequence of its relative Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) to understand how divergence at the level of this genome can contribute to nuclear-plastid incompatibilities and to speciation. It appears that (1) regulatory elements, i.e., promoters as well as translational and replicational signal elements, are well conserved between the two species; (2) genes--including introns--are even more highly conserved, with differences residing predominantly in regions of low functional importance; and (3) RNA editotypes differ between the two species, which makes this process an intriguing candidate for causing rapid reproductive isolation of populations. (+info)Tobacco to tomatoes: a phylogenetic perspective on fruit diversity in the Solanaceae. (2/21)
The Solanaceae contains many species of agricultural importance. Several of these are cultivated for their fruits, such as the tomato, the pepper and the aubergine. The family is very diverse in fruit type with capsules, drupes, pyrenes, berries, and several sorts of dehiscent non-capsular fruits occurring in the 90+ genera. In this paper, recent work on fruit type evolution in angiosperms is reviewed in relation to dispersal agents and habitat ecology. Defining fruit types in the Solanaceae in a simple five state system, then mapping them onto a previously published molecular phylogeny based on chloroplast DNA allows discussion of the evolution of these fruit types in a phylogenetic framework. Capsules are plesiomorphic in the family, and although berries are a synapomorphy (shared derived character) for a large clade including the genus Solanum (tomatoes and aubergines), they have arisen several times in the family as a whole. Problems with homology of drupes and pyrenes are discussed, and areas for future investigation of fruit structure homology identified. The distribution of fruit types in the large and diverse genus Solanum is also discussed in the light of monophyletic groups identified using chloroplast gene sequences. This variety is related to recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of fruit development. Finally, several key areas of future comparative, phylogenetic investigation into fruit type evolution in the family are highlighted. (+info)Eukaryotic genome evolution: rearrangement and coevolution of compartmentalized genetic information. (3/21)
The plant cell operates with an integrated, compartmentalized genome consisting of nucleus/cytosol, plastids and mitochondria that, in its entirety, is regulated in time, quantitatively, in multicellular organisms and also in space. This genome, as do genomes of eukaryotes in general, originated in endosymbiotic events, with at least three cells, and was shaped phylogenetically by a massive and highly complex restructuring and intermixing of the genetic potentials of the symbiotic partners and by lateral gene transfer. This was accompanied by fundamental changes in expression signals in the entire system at almost all regulatory levels. The gross genome rearrangements contrast with a highly specific compartmental interplay, which becomes apparent in interspecific nuclear-plastid cybrids or hybrids. Organelle exchanges, even between closely related species, can greatly disturb the intracellular genetic balance ("hybrid bleaching"), which is indicative of compartmental coevolution and is of relevance for speciation processes. The photosynthetic machinery of plastids, which is embedded in that genetic machinery, is an appealing model to probe into genomic and organismic evolution and to develop functional molecular genomics. We have studied the reciprocal Atropa belladonna-Nicotiana tabacum cybrids, which differ markedly in their phenotypes, and found that transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes can contribute to genome/plastome incompatibility. Allopolyploidy can influence this phenomenon by providing an increased, cryptic RNA editing potential and the capacity to maintain the integrity of organelles of different taxonomic origins. (+info)Recurrent autumnal psychosis. (4/21)
Acute confusional states in the older patient often have a remediable cause. Every effort should be made to ascertain the cause so that appropriate treatment can be given and future episodes prevented. A patient is described who presented with recurrent episodes of acute psychosis after ingestion of Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade). (+info)Alkaloids in plants and root cultures of Atropa belladonna overexpressing putrescine N-methyltransferase. (5/21)
Putrescine N-methyltransferase (PMT) is the first alkaloid-specific enzyme for nicotine and tropane alkaloid formation. The pmt gene from Nicotiana tabacum was fused to the CaMV 35S promoter and integrated into the Atropa belladonna genome. Transgenic plants and derived root cultures were analysed for gene expression and for levels of alkaloids and their precursors. Scopolamine, hyoscyamine, tropine, pseudotropine, tropinone, and calystegines were found unaltered or somewhat decreased in pmt-overexpressing lines compared to controls. When root cultures were treated with 5% sucrose, calystegine levels were elevated in control roots, but were not affected in pmt-overexpressing roots. 1 microM auxin reduced calystegine levels in control roots, while in pmt-overexpressing roots all alkaloids remained unaltered. Expression level of pmt alone is apparently not limiting for tropane alkaloid formation in A. belladonna. (+info)Ultramolecular homeopathy has no observable clinical effects. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled proving trial of Belladonna 30C. (6/21)
AIMS: To investigate if ultramolecular homeopathy has any clinical effects. This was assessed using the proving of the homeopathic remedy Belladonna given at an ultramolecular dose (30C), as a model. A proving states that when a homeopathic remedy is given to a healthy person, they will experience symptomatic effects specific to that remedy. If ultramolecular doses are clinically active, the Belladonna 30C group should experience more true Belladonna proving symptoms than the placebo group. METHODS: Healthy subjects (n = 253), aged 18-30 years, took part in this double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study. Total study duration was 4 weeks. Subjects were randomized before 1 week placebo run-in. They received 2 weeks of treatment intervention (Belladonna 30C or placebo) and were followed up for 1 week. Subjects recorded any symptoms experienced during the total study period on a daily basis using a structured questionnaire. Symptom diaries were analysed blind to determine if each subject had proved or not (based on predefined criteria). The main outcome was the proportion of subjects who had proved in each treatment group. RESULTS: No significant group differences in proving rates were observed [Belladonna provers N = 14 (13.9%); placebo provers N = 15 (14.3%); mean difference -0.4%, 95% confidence interval -9.3, 10.1] based on intention to treat analysis. Primary outcome was not affected by seasonality or the individual's attitude to complementary medicine. CONCLUSION: Ultramolecular homeopathy had no observable clinical effects. (+info)Metabolic engineering of medicinal plants: transgenic Atropa belladonna with an improved alkaloid composition. (7/21)
The tropane alkaloid scopolamine is a medicinally important anticholinergic drug present in several solanaceous plants. Hyoscyamine 6 beta-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.11.11) catalyzes the oxidative reactions in the biosynthetic pathway leading from hyoscyamine to scopolamine. We introduced the hydroxylase gene from Hyoscyamus niger under the control of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter into hyoscyamine-rich Atropa belladonna by the use of an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation system. A transgenic plant that constitutively and strongly expressed the transgene was selected, first by screening for kanamycin resistance and then by immunoscreening leaf samples with an antibody specific for the hydroxylase. In the primary transformant and its selfed progeny that inherited the transgene, the alkaloid contents of the leaf and stem were almost exclusively scopolamine. Such metabolically engineered plants should prove useful as breeding materials for obtaining improved medicinal components. (+info)Overexpression of tropinone reductases alters alkaloid composition in Atropa belladonna root cultures. (8/21)
The medicinally applied tropane alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine are produced in Atropa belladonna L. and in a small number of other Solanaceae. Calystegines are nortropane alkaloids that derive from a branching point in the tropane alkaloid biosynthetic pathway. In A. belladonna root cultures, calystegine molar concentration is 2-fold higher than that of hyoscyamine and scopolamine. In this study, two tropinone reductases forming a branching point in the tropane alkaloid biosynthesis were overexpressed in A. belladonna. Root culture lines with strong overexpression of the transcripts contained more enzyme activity of the respective reductase and enhanced enzyme products, tropine or pseudotropine. High pseudotropine led to an increased accumulation of calystegines in the roots. Strong expression of the tropine-forming reductase was accompanied by 3-fold more hyoscyamine and 5-fold more scopolamine compared with control roots, and calystegine levels were decreased by 30-90% of control. In some of the transformed root cultures, an increase of total tropane alkaloids was observed. Thus, transformation with cDNA of tropinone reductases successfully altered the ratio of tropine-derived alkaloids versus pseudotropine-derived alkaloids. (+info)'Atropa belladonna' is a plant species that is commonly known as deadly nightshade. It belongs to the family Solanaceae and is native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. The plant contains powerful toxic alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which can have various pharmacological effects on the human body.
Atropa belladonna has been used in medicine for its anticholinergic properties, which include blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the nervous system. This effect can be useful in treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and respiratory problems. However, due to its high toxicity, the use of Atropa belladonna and its alkaloids is closely regulated and requires medical supervision.
It is important to note that all parts of the plant, including the berries and leaves, are highly toxic and can cause serious harm or death if ingested or otherwise introduced to the body. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when handling this plant and to seek immediate medical attention if exposure occurs.
"Atropa" is a genus of plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), and it includes some well-known toxic species such as Atropa belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade. The name "Atropa" comes from Greek mythology, where Atropos was one of the three Fates who decided the length of a person's life thread and ultimately cut it when their time had come.
The plants in this genus contain powerful alkaloids such as atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which have anticholinergic properties. These compounds can affect the nervous system by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that plays a role in various functions including muscle contraction, heart rate, and digestion.
Medical definitions of "Atropa" typically refer to the genus of plants or its individual species, rather than having a specific medical meaning on their own. However, the alkaloids found in these plants have important medical applications, particularly in ophthalmology, where they are used to dilate the pupils during eye examinations, and in emergency medicine, where they can be used to treat certain types of nerve agent or pesticide poisoning.
Belladonna alkaloids are a group of toxic substances found in the deadly nightshade plant (Atropa belladonna) and other related plants such as Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) and Daturawort (Datura metel). These alkaloids include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. They have anticholinergic properties, which means they block the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the nervous system.
These alkaloids are used in medical treatments for conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, Parkinson's disease, and lung conditions, but they can also have serious side effects, including dry mouth, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and confusion. In high doses, belladonna alkaloids can cause delirium, hallucinations, and even death. Therefore, they must be used with caution and under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
Hyoscyamus is the genus name for a group of plants commonly known as Henbane. These plants belong to the Solanaceae family, which also includes nightshade, tobacco, and potato. Hyoscyamus niger, or black henbane, is the species most commonly referred to in a medical context.
The plants contain various alkaloids, including scopolamine, hyoscine (also known as atropine), and hyoscyamine. These substances can have medicinal applications but are also highly toxic in large amounts. They can affect the nervous system, causing delirium, hallucinations, and other symptoms.
In a medical context, 'Hyoscyamus' may also refer to medications that contain alkaloids derived from these plants. These are used primarily to treat gastrointestinal disorders, as they can reduce gastric secretions and have antispasmodic effects. However, due to their potential for serious side effects, including hallucinations and cardiac problems, these medications are typically used only when other treatments have not been effective.
Solanaceous alkaloids are a type of natural toxin found in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, also known as the nightshade family. These alkaloids contain nitrogen and are produced by the plant as a defense mechanism against herbivores and other threats. Some common solanaceous alkaloids include nicotine, atropine, scopolamine, and solanine.
Nicotine is found in tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum) and is highly addictive. Atropine and scopolamine are found in belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as deadly nightshade, and are used in medical settings for their anticholinergic effects, but can be toxic or even fatal if ingested in large quantities. Solanine is found in potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, and can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if consumed in large amounts.
It's worth noting that the levels of solanaceous alkaloids in commonly consumed plants like potatoes and tomatoes are generally low and not considered harmful to most people. However, some individuals may be more sensitive to these compounds and may experience adverse effects even at low levels.
"Materia Medica" is a term that comes from the Latin language, where "materia" means "substance" or "material," and "medica" refers to "medical." In a medical context, Materia Medica historically refers to a collection of detailed descriptions of substances that are used for medicinal purposes.
It is essentially a comprehensive reference book that describes the properties, actions, uses, dosages, potential side effects, and contraindications of various drugs or medicinal agents. The information in a Materia Medica is typically based on historical use, experimental pharmacological data, clinical trials, and other scientific research.
Modern Materia Medica has evolved to become more specialized, with separate references for different types of medicinal substances, such as botanical (herbal) medicine, homeopathic remedies, or conventional pharmaceuticals. These resources are often used by healthcare professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, and nurses, to guide their prescribing decisions and ensure the safe and effective use of medications for their patients.
Atropa belladonna