Desperate Housewives: Ancient Rome Series
Published on 31/03/2007
Yes, we had to wait but, finally, Spring is here!
Of course, for this worrying delay we must blame global warming, that has caused one of the warmest winters ever, followed by a very cold, rainy and windy March and, perhaps, hot and humid spring.
By the way, it's time to go out and appreciate the awakening of nature. Spring, however, is also a frightening period for people who suffer from allergy.
So, there you are: deadly and beautiful. Pretty much like Atropa Belladonna (or, Deadly Hightshade)
I must admit, the only reason I have begun to talk about pharmacognosy is because I absolutely adore pictures like the one above: these old(ish) images are really evocative and relaxing, in my opinion.
Atropine has been the protagonist of an episode of Saturday Night Synthesis and is something students of (industrial) pharmacy deals with rather often.
Almost a month ago, for example, I said I took home a large quantity of atropine powder from a lab-course I did last year. In that period, in fact, we were learning how to prepare some of those drugs pharmacists produce in the lab in the back.
Atropine is the major alkaloid extracted from the roots and leaves of the plant. Scopolamine is the second component in terms of quantities.
In the ancient times, this plant was extremely popular among desperate housewives: somehow, it reminds me of botox. Like that toxin, everyone perfectly knew Deadly Nightshade was a poison, but they used it to have beautiful, sexy (?) eyes, with enormous pupils, anyway.
Women were aware of its toxicology as well: small quantities, given on a daily basis, little by little kill without apparent cause (before CSI, of course).
So, theoretically, a lady could slowly murder her husband while looking for a younger and hotter one.
Really efficient, indeed, but, even as a mydriatic it's very poisonous.
The plant is also incredibly good-looking. The leaves are quite big, long and acute at the apex.
The flowers are purple and have the shape of a bell. A small, dark berry matures in September and it's smooth, juicy and sweet, but you'd better not try to eat it since it's incredibly poisonous.
A superb plant to grow in your garden. Pretty useful if you have troubles with your neighbours or just want a new partner...
