Antispasmodic belladonna

Certain plants of the family Solanaceae, such as Atropa belladonna L., Hyoscyamus niger L., and Datura stramonium L., have been used medicinally for centuries in Europe because they contain tropane-type alkaloids.For example, atropine (1) [a racemic mixture of (+)- and (—)-hyoscyamine (2)] and (-)-hyoscyamine are competitive antagonists at the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor site, leading to antispasmodic and antiallergic effects. Scopolamine [(—)-hyoscine)] (3) is used in a transdermal patch for the prevention of motion sickness. Since these tropane alkaloids penetrate the blood-brain barrier, they also have psychoactive effects. ... 

Belladonna acts in the same way as atropine it is available as a tincture and in certain polycomponent preparations used for their biliary and intestinal antispasmodic action. Belladonna alkaloids show rapid absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. 

Nonnarcotic analgesic combinations usually consist of one or more of the fitUowing agents acetaminophen, salicylates, salsalate, and saUcylamide. Some of the products contain barbiturates, meprobamate, or antihistamines to produce a sedative effect, and antacids may be included to minimize gastric upset associated with the salicylates. Caffeine, a traditional adjuvant in many analgesic combinations, may be beneficial in the treatment of certain vascular headache syndromes. Some belladonna alkaloids may be incorporated for their antispasmodic properties. Pamabrom, a diuretic, and cinnamedrine, a sympathomimetic amine, are sometimes included in products for premenstrual syndrome. 

The combination of herbal sedatives such as valerian (V, officinalis), passion flower (Passiflora species), and anticholinergic Solanaceae (Atropa belladonna, Datura stromonium, Hyocyamus niger, and Mandragora offici-narum) with alcohol or antihistamines can potentiate the effects of antidepressants, antihistaminics, and antispasmodics, causing drowsiness and obtunding the ability to use machinery (D Arcy, 1993 De Smet et al., 1996). 

Another important natural product lead compound is the tropane alkaloid ester atropine [( )-hyoscyamine], from the piant Atropa belladonna (deadiy nightshade) Atropine has served as a prototype moiecuie for severai antichoiinergic and antispasmodic drugs. One recentiy introduced exampie cf an antichoiinergic compound modeied on atropine is tiotropium bromide, which is used fcr the maintenance treatment of bronchospasm associated with chronic obstructive puimcnary disease (54). 

Kodes of Application.—Internally — In the form of bolus, Tinctura Opii, or Tinctura Opii therea also Enema Opii. Although frequently given alone, it is often combined with belladonna, aconite, tartar emetic, or calomel, when required to act as a sedative and with chloroform, sulphuric ether, or nitrous ether, when employed as a stimulant or antispasmodic. As an injection, as well as by the mouth, in enteritis and inflammation of the bladder and kidneys. Externally —Liquor Flumbi Subacetatis et Opii Linimentum Opii Tinctura Opii. 

Antispasmodics Anisotropine, Atropine, Belladonna alldloids, Dicycloverine (Dicyclomine), Flavoxate, Hyoscine (Scopolamine), Hyoscyamine, Isopropamide, Oxybutynin, Propantheline, Tolterodine... 

---