As Halloween approaches, stories of witches and their potions return, often with sinister plants such as belladonna, mandrake and mugwort.
Do you know belladonna, mandrake or artemisia (or St. John’s wort)? These plants, shrouded in myth and folklore, have long been associated with spells and sorcery.
However, behind their frightening reputations lies a fascinating pharmacological history — and, in some cases, still with current medical relevance.
Beladon
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna), also known as “nightshade” or “deathweed,” has a long and contradictory history as a poison and as a medicine. Its name, which means “beautiful woman” in Italian, refers to its cosmetic use during the Renaissance, when women used the juice of its berries to dilate their pupils and appear more attractive.
But this beauty brings danger: Belladonna is highly toxic. Ingesting just a few leaves or berries can be fatal, and simple contact with the plant can irritate the skin. It was also used for its hallucinogenic properties in several cultures.
The plant’s power comes from tropane alkaloids, such as atropine and scopolamine, which block the action of acetylcholine – one chemical substance responsible for transmitting messages between nerve cells in the parasympathetic nervous system. This system helps regulate muscle movements and essential bodily functions such as heart rate, breathing, memory, sweating, digestion and urination.
In modern medicine, atropine is used to dilate pupils during eye exams, treat bradycardia (slow heart rate), and as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning (present in pesticides and chemical warfare agents). Scopolamine is prescribed for motion sickness and post-operative nausea.
Although scientific research continues to demonstrate the medical relevance of belladonna, safety concerns persist. Several health authorities have issued warnings about homeopathic products containing belladonna, especially those intended for teething or colicky babies, following reports of convulsions and respiratory problems.
The nightshade should be used with caution by those taking medications that increase the risk of side effects, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and antipsychotics.
Mandrake
Another plant from the nightshade family is the mandrake (Mandragora officinarum), whose human-shaped root has inspired centuries of myths — from ancient Greek texts to the Bible. Folklore said that plucking a mandrake from the ground would release a deadly scream—a legend so enduring that it even made its way into the Harry Potter series.
In witchcraft, mandrake was believed to be an essential ingredient in flight ointments, used as a fertility and protection amulet, and added to love potions, possibly due to its hallucinogenic effects. Historically, it was used as an anesthetic, sedative and fertility aid.
Like belladonna, mandrake contains tropane alkaloids such as atropine and scopolamine, with psychoactive properties. A 2022 study cataloged 88 traditional medicinal uses of mandrake, ranging from pain relief and sedation to treating skin conditions and digestive disorders.
However, science does not always confirm these claims. Scopolamine can act as an antispasmodic, relieving intestinal spasms and helping with digestive problems. It can also cause drowsiness by blocking M1 muscarinic receptors in the brain. But extracts from mandrake leaves have shown mixed results, with evidence that they may cause dermatitis rather than treat it.
Artemisia
Mugwort (Artemisia species) is another herb often associated with magic and healing. Traditionally, it was used to stimulate dreams and ward off evil spirits. In 2015, a Nobel Prize was awarded for the discovery of artemisinin, an antimalarial compound derived from Artemisia annua, also known as annual mugwort.
In traditional Chinese medicine, artemisia is used in moxibustiona therapy that involves burning the herb near acupuncture points to stimulate healing. It is also used by herbalists to treat menstrual irregularities and digestive problems.
Common mugwort is listed as a homeopathic ingredient in the European Pharmacopoeia and is used to relieve irregular menstruation, menopausal symptoms and nervous disorders such as sleepwalking, seizures, epilepsy and anxiety.
The aerial parts of the plant are used to produce essential oil, which contains compounds such as camphor, pinene and cineole, known for their antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Artemisinin can Slightly stimulate the uterus and help regulate the menstrual cycle.
Animal studies suggest that mugwort leaf extract may help treat skin inflammation by reducing the release of inflammatory substances by immune cells.
Still, clinical evidence is limited and more research is needed to confirm the plant’s safety and effectiveness. Mugwort can also cause allergic reactions, such as skin irritation and breathing difficulties, and should be avoided during pregnancy, as it can cause uterine contractions.
The legends surrounding these plants may sound like fantasy, but the truth is equally captivating. It’s not witchcraft—it’s chemistry: complex compounds that influenced both ancient healing and modern medicine.
As researchers continue to explore their potential, these herbs remind us that many legends have roots in real pharmacology. So when we stir our cauldrons this Halloween, it’s worth remembering that the true magic of nightshade, mandrake and mugwort lies not in superstition — but in science.
