Henbane
Botanical Description / Habitat
Hyoscyamus nigra
Family
Solanaceae
Common Names
Black Henbane
Devil's Eye
Fetid Nightshade
Henbell
Henbane
Hogbean
Jupiter's Bean
Poison Tobacco
Stinking Nightshade
Habitat
Rough and waste ground throughout Europe and North America.
Description
Annual.
Dull yellow flowers have prominent purple veins and violet in the tube. The globular seed capsule contains numerous small seeds. The whole plant has a characteristic nauseous odor.
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaves and flowering tops.
Historical Properties & Uses
Henbane was traditionally used in love potions. It is sometimes interpreted as the poison used to kill Hamlet's father.
Traditionally, because of the danger of poisoning, external applications were used.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E for spasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Method of Action
Henbane preparations exert actions on the autonomic and central nervous systems. They contain Tropane alkaloids.
Drug Interactions & Precautions
Enhanced anticholinergic action by tricyclic antidepressants, amantadine, antihistamines, phenothiazines, procainamide and quinidine.
Safety Factors & Toxicity
Side effects and cautions are quite extensive due to the high content of scopolamine. It is considered to be suitable for professional use only.
Dry mouth, optical disturbances, tachycardia and difficulty urinating.
May include a sedative effect.
Maximum daily dosage is 3 g standardized Henbane powder (1.5 - 2.1 mg total alkaloid)
Preparation & Administration
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Recommended daily dosages in Germany are as follows:
0.5 g standardized Henbane powder. (0.25 - 0.35 mg total alkaloid)
[Maximum daily dosage is 3 g standardized Henbane powder. (1.5 - 2.1 mg total alkaloid)]
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Note: This Herbal Preparation information is a summary of data from books and articles by various authors. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.
References
References:
Blumenthal, M (Ed.): The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. American Botanical Council. Austin, TX. 1998.
Gruenwald, J, Brendler, T & Jaenicke, C (Eds.): PDR for Herbal Medicines. Medical Economics, NJ. 1998.
Lust, J: The Herb Book. Bantam, 1986.
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