Deadly Nightshade, or Atropa belladonna, is one of the most toxic plants found in the Western Hemisphere. The plant is a perennial herbaceous member of the Solanaceae family. Historically, it was also known as “belladonna,” Italian for “beautiful lady,” because women used a preparation of the plant to dilate their pupils. This highly poisonous plant’s danger is recognized throughout the world. Understanding how the plant’s toxins interact with the human body is key to addressing concerns about physical contact.
Contact Toxicity: Is Touching Dangerous
Simple contact with the leaves or berries of deadly nightshade is generally not sufficient to cause serious systemic poisoning. The outer layer of human skin acts as an effective protective barrier against the plant’s toxic compounds. Brushing past the plant or briefly touching an intact leaf is highly unlikely to lead to severe health consequences.
However, handling the plant without protection is still risky, as the toxins can be absorbed through the skin. The danger increases significantly if the plant’s sap or juices contact broken skin, such as a cut or scrape. Contact with mucous membranes, like the eyes or mouth, also presents a higher risk of toxin absorption. In sensitive individuals, handling the plant can cause localized skin irritation or contact dermatitis.
The Real Threat: Ingestion and Internal Effects
The extreme danger of deadly nightshade lies in its ingestion, as the toxins are quickly absorbed through the gastrointestinal system. All parts of the plant contain potent tropane alkaloids, specifically atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds are powerful anticholinergics, meaning they interfere with the function of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
This disruption effectively blocks signals in the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions like heart rate and digestion. While the roots often contain the highest concentration of alkaloids, the berries pose the greatest risk for accidental poisoning. The purplish-black berries are slightly sweet and attractive, especially to children. Consuming just a few berries can be fatal to a child, and a single leaf can be fatal to an adult.
Recognizing Exposure: Signs and Symptoms
The systemic effects of ingesting deadly nightshade are known as anticholinergic syndrome, which presents with distinct physical and mental symptoms. One of the earliest signs is mydriasis, or severely dilated pupils, often accompanied by sensitivity to light and blurred vision. The body experiences a profound drying effect, resulting in a dry mouth, flushed skin, and difficulty urinating due to urinary retention.
Poisoning also causes central nervous system effects, including confusion, disorientation, and slurred speech. The individual may experience vivid hallucinations and agitated delirium, which can lead to staggering or loss of balance. Physiologically, the heart rate often increases significantly, leading to tachycardia. Severe cases can progress to convulsions, coma, and death due to respiratory failure.
Safe Handling and Emergency Response
Caution is paramount when near Atropa belladonna due to its extreme toxicity upon ingestion. If the plant must be handled, wearing protective clothing is advisable. This gear should include heavy-duty gloves, long sleeves, and long pants to create a physical barrier between the skin and the plant. It is also important to avoid touching the face, eyes, or mouth until hands are thoroughly washed after handling.
In the event of suspected exposure, particularly ingestion, immediate medical attention is necessary. The following steps should be taken:
- Call the national toll-free Poison Help hotline or your local emergency number immediately.
- If the person has plant material in their mouth, they should spit it out and rinse their mouth.
- Vomiting should only be induced if advised by a medical professional.
- Take a sample of the plant to the emergency room to aid medical staff in confirming the diagnosis.
Treatment may involve activated charcoal or an antidote like physostigmine.