Mediterranean mandrake
Mandragora officinarum
Mandragora officinarum, commonly known as mandrake, is a traditional plant associated with various cultures and folklore. While its use in specific traditions for medicinal purposes is not extensively documented, it has been mentioned in Persian medicine where it was suggested to be used gradually in place of opium to manage addiction. Scientific studies have primarily focused on the toxicological aspects and the presence of psychoactive substances like hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which are tropane alkaloids with anticholinergic properties. These compounds have been clinically utilized but their traditional use remains underexplored. The evidence from a study that quantified these alkaloids in several Solanaceae plants found varying concentrations or absence of the active components in Mandragora officinarum samples. Notably, no significant safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study quantified hyoscyamine and scopolamine levels in four Solanaceae plants, finding varying concentrations or absence in the analyzed samples.
- The study reviews toxicological aspects, traditional use, and analytical methods for detecting psychoactive substances in twelve plant specimens, including Mandragora officinarum.
- Mandragora officinarum contains tropane alkaloids with anticholinergic properties used in various medical applications, though their exact clinical impact remains debated.
- The study found that Persian medicine suggests gradually reducing opium use and replacing it with other plants like mandrake to manage addiction.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mediterranean mandrake?
Mediterranean mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Mediterranean mandrake?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Mediterranean mandrake; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study quantified hyoscyamine and scopolamine levels in four Solanaceae plants, finding varying concentrations or absence in the analyzed samples.
How strong is the evidence for Mediterranean mandrake?
The strongest finding for Mediterranean mandrake carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Mediterranean mandrake safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Mediterranean mandrake in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Mediterranean mandrake interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Mediterranean mandrake in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Mediterranean mandrake?
Mediterranean mandrake is also known as: Мандрагора лекарственная, mandragore.
Is Mediterranean mandrake a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Psychoactive Substances of Natural Origin: Toxicological Aspects, Therapeutic Properties and Analysis in Biological Samples. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Treatment of opium addiction in persian medicine: A review study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Beauty of the beast: anticholinergic tropane alkaloids in therapeutics. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Simultaneous quantification of hyoscyamine and scopolamine using HPLC-DAD in four Solanaceae: Hyoscyamus niger, Datura stramonium, Atropa belladonna and Mandragora officinarum. literature abstract metadata