Atropa belladonna, commonly known as belladonna or deadly nightshade, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It features bell-shaped purple flowers and shiny black berries. All parts of the plant are toxic due to the presence of tropane alkaloids, particularly atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, which can cause severe poisoning if ingested.
Historically, Atropa belladonna has been used in traditional medicine for its anticholinergic properties, helping to treat various ailments such as muscle spasms and motion sickness. However, due to its toxicity, it is crucial to handle the plant with care and avoid consumption without proper guidance.