Atropa belladonna L. : uma releitura da matéria médica homeopática

Abstract

This study is the review of the material medical of Atropa belladonna L. with the main objective to make an update of the pathogenesis, as well as reviewing the existing literature, referring to the Homeopathic Material Medical published, and giving the characteristics of this plant to the patient's profile. In addition to addressing the general properties of the plant and evidence of its homeopathic effects, there is also an inspection of the main active ingredient: atropine, which works by blocking acetylcholine to receptors present on smooth muscle, heart muscle, sinoatrial nodes and atrioventricular of the heart and exocrine glands. The popular name belladonna is due to the use of this plant in the cosmetics of Italian women in past decades, with the juice of its fruit, would try to beautify their eyes, increasing the pupil of the eye by the mydriasis effect in the atropine. It is one of the most toxic plants in the western hemisphere and has been used since the Middle Ages. Through this research, we could see the importance of investigations of metabolic, epidemiological, chemical, and homeopathic level of this plant, which is known worldwide, and with such widespread effects. We conclude that the connection of the pathogenesis patient Atropa belladonna with the plant's characteristics confirms the scientific method employed by Hannemann.