Definition. - The dried leaves of Atropa Belladonna L., yielding when assayed not less than 0.35 per cent. of mydriatic alkaloids.

Atropa Belladonna is a nearly glabrous, herbaceous, perennial plant, from 4 to 6 feet (1.2-1.8 M.) high, bearing dark-purple, bell-shaped flowers and shining purplish-black berries of the size of a cherry. It is found in the woods, chiefly in the mountainous districts, of Central and Southern Europe, and as far east as Asia Minor, Caucasia, and Central Asia. It is cultivated in Europe and in the United States to some extent, being known by the common name of "deadly nightshade."

Description and Properties. - The leaves are from 4 to 6 inches (10-15 Cm) long and about one-half as broad, broadly ovate, equilaterally narrowed into a petiole, tapering at the apex, entire on the margin, smooth, thin, the upper surface brownish-green, the lower surface grayish-green, both surfaces whitish punctate; odor slight, taste bitterish and disagreeable.

Belladonna leaves contain from 0.2 to 0.6 per cent. of atropine, the most important alkaloid, belladonnine (probably anhydro-atropine), besides an alkaloid practically identical with hyoscyamine and chrysatropic acid.

Dose. - 1-5 grains (0.06-0.30 Gm.) [1 grain (0.065 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Official Preparations

Extrctum Belladnnae Folirum - Extrcti Belladnnae Folirum -Extract of Belladonna Leaves. - Dose, 1/8-3/4 grain (0.008-0.048 Gm.) [1/5 grain (0.1 Gm.), U. S. P.].

Empistrum Bellad&nnae (20 per cent.) - Emplstrum (acc.) Belladnnae -Belladonna Plaster. - For external use. Should contain not less than 0.38, nor more than 0.42, per cent. of mydriatic alkaloids.

Formula: Extract of belladonna leaves, 300; adhesive plaster, 700.

Tinctra Belladnnae Folirum (10 per cent.) - Tinctra Bellad&nnae Foli-rum - Tincture of Belladonna Leaves. - Dose, 5-20 minims (0.3-1.2 Cc.) [8 minims (0.5 Cc), U. S. P.].

Unguntum Belladnnae (10 per cent.) - Ungunti Belladnnae - Belladonna Ointment. - For external use.

Formula: Extract of belladonna leaves, 10; diluted alcohol, 5; benzoinated lard, 65; hydrous wool fat, 20.