Henbane is the name used for Hyoscyamus plants. It has been used since ancient times and may be a component of a "witches brew". It shows a dose-dependent toxicity and can be fatal if too much is taken.
There are several species of Hyoscyamus including:
(1) Hyoscyamus niger (Black Helbane)
(2) H. alba
(3) H. aurea
(4) H. muticus
The plants contain alkaloids with anticholinergic effects including hyoscyamine, scopalamine, tropane and atropine. These are present in all parts of the plant (seeds, leaves, roots).
Toxic effects may include:
(1) altered mental status including confusion, coma and death
(2) dizziness
(3) delirium, agitation or aggression
(4) hallucinations
(5) dry mouth
(6) sedation or hypnotic effect
(7) mydriasis, blurred vision or photophobia
(8) urinary retention
(9) tachycardia and cardiac arrhythmias
(10) slurred speech
(11) dysphagia
(12) nausea and vomiting
(13) skin flushing
(14) seizures
(15) headache
(16) hyperreflexia
(17) fever
(18) ataxia
