Indications
Hyoscyamus niger (henbane, known in Unani medicine as Ajwain Khurasani or Bazrul Banj) is a potent medicinal plant. In Unani and Ayurvedic medicine it is traditionally used in small amounts within combination preparations to relieve spasmodic pain (cramping of the stomach, gut or urinary tract), irritating coughs, and as a mild sedative. Scientific evidence for these traditional preparations is limited. Because the plant is poisonous in larger amounts, it should only be used in properly made products at the labelled dose.
How It Works
Henbane contains tropane alkaloids, mainly hyoscyamine and scopolamine (hyoscine). These are anticholinergic substances: they block the nerve messenger acetylcholine, which relaxes smooth muscle in the gut and urinary tract, reduces secretions such as saliva and mucus, and can cause drowsiness.
Dosage and Administration
Use only as directed on the label of a registered product or by a registered practitioner. Never prepare or take the raw plant or seeds at home. Do not exceed the labelled dose or use it for long periods. Not for children unless specifically prescribed.
Interactions
- Other anticholinergic medicines (such as Hyoscine Butylbromide, Atropine, Dicycloverine, Oxybutynin), tricyclic antidepressants (such as Amitriptyline), older antihistamines (such as Chlorpheniramine), antipsychotics and some Parkinson medicines can add to side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, urine retention, fast heartbeat and confusion.
- Alcohol and sedatives increase drowsiness.
- It may slow the stomach and change absorption of other medicines.
Contraindications
Do not use if you have glaucoma (raised eye pressure), an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine, bowel blockage or severe constipation, myasthenia gravis, fast or irregular heartbeat, severe heart disease, or an overactive thyroid. Do not use in pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or in young children.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, thirst, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, constipation, difficulty passing urine, flushing, reduced sweating, fast heartbeat, drowsiness and dizziness. Elderly people are more likely to become confused.
Get urgent medical help if you have hot, dry, red skin with fever, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, very fast heartbeat, inability to pass urine, eye pain with blurred vision, fits, or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy. Its alkaloids pass into breast milk and can reduce milk supply and affect the baby; do not use while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- This is a potent and toxic plant; stick strictly to the labelled dose.
- It may cause drowsiness and blurred vision; do not drive or use machines if affected.
- Avoid overheating and strenuous exercise in hot weather, as it reduces sweating.
- Use with great caution in the elderly.
- Keep well away from children.
Overdose
Overdose is dangerous. Signs include dilated pupils, blurred vision, very dry mouth, hot dry flushed skin, high temperature, fast heartbeat, confusion, hallucinations, agitation, fits and coma. Get emergency medical help straight away.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal ingredient (anticholinergic, antispasmodic herb).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, in a locked place out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.