Overview

Henbane is a plant. The leaf, flowering tops, and seeds are used to make medicine. But henbane contains chemicals that are poisonous, particularly in high doses. Don't confuse henbane, sometimes called "fetid nightshade" or "stinking nightshade," with bittersweet nightshade or deadly nightshade (belladonna).

Henbane is used for stomach pain, stomach ulcers, muscle cramps, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

Henbane contains chemicals, such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which might relax the muscles lining the digestive tract. Henbane might also relieve muscle tremors and have a calming effect. If doses are too high, these chemicals can be poisonous.

Henbane contains chemicals, such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which might relax the muscles lining the digestive tract. Henbane might also relieve muscle tremors and have a calming effect. If doses are too high, these chemicals can be poisonous.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of henbane for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Henbane is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken for a short time in appropriate doses. Side effects include dry mouth, red skin, constipation, and urination problems. Henbane is LIKELY UNSAFE when used in amounts above the maximum recommended dose of 3 grams daily. High doses of henbane can cause overheating, reduced sweating, vision disturbances, increased heart rate, urination problems, drowsiness, restlessness, hallucinations, delirium, manic episodes, and death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Henbane is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken for a short time in appropriate doses. Side effects include dry mouth, red skin, constipation, and urination problems. Henbane is LIKELY UNSAFE when used in amounts above the maximum recommended dose of 3 grams daily. High doses of henbane can cause overheating, reduced sweating, vision disturbances, increased heart rate, urination problems, drowsiness, restlessness, hallucinations, delirium, manic episodes, and death. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Don't use henbane if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Henbane is LIKELY UNSAFE because of the risk of poisoning.

Heart conditions such as heart failure or irregular heartbeat: Don't take henbane if you have heart failure or irregular heartbeat. There are chemicals in henbane that could cause rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and also make heart failure worse.

Constipation: Don't take henbane if you are constipated. There are chemicals in henbane that could make your condition worse.

Down syndrome: Don't give henbane to people with Down syndrome. They are likely to be especially sensitive to the toxic effects of henbane.

Fever: Don't use henbane if you have a fever. There are chemicals in henbane that may raise your body temperature even higher.

Narrow-angle glaucoma: Don't take henbane if you have narrow-angle glaucoma. There are chemicals in henbane that could make your condition worse.

Trouble urinating (urinary retention): Don't take henbane if you have trouble urinating. There are chemicals in henbane that could make your condition worse.

Digestive tract conditions such as heartburn or "gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD), a hiatal hernia, an infection, stomach ulcer, constipation, a blockage, ulcerative colitis, a serious condition called toxic megacolon, or other digestive disorders: Don't take henbane if you have any of these conditions. There are chemicals in henbane that could make your condition worse.

Interactions ?

    Major Interaction

    Do not take this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with HENBANE

    Henbane contains chemicals that cause a drying effect. It also affects the brain and heart. Drying medications called anticholinergic drugs can also cause these effects. Taking henbane and drying medications together might cause side effects including dry skin, dizziness, low blood pressure, fast heartbeat, and other serious side effects.

    Some of these drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, and some medications used for allergies (antihistamines), and for depression (antidepressants).

Dosing

The appropriate dose of henbane depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for henbane. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Next
View References

You Might Also Like

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works
Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage
Navigating Life With Migraine
Alternative Treatments for Migraines
View More

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.