Black Henbane (Parasika Yavani)
Black Henbane (*Hyoscyamus niger*) is an ancient medicinal plant historically used in traditional systems, including Ayurveda, for its sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties. However, due to its potent psychoactive and highly toxic tropane a...
Botanical name: Hyoscyamus niger.
Classical attributes
- Virya: []
- Vipaka: []
Dosha effects
- vata: increasing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: increasing
Clinical evidence
There are no modern clinical trials or meta-analyses supporting the safe and effective use of the whole *Hyoscyamus niger* herb due to its extreme toxicity and variable alkaloid content. Clinical evidence exists exclusively for its isolated tropane alkaloids (Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine, Atropine), which are used as pharmaceutical drugs.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Madakari (intoxicant/deliriant)
- Nidrajanana (sedative/hypnotic in lower doses)
- Shulaprashamana (pain-relieving, antispasmodic)
- Murchhanahara (causes fainting/unconsciousness in higher doses)
Classical clinical indications
- Not recommended for general use in crude form due to extreme toxicity.
- Historically used for pain, spasms, insomnia, and nervous disorders (highly dangerous).