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Clinical reports of the effects of consumption of Mediterranean mandrake include severe symptoms similar to those of atropine poisoning, including blurred vision, dilation of the pupils ( mydriasis), dryness of the mouth, difficulty in urinating, dizziness, headache, vomiting, blushing and a rapid heart rate ( tachycardia).
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The alkaloid concentration varies between plant samples. Ingesting mandrake root is likely to have other adverse effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. Anticholinergic properties can lead to asphyxiation. The alkaloids make the plant, in particular the root and leaves, poisonous, via anticholinergic, hallucinogenic, and hypnotic effects. Īll species of Mandragora contain highly biologically active alkaloids, tropane alkaloids in particular. The English name of the plant derives from Latin mandragora through French main-de-gloire. īecause mandrakes contain deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids and the shape of their roots often resembles human figures, they have been associated with magic rituals throughout history, including present day contemporary pagan traditions such as Wicca and Odinism. They are usually either elliptical in shape or wider towards the end (obovate), with varying degrees of hairiness. The leaves are borne in a basal rosette, and are variable in size and shape, with a maximum length of 45 cm (18 in). They are highly variable perennial herbaceous plants with long thick roots (often branched) and almost no stem. They have been placed in different species by different authors. Mediterranean mandrakes are perennial herbaceous plants with ovate leaves arranged in a rosette, a thick upright root, often branched, and bell-shaped flowers followed by yellow or orange berries. The plants from which the root is obtained are also called "mandrakes". It will be of assistance for a suggested scientific study of potential aphrodisiac effect of mandrake fragrance.A mandrake root, resembling a human form ( Science Museum, London)Ī mandrake is the root of a plant, historically derived either from plants of the genus Mandragora found in the Mediterranean region, or from other species, such as Bryonia alba, the English mandrake, which have similar properties. Fifty-five principle odoriferous constituents were identified in rather bizarre chemical composition of mandrake aroma. It seems that the Scripture clearly connects the fragrance of mandrake with sexuality, which is the only known account of direct link between odor and human sexual response. Sufficient evidence was found to conclude that the appearance of this plant on the Biblical scene is not due, as was commonly believed, to alleged magic power of its root, but to the unique fragrance furnished by the fruits of mandrake. A detailed study of Pentateuch text and the various commentaries allowed us to re-evaluate the role of mandrake in Biblical events. 30:14-16) and its Biblical use is generally attributed to its supposed fertility power. For thousands of years, this plant was revered by many cultures, which ascribed to it mysterious and demonic qualities. 243-251 ISSN: 0013-0001 Subject: history, ethnobotany, volatile compounds, odors Abstract: Mandrake (Mandragora officinaruim), nearly forgotten today, is one of the most famous plants known to humanity. Source: Economic botany 1994 v.48 no.3 pp. The fragrance of Biblical mandrake Author: Fleisher, A., Fleisher, Z.