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Egyptian henbane

plant
Also known as: Hyoscyamus muticus

Quick Summary

Egyptian henbane (Hyoscyamus muticus) is a highly toxic plant from the nightshade family, native to Eurasia and naturalized globally. Its leaves are a source of medicinal alkaloids like atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, used in pharmaceuticals. While sometimes used in herbal medicine, the plant can be fatal if ingested. Henbane plants have a taproot, lobed leaves, and funnel-shaped flowers with purple veins. They can be annual or biennial, with the biennial form developing a fleshy root in its first season.12

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