Mandragora Officinarum - Alraun

Mandragora Officinarum, generally known as the Alraun, is a fascinating plant with a rich historical and mythological past. The meadow belongs to the family of nightshade plants (Solanaceae) and has experienced both medical and cultural applications in the course of history.

Botanical characteristics

The meadow is a multi -year herbaceous plant with a long tap root that can grow more human -like in the form. The leaves are large, led and arranged. The flowers appear in a greenish to whitish color and can bloom in spring. The fruits of the graune are orange or yellow and contain seeds.

Historical use

The history of the graune goes back to ancient times, where it was seen as a magical or holy plant in different cultures. In Greek mythology, she was attributed to the ability to give human -like screams. In the Middle Ages, the mercury was often associated with magic and witchcraft. Your root was used as a love spell or protective agent, which contributed to her reputation as a mystical plant.

Pharmaceutical meaning

In medicine, the meadow was used due to its alkaloids, including scopolamine and atropine. These substances have a psychotropic effect and were previously used for their pain -relieving properties. Nowadays they are less common due to their toxicity, and the meadow is no longer routinely used in modern medicine.

Cultural symbolism

The meadow has a permanent place in the folklore and symbolism of many cultures. In the literature, it is often portrayed as a magical or dangerous plant. The human -like form of the root has meant that the plant in folk art and superstition were attributed to anthropomorphic properties. The meadow is also a recurring topic in popular culture, including books, films and games.

Hanging and protection

Due to over harvest and the decline in their natural habitat, Mandragora Officinarum is now at risk in some regions. The trade in alraun plants is legally restricted in some countries to protect their stocks. The conservation efforts focus on promoting the knowledge of the plant and researching alternative methods for their use in folk medicine.

Future perspectives

Future research on Mandragora Officinarum could concentrate on the further examination of the chemical components and their pharmacological potential. At the same time, measures to maintain and sustainable use of the mercury could be researched to ensure their existence in nature.

conclusion

Mandragora Officinarum, the Alraun, embodies a rich mix of botany, history, folklore and medicine. Her mystical aura has tied up the imagination of people over centuries, and despite its low use in modern medicine, it remains a fascinating element of the vegetable world.