Question

The drug belladonna is obtained from
(a) Capsicum
(b) Vinca rosea
(c) Rauwolfia
(d) Atropa

Answer 1

Hint: A plant that produces the drug belladonna is commonly called deadly nightshade. It is a poisonous herbaceous perennial plant from the family Solanaceae. It is indigenous to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia.

Complete answer:
The drug belladonna is obtained from Atropa. The leaves and berries of Atropa belladonna are extremely toxic to ingest as they contain tropane alkaloids. These toxins are atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. When ingested they cause delirium and hallucinations. However, they are also used as pharmaceutical drugs in controlled concentrations. A disadvantage one faces with Atropa belladonna is its unpredictable effects.
- Another genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae is capsicum.
- Vinca rosea is also called Catharanthus roseus. Another common name is ‘bright eyes.’
- Rauwolfia is also spelt as Rauvolfia. It is commonly known as ‘devil peppers’. It is mainly found in tropical regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa, and various Ocean Islands. Among its various species, Rauwolfia serpentina is commonly known as Indian snakeroot or sarpagandha.
So, the correct answer is, ‘Atropa.’

Note:
- Capsicum is an excellent source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It is also a good source of vitamin E, B6, folate, and dietary fiber.
- Vinca rosea is grown as an ornamental and medicinal plant. It is a good source of drugs vincristine and vinblastine used to treat cancer.
- Rauwolfia serpentina is a source of indole alkaloids and is widely used as an antihypertensive drug.