Hyosciamus niger

Hyoscyamus niger L.

Hyoscyamus niger

Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane or black henbane, is a poisonous plant native to temperate Europe and Siberia. It is known for its psychoactive properties and historical use in magical brews and as an anaesthetic. The plant contains tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine and scopolamine, which have anticholinergic effects. Henbane has been used medicinally for ailments like rheumatism, toothache, asthma, and stomach pain. It is also known for its hallucinogenic effects and has been associated with witchcraft and malefic practices.

Details

Order:

Solanales

Family:

Solanaceae

Genus:

Hyoscyamus

Chemistry:

The plant contains tropane alkaloids, including hyoscyamine and scopolamine. These alkaloids exert an anticholinergic mechanism of action, blocking acetylcholine in the brain and antagonizing muscarinic receptors. This results in an altered state of consciousness, hallucinogenic experiences, and typically delirium. The standard alkaloid content ranges from 0.03% to 0.28%.

Uses:

Hyoscyamus niger has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various ailments such as rheumatism, toothache, asthma, cough, nervous diseases, and stomach pain. It has also been used as an analgesic, sedative, and narcotic in some cultures. Adhesive bandages with henbane extract have been used to prevent discomfort in travel-sick people. Henbane oil is used for medicinal massage.

Flowering time:

June to September

Sowing time:

Spring or early summer

Plant height:

30-60 cm (12-24 inches)

Flower color:

White to yellowish-white with purple veins

Suitable habitat:

Henbane thrives in temperate regions, particularly in Europe and Siberia. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade to full sun.

Info

Pannon Flora Ltd. was founded on December 13, 1999, by Gábor Janik, who retains 95% ownership. Janik holds an MSc in Horticulture from the University of Horticultural Sciences (1986) and an Advanced Professional English Certification from the College of International Trade (1990). The company specializes in bird feed production and export, primarily serving markets in Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK, alongside cultivating and distributing imported/exported horticultural seeds. It maintains exclusive partnerships with JOEUN Seed (South Korea) and Takii Europe (Japan), a leader in professional seed breeding and production. Pannon Flora collaborates with certification bodies such as NÉBIH (National Food Chain Safety Office), MERT Kontroll, and SGS Hungary to ensure compliance and quality. The company works with approximately 400 Hungarian growers, ranging from small-scale producers (under 5 hectares) to mid-sized farms and large-scale agricultural enterprises. This profile emphasizes agribusiness expertise, technical partnerships, and operational scalability tailored to international client needs.

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