All species of Mandragora contain biologically active alkaloids which are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. Alkaloids are produced by a variety of organisms like bacteria, fungi and plants.
The alkaloids make this plant, in particular the root and leaves which are poisonous, can lead to asphyxiation which is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that can come from abnormal breathing.
One should not eat or digest the mandrake root as it is likely to have effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. The concentration of alkaloid may vary from plant to plant. and accidental poisoning is likely to occur if using this plant without the proper medical experience.
The Mandrake has no stalk, the large leaves rise up directly from the root, a dark green color about four inches wide and a foot long, with a distinct disagreeable smell.
The fruit/berries the size of small apples, usually yellow or orange, if eaten are dangerous to humans and can easily cause fainting, some say that even the bad smell of this plant can cause sleepiness. Reports of consumption can result in blurred vision, dilation of the pupils, dryness of the mouth, difficulty in urinating, dizziness, headache, vomiting, blushing and a rapid heart rate.
An experienced herbalist with special knowledge using this plant as a therapy, can utilize the boiled leaves with milk to treat scrofulous and certain infections, also by finely scraping the root into a pulp mixed with brandy, the decoction can help with chronic rheumatism.
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