Mandragora

Mandragora - History

Mandragora was for a long time believed to be a cure for infertility. Mandrakes were mentioned in this regard in the Book of Genesis, where Rachel, the barren wife of Jacob, barters with Leah for possession of some mandrakes. The Hebrew name for Mandrake means "love plant" and Rachel may have been desirous of the Mandrakes in the belief that they would assist pregnancy. [2]

A curious superstition surrounding the Mandragora is that when the root is dug up, it screams, and anyone who hears it is killed. This belief was ancient - and Josephus (37-100A.D.) suggested that a dog be tied to the partially uprooted plant, and for the person tying the dog to get away. When the dog pulled up the plant in straining against it's captivity, it would be killed and the Mandrake could then be claimed safely. [1] This legend is just one example of the multitude of complex lore surrounding the Mandragora - but it persisted for a surprisingly long time: Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet contains the line "Shrieks like mandrakes' torn out of the earth" - and the "Mandrake's scream" is still referred to in literature and popular culture.

Another strange legend was that it was believed that Mandrakes grew beneath the gallows where men had been hanged. [2]

Mandrake has been much used in herbalism since antiquity, and was considered soporific and sedative. This would be explained by the presence of atropine and acorpolamine. In larger doses it was said to induce delirium, amnesia, possibly madness. It was used in the time of Pliny as anaesthetic, chewed by the patient before an operation. [2]

In all, over 80 compounds have been isolated from Mandragora species. [3]

Is Mandragora an Aphrodisiac?

Numerous ancient legends state that Mandragora had aphrodisiac qualities. In addition to the roots, the Mandrake produces golden yellow fruits, and these have been considered to be aphrodisiac. [4]

However, reading descriptions of the experiences of those who have experimented with Mandragora , it seems that its properties as a narcotic seem far more potent, and that these experiences were most often frightening and unpleasant, often making the experimenter ill. Here is a quote from one such example, and this ought to deter the curious!

In summary, Mandragora may possibly contain some ingredient that has some aphrodisiac action, however owing to its high toxicity and the unpleasantness of its effects, "don't do it!" There have been numerous reported cases of Mandragora poisoning. [6] There are other alleged aphrodisiacs which are generally recognized as safe and easy to obtain.

Mandragora - safety notes

Important - Mandragora is toxic! According to [7] "All parts of the plant contain hyoscyamine and scopolamine and can easily cause death by respiratory paralysis."

Mandragora is listed in the AHPA's "Herbs of Commerce", p243. [8]

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