The Proof is in the Bones
A new study reveals that ancient Romans stored black henbane seeds in a hollow bone. What might this medicinal plant have been used for?
Black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger, Solanaceae) is a potent medicinal and narcotic plant naitve to Eurasia and broadly distributed today across the globe. Finding remnants of this plant at archeological sites of NW Europe is not uncommon, but until now, there has not been much evidence of the intentional historic use of this plant. An exciting new study on a Roman site in the Netherlands reveals the discovery of a hollowed bone filled with black henbane seeds!
Groot M, van Haasteren M, Kooistra LI. Evidence of the intentional use of black henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) in the Roman Netherlands. Antiquity. Published online 2024:1-16. doi:10.15184/aqy.2024.5
Major Findings of the Study
The discovery of a sheep or goat bone filled with black henbane seeds at a Roman site in the Netherlands provides new insights into the historical use of this poisonous plant. This find suggests that the psychoactive properties of black henbane were known and deliberately utilized in the Roman period. Bioarchaeological analysis of the bone container and its context supports the idea of intentional use. This evidence, combined with Roman-period finds and classical texts, indicates a broader understanding and application of black henbane in ancient times.
The Effects of Henbane
The major active compounds in henbane are the tropane alkaloids, with hyoscyamine and scopolamine among the most well studied. Both of these molecules are important in medicine today.
Hyoscyamine is used to ease stomach and bladder spasms in conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and bladder infections. It helps with some heart conditions, Parkinson's disease symptoms, lung disease-related breathing issues, and reduces excessive mucus. Additionally, it's effective in managing pain, including chronic and severe pain, often enhancing the pain relief provided by opioids.
Scopolamine is primarily used to prevent motion sickness and nausea following surgery. It can also be administered before operations to reduce saliva production. Available in various forms, including injections, oral tablets, and skin patches, it starts working within 20 minutes and its effects can last up to 8 hours, benefiting from its effective absorption through the skin.
When people eat parts of the henbane plant (the sale and use of which is illegal in many countries), it can slow down some body functions while making the brain more active. Common reactions include hallucinations, enlarged pupils, feeling knocked out or agitated, and red skin. Less often, it can cause fast heartbeat, shaking, throwing up, high blood pressure, very high fever, and trouble walking. These first symptoms usually last 3 to 4 hours, but the aftereffects can stick around for up to three days.
Side effects include dry mouth, confusion, seeing things differently, strange thoughts, trouble moving, remembering things, and seeing far away objects more clearly. These are similar to what happens with certain other plants that cause delusions. Taking too much henbane can lead to a dangerous condition with symptoms like delirium, inability to move properly, coma, or even death. Small to moderate amounts might make a person feel drunk or increase sexual desire.
Theories on Other Ancient Uses of Henbane
You may have heard of the legends of the Norse Beserkers—a fierce group of wild warriors from Scandanavia that were known to enter a trance-like state that allowed them to fight with increased strength and a rage that granted them immunity to many forms of harm in battle. But, did you know that a new theory has emerged that instead of consuming Amanita muscaria mushrooms, a plant from the nightshade family may instead be responsible for achieving the state of berserkeage? I interviewed Dr. Karsten Fatur about his theory concerning the use of the anticholinergic plant black henbane by the Vikings on this episode of Foodie Pharmacology.
The Takeaway
There is much that we still have to learn about the history of medicinal plant use by humans. This archeological find of a bone filled with henbane seeds is really exciting because for the first time it offers evidence of intentional storage, presumably for human use, of this potent plant medicine.
Yours in health, Dr. Quave
Cassandra L. Quave, Ph.D. is a scientist, author, speaker, podcast host, wife, mother, explorer, and professor at Emory University School of Medicine. She teaches college courses and leads a group of research scientists studying medicinal plants to find new life-saving drugs from nature. She hosts the Foodie Pharmacology podcast and writes the Nature’s Pharmacy newsletter to share the science behind natural medicines. To support her effort, consider a paid or founding subscription, with founding members receiving an autographed 1st edition hardcover copy of her book, The Plant Hunter.
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