IloveIndia

Fitness IloveIndia

Common Henbane

Binomial Name(s): Hyocyamus Niger
Kingdom: Plantae
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Hyoscyamus
Species: H. niger
Popular Name(s): Henbane Henbane, Niger Seed, Bird Feed, Black Henbane
Parts Used: Seeds
Habitat: Low-lying ground near the sea and Lower Mountain slopes.

Description
Common henbane is an annual/biennial plant growing to a height of 1m. The plant requires a well-drained soil, but cannot grow in the shade. It can tolerate maritime exposure and flowers from June to August, with the seeds ripening from August to September. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. Commonly known as the stinking nightshade or henbane, the plant species has been used as a medicinal herb for centuries together and has innumerous therapeutic values. Originated in parts of Eurasia, common henbane is currently distributed worldwide and is even cultivated for commercial purpose.

Plant Chemicals
Hyoscyamine, scopolamine, and other tropane alkaloids

Uses & Benefits of Common Henbane
Caution