Pharmacological action-trios of delirium remedies in Homoeopathy

The article aims to understand the pharmacological action of trios of delirium remedies-Belladonna, Stramonium and Hyoscyamus niger.

INTRODUCTION
Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of surroundings. Signs and symptoms of delirium can start suddenly over a few hours or more gradually over a few days. Symptoms like loss of ability to stay focused on a topic, rambling, hallucinations, restlessness, irritability, rapid and unpredictable mood shifts & termers. Trios which represents- a set of three best remedies carefully selected to address for a particular disease condition.Dr E B Nash who gave much important for trio remedies.

Trios of delirium remedy represent the best chosen three remedies that are  –
Belladonna, Stramonium, Hyoscyamus niger – these remedies help to treat this condition of delirium.

Particulars	BELLADONNA	STRAMONIUM	HYOSCYAMUS NIGER
Source	Vegetable Kingdom	Vegetable Kingdom	Vegetable Kingdom
Family	Solanaceae	Solanaceae	Solanaceae
Common Name	Deadly night shade	Thorn apple, Devil’s apple	Black henbane
Part used	Whole plant	Whole plant	Whole plant of second year’s growth
Major Chemical constituents	Atropine, Hyoscyamine	Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine	Hyoscyamine, Scopolamine
Minor chemical constituents	Scopolamine, Belladonnine.	Atropine and Hyosine	Atropine, Tigloidin
Centre of Action	Cerebro-spinal nervous system	Cerebro-spinal nervous system	Cerebro-spinal nervous system

In Homoeopathy medicines are prepared from different sources such as Plants, Animals, Minerals, Nosodes, Sarcodes and Impoderbilia.Plant kingdom has a typical role in preparation of homoeopathic drugs. Plants from the Solanaceae family such as Belladonna, Hyoscyamus Niger, Datura stramonium-which physically look different as plants. The general therapeutic field looks almost the same. To a Homeopath they are different, each one of them has got its own individuality. They are like triplets, and only mothers can identify them. These plants’ leaves, roots and berries include several different types of tropane alkaloids including the active ingredients atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine being the main reasons for the intoxication. Pharmacology deals with these active ingredients (individually or collectively) which serve to treat the physical and, mental problems in the body system.

Pharmacological action of these three drugs known  as Anticholinergics & Antispasmodics. Due to their strong anticholinergic action, they have mind altering properties. Belladonna works primarily as an anticholinergic. This means that it blocks a substance called Acetylcholine, which is secreted at the nerve-muscle junctions. Hyoscyamus contains hyoscyamine and scopolamine, hyoscyamine acts like anti Spasmodic due to that relives muscle cramps and spasms(tremors) and have a calming effect. Datura stramonium contains atropine and scopolamine they are muscarinic antagonists. They prevent parasympathetic nerve impulses by selectively blocking the binding sites of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine to the receptor of nerve cells, inhibiting the nerve impulses which are responsible for the involuntary muscle movements.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The name Belladonna is reputedly derived from the Italian for ‘beautiful woman’ and attributed to the practice of instilling belladonna extracts into the eyes; the dilated pupils making the eyes appear larger and more attractive.

In ancient times, Hyoscyamus was one of the most popular plants used for medical and ritual purposes in Europe. Mentioned in the Ebers papyrus (1500 BCE), in the 1st century Pliny and Dioscorides prescribed it as a painkiller and as a sleep remedy.

From ancient civilization Stramonium was traditionally used for religious visionary purposes throughout the world and used by witchcraft in medieval Europe.Leaves of Stramonium were used to hysterical and psychotic patients, also to treat insomnia. Stramonium was used as hallucinogenic drug. It is also used to relax the smooth muscles.

Conclusion
The chief source of the naturally occurring alkaloids with muscarinic blocking activity is among the Solanaceous plants. Tropane alkaloids are natural phytochemical compounds, which are present in different plant families. These compounds are the main secondary metabolites in Solanaceae family plants such as Hyoscyamus niger, Datura stramonium and Atropa belladonna.

Naturally occurring Atropine,Hyoscyamine,Scopolamine due to anticholinergic activity, compet with muscarinic receptors and also treating different human diseases. In Homoeopathy also, these drugs have lots of therapeutic effects and help to improve the individuals’ wellness in both the mental & physical sphere.

REFERENCE.

1. DSM-5
2. Partha MP, Mandal B. A Text Book of Homoeopathic Pharmacy. B. Jain Publishers; 2001.
3. Goel S. Art and Science of Homoeopathic Pharmacy: A Textbook and Reference Work for         Homoeopaths and Homoeopathic Student’s. Indian Books & Periodicals Publishers; 2014.
4. CCRH New Delhi-Pharmacological Actions of Homoeopathic Drugs.2011

Dr Maby James PG Scholar
Department of Homoeopathic Pharmacy
Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka.
Under The Guidance of  Dr Prennie Vidiera, B.H.M.S, M.D (Hom)
Assistant Professor, Dept. Of Homoeopathic Pharmacy, Fr. Muller Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangalore.