A mandrake is the root of a plant, historically derived either from plants of the genus Mandragora (in the family Solanaceae) found in the Mediterranean region, or from other species, such as Bryonia alba (the English mandrake, in the family Cucurbitaceae) or the American mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum in the family Berberidaceae) which have ...

Mandrake, genus of six species of hallucinogenic plants in the nightshade family native to the Mediterranean region and the Himalayas. The plants are particularly noted for their potent roots, which somewhat resemble the human form and have a long history of use in religious and superstitious practices.

2016年1月12日 · Over the centuries, legends surrounding the mandrake’s different sexes and human shape grew stronger, reinforced by the medieval doctrine of signatures, which claimed that plants that resembled...

It is often known as mandrake, although this name is also used for other plants. As of 2015, sources differed significantly in the species they use for Mandragora plants native to the Mediterranean region. The main species found around the Mediterranean is called Mandragora autumnalis, the autumn mandrake.

Mandrake is a powerful narcotic, emetic, sedative, and hallucinogen; its poisons can easily lead to death. Blue blossoms and flowering period of the autumn mandrake ( Mandragora autumnalis ) are two main differences between this species and M. officinarum.

Mandrake, a plant with a long and fascinating history, has captured the imagination of many cultures for centuries. Also known as Manroot, the root of the mandrake plant is notable for its human-like form and use in religious and superstitious practices.

2023年2月1日 · One of the oldest references to mandrake is from the Bible and probably dates to 4,000 B.C. In the story, Rachel used the berries of the plant to conceive a child. In Ancient Greece, mandrake was noted for being a narcotic. It was used medicinally for anxiety and depression, insomnia, and gout. It was also used as a love potion.

The one or two species found around the Mediterranean constitute the mandrake of ancient writers such as Dioscorides. Two or three further species are found eastwards into China. All are perennial herbaceous plants, with large tap roots and leaves in the form of a rosette.

Mandrake was much used by the Ancients, who considered it an anodyne and soporific. In large doses it is said to excite delirium and madness. They used it for procuring rest and sleep in continued pain, also in melancholy, convulsions, rheumatic pains and scrofulous tumours.

A fragrant and low-growing, leafy species of nightshade, the mandrake has captured the western imagination more than any other plant. Medically, the plant possessed varied healing properties. Ancient Greeks and Romans used it as an anesthetic, as a soporific to induce sleep, and to treat a variety of illnesses.