Tropanes

Tropanes, a group of alkaloids, are derived from nightshade plants, including Atropa belladonna and Brugmansia. Tropane alkaloids have a bicyclic structural and are well known for their anticholinergic effects, meaning they block the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine within the central and peripheral nervous system.

These plants contain the tropane alkaloids atropine (also known as scopolamine), hyoscyamine and others. These compounds were used by various cultures for both their therapeutic properties and their psychoactive effects throughout history. Tropane alkaloids have been used in modern medicine for many purposes. They are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders and Parkinson’s symptoms, as well as as pre-anesthetic medicines that reduce secretions and stop bradycardia.