Question

Scopolamine or "truth drug" of world war II was obtained from

• A. Rauvolfia serpentina
• B. Atropa belladonna
• C. Digitalis purpurea
• D. Papaver somniferum

Answer 1

The correct option is B Atropa belladonna

Scopolamine is an anticholinergic medicine. Scopolamine has many effects in the body including decreasing the secretion of fluids, slowing the stomach and intestines, and dilation of the pupils. Scopolamine is used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness and recovery from anesthesia and surgery. Scopolamine may also be used in the treatment of parkinsonism, spastic muscle states, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis and other conditions. Scopolamine is also called as hyoscine. It is alkaloid drug obtained from a number of plants of the family Solenaceae, including nightshade (Atropa belladona), henbane and jimsonweed.

Scopolamine is an effective remedy for motion sickness, probably because of its ability to depress the central nervous system. It is also known as a truth drug. Thus, option B is correct.