Mandrake Mandragora officinarum, mandrake The root of the mandrake resembles the human body Mandrake is traditionally known as an aphrodisiac and closely associated with witchcraft. It contains scopalamine and hyosciamine, which (along with atropine) are also found in thornapple. It also contains mandragorin, a strong depressant and emetic (used to make people vomit). The plant grows in Mid and Southern Europe, North Africa, Asia Minor, and the Himalayas. It is thought to be named after the shape of the root, resembling a man. Roman documentation report complicated surgical operations having been performed in Alexandria under the anaesthetic effect of mandrake. In 11th and 12th centuries, mandrake was recognised as an effective painkiller as well as being used in witchcraft. The root is still used as a lucky charm in some Southern European and African cultures. The effects of the plant can take up to 3 hours to come on. At the wrong dose, the individual can experience violent vomiting and diarrhoea, lasting anything up to 10 hours. Though rare, death from use has also been reported.