What is Mandrake Root?

Mandrake Root is the dried root of Mandragora officinarum, European Mandrake, a plant in the nightshade family (Solanaceae) native to the Mediterranean basin. We offer it strictly as a botanical specimen for decorative display and folkloric and ethnographic study.

Safety note

Mandrake contains substantial tropane alkaloids, including atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine, the same class of potentially fatal alkaloids found in deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). It is not a food, tea, or supplement. We do not offer it for any form of consumption or preparation, and it should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

About Mandrake in folklore

Mandrake has been a fixture of European folklore for well over 2,000 years. Its forked roots, which sometimes suggest a small humanoid figure, gave rise to extensive legend, and the plant appears throughout European mythology, medieval herbals, and religious symbolism. That documented cultural history is why it recurs across the ethnobotanical literature and why collectors seek the root as a specimen.

Mandrake Root: form & sizes

We supply whole dried Mandrake Root by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 8 oz, sold as a botanical specimen for decorative and ethnographic purposes only. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Mandrake Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, and out of reach of children and pets.

Mandrake Root at a glance

Botanical name

Mandragora officinarum

Family

Solanaceae (nightshade family)

Native region

The Mediterranean basin

Plant part

Dried root

Contains

Tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine)

Sold as

Botanical specimen (decorative / folkloric use only)

Sizes

1 oz to 8 oz