Mandragora
L. is a genus of plants belonging to the Solanaceae family commonly
known as Mandragola. Their roots are characterized by a peculiar
bifurcation reminiscent of the human figure (male and female).
This,
together with the plant's anesthetic properties, probably contributed
to the attribution of supernatural powers to the mandrake in many
popular traditions.
The
mandrake was one of the main ingredients for most of the mythological
and legendary potions. First of all, the name, probably of Persian
derivation (mehregiah), was assigned to it by the Greek physician
Hippocrates. In ancient times it was credited with aphrodisiac virtues;
it was also used to treat infertility.
The
mandrake was attributed magical qualities in the Middle Ages and it is
no coincidence that it was included in the preparation of various
potions. She is depicted in some alchemy texts with the appearance of a
man or a child, due to the anthropomorphic aspect that takes its root in
spring. From this came the legend of the mandrake weeping considered
capable of killing a man. It was considered a creature in the middle of
the plant and animal kingdom, like the lesser known vegetable lamb of
Tartaria. In 1615, in some treatises on lycanthropy, including that of
Njanaud, information appeared on the use of a magical ointment based on
mandrake which allowed the transformation into animals.