 The nicandrenones, like certain other types of withanolide, have insecticidal properties.30 years after their discovery, the first total synthesis of nicandrenones was carried out in the year 2000.Amongst its other paradoxical attributes, "N. physalodes" is also slightly intoxicating, showing a certain degree of psychoactivity of a type similar to that elicited by the tropane alkaloid hyoscyamine (well known as one of the active principles present in the notoriously toxic nightshades "Hyoscyamus niger" and "Atropa belladonna" and causing mydriasis - a symptom said also to be caused by the alkaloids present in "Nicandra").