Mandrake root has been used for a long time. It is even mentioned in the Old Testament. It is said to have been used by Hannibal and Caesar against enemy armies.
The root has a shape that is similar to a human.
One of the myths is that it screams when it is pulled from the ground; this isn't true. Another is that it is a cure for impotence, which is also false.
Mandrake root contains mandragora, atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine and podophyllin, all of which can be dangerous.
Mandrake root causes delirium and hallucinations. In high doses, it can even send the user into a coma.