The Apothecary Diaries episode 20 introduced thornapples. But what does thornapple mean in The Apothecary Diaries?
RELATED: Who Are the Concubines in The Apothecary Diaries? Roles and Titles Explained
What Are Thornapples Exactly?
Thornapples aren't an invention of The Apothecary Diaries. They exist in real life, and they are highly poisonous plants from the Nightshade family.
All parts of the plant are poisonous, including its leaves, which means it's dangerous to handle it without gloves.
The thornapple's scientific name is datura stramonium. More informally, it's also known as jimsonweed (jimson weed), or even devil's snare, likely due to its poisonous nature.
How Are Thornapples Used in The Apothecary Diaries Episode 20?
In episode 20 of The Apothecary Diaries, Maomao wakes up after her beating and is immediately asked to offer her insights on Jinshi's attempted assassination.
Later, she learns from Lihaku that Suirei has died of poisoning. Maomao inquires after the event, asking if the poison contained thornapple.
Her reason for asking is simple: she doesn't believe that Suirei is truly dead.
Maomao knows that thornapple is plentiful at the court pharmacy. Moreover, she has seen Suirei cultivating the plant.
As she reveals to Lihaku and Jinshi, Maomao also knows that thornapple can temporarily stop one's breathing and heartbeat if mixed with pufferfish toxin. However, the effect wears off after a while.
Maomao's theory is proven true as another woman's corpse is discovered in Suirei's coffin.
Suirei presumably made another potion or concoction that would allow her to wake up after a while.
This is extremely intriguing for Maomao, who almost goes into a trance, daydreaming about the possibility of discovering a "resurrection medicine."
Currently, we aren't sure if thornapple is going to play an important role in future Apothecary Diaries episodes, but Maomao could possibly investigate it further.
Moreover, since Suirei has likely survived, we might even learn a bit more about her use of thornapple later on.
Discover more anime news and info by following us on X @epicstreamanime.
READ NEXT: What Happened to Shisui in The Apothecary Diaries? Exploring Her Fate
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!