I find it interesting that no mention has been made of the use of the mandrake root in Del Toro's film, Pan's Labyrinth, or Salman Rushie's book, The Enchantress of Florence. In both cases the reference was quite strong and haunting, entering into the thesis or plotline historically, sociologically, and of course through the widely diverse channels of myth. Both Del Toro and Rushdie are steeped in the mythic histories of the world, so I'd find it elucidating and quite fascinating to see these sources/uses discussed.