scammony
Convolvulus scammonia
Convolvulus scammonia, commonly known as white bindweed or scammony root, has historical roots in traditional medicine. Its use is not well-documented, but it was noted as an ingredient in medicines in Albacete, Spain, as early as 1526. Scientific analysis of the plant has identified two resin glycosides, scammonin I and II, along with a total of 80 targeted components including glycosidic acids and resin glycosides. A small-scale study found that an ether extract of the resin could stimulate isolated guinea pig uterine tissue, though this finding is limited in scope. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Convolvulus scammonia to date.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Two resin glycosides, scammonin I and II, were isolated from Convolvulus scammonia roots.
- The study identified 80 targeted components, including 22 glycosidic acids and 58 resin glycosides, using a mass defect filter strategy.
- Convolvulus scammonia was among the botanical ingredients found in medicines from the 1526 Albacete tariff but was no longer in use by 1750.
- Small doses of an ether extract of Convolvulus scammonia resin stimulated an isolated guinea pig uterus in one extant study.
- The study identified 144 chemical components in Kukeya tablets, including new and confirmed compounds from various classes.
Frequently asked questions
What is scammony?
scammony (Convolvulus scammonia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about scammony?
5 sourced findings are recorded for scammony; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Two resin glycosides, scammonin I and II, were isolated from Convolvulus scammonia roots.
How strong is the evidence for scammony?
The strongest finding for scammony carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is scammony safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for scammony in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does scammony interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for scammony in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of scammony?
scammony is also known as: scammonée.
Is scammony a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Scammonins I and II, the resin glycosides of radix scammoniae from Convolvulus scammonia. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Is there nothing new under the sun? The influence of herbals and pharmacopoeias on ethnobotanical traditions in Albacete (Spain). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mass Defect Filtering-Oriented Identification of Resin Glycosides from Root of Convolvulus scammonia Based on Quadrupole-Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The obstetrical use in ancient and early modern times of Convolvulus scammonia or Scammony: another non-fungal source of ergot alkaloids? literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Systematic Profiling of the Components of Kukeya Tablets, a Traditional Ethnic Medicine Prescription, by Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole/Orbitrap High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. literature abstract metadata