Botanical Index No. 913

Scopolia

scopolia carniolica

Medicinal Actions

Anticholinergic, Antispasmodic, Cerebrosedative, Diuretic, Intoxicant, Mydriatic, Myorelaxant, Narcotic, Parasympatholytic, Positive Chronotropic, Positive Dromotropic, Sedative, Toxic, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Bitter Addiction Cholecystosis Cramp bile duct GI urinary tract Enterosis Epilepsy Gastrosis Gout Hepatosis Hysteria Insomnia Myosis Nervousness Nymphomania Pain Paralysis Rheumatism Tremor Urethrosis Water Retention

General Dosage

6–120 mg root; equivalent to 0.25 3 mg total alkaloids, calculated as hyoscyamine/day.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 3. “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages”. Commission E reports contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of belladonna alkaloids. Contraindications: megacolon, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostate adenoma with residual urine, stenosis of the GI tract, and tachy- cardia; interactions: may increase activity of amantadine, quinidine, and tricyclic antide- pressants; side effects: arrhythmia, difficult urination, disturbance of ocular accommodation, dry mouth, hyperthermia, mydriasis, obstipation, reduced perspiration, and tachycardia. High doses can cause compulsive speech, delirium, excitation, hallucinations, manic episodes, followed by exhaustion and sleep. “Lethal dosages include the danger of asphyxiation”.

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