Scopolia

Scopolia carniolica

Scopolia Parts used Uses Habitat and cultivation Constituents How much to take Side effects and cautions

Scopolia - a perennial herb (up to 0.5 m) with erect stems emerging every year from persistent rhizomes. The oblong, soft leaves of scopolia have long stalks and wavy margins. Small, purplish brown, bell-shaped flowers are borne in the leaf axils.

PARTS USED

Dried rhizomes, roots.

USES

Scopolia is used specifically to treat spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, bile ducts and urinary tract. Scopolia is sometimes used externally for relief of rheumatic pain. Indications are similar to those of Atropa belladonna.

HABITAT AND CULTIVATION

Scopolia is native to southeast Europe (east Alps, Carpathian mountains). The herb is sometimes grown in gardens and has been cultivated commercially for tropane alkaloid production.

CONSTITUENTS

The dry rhizomes of scopolia contain 0.3 - 0.8% tropane alkaloids. L-hyoscyamine is the main compound, together with small amounts of L-scopolamine and atropine (racemic mixture of hyoscyamine) and atroscine (racemic mixture of scopolamine). Leaves contain hyoscyamine, scopolamine, cuscohygrine and 3α-tigloyloxytropane (up to 0.5% (total alkaloids).

HOW MUCH TO TAKE

Carefully controlled doses are used, so that the daily dose does not exceed 3 mg of total alkaloids (average single dose 0.25 mg; the maximum single dose 1 mg).

SIDE EFFECTS AND CAUTIONS

High doses are toxic and side effects (including hyperthermia, tachycardia, hallucinogenic sensations) are not trivial, so that scopolia should only be used under medical supervision.