Convolvulus scammonia vs Ipomoea purga

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Convolvulus scammonia

Digestive

Digestive

Convolvulus scammonia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Ipomoea purga

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Middle Eastern and Anatolian climbing plant; resin one of the most powerful purgatives known.

Mexican tuberous vine; resin used as powerful cathartic in traditional and colonial medicine.

Active Compounds

scammonin, scammonic acid, resin glycosides

jalapin, jalapinolic acid, convolvulin, resin, glycosides

Traditional Uses

constipation, intestinal worms, edema, dropsy

constipation, intestinal worms, dropsy

Modern Uses

powerful cathartic (historical)

cathartic, purgative, anthelmintic

Adult Dosage

Not recommended; dangerous purgative

Resin 200-500mg as cathartic (historical)

Contraindications

pregnancy, IBD, intestinal obstruction, cardiac conditions

pregnancy, IBD, intestinal obstruction

Side Effects

severe purgation, severe GI cramps, dehydration

severe purgation, GI cramping, dehydration

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E