Ipomoea turpethum vs Convolvulus scammonia

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Ipomoea turpethum

Operculina turpethum

Digestive

Digestive

Ipomoea turpethum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Convolvulus scammonia

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Ayurvedic purgative herb; resinoid turpeth used for constipation and digestive cleansing (virechana).

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

Active Compounds

turpethin, operculinic acid, resin glycosides, flavonoids

scammonin, scammonic acid, resin glycosides

Traditional Uses

constipation, Ayurvedic purgation (virechana), edema, worm expulsion

constipation, intestinal worms, edema, dropsy

Modern Uses

cathartic, laxative, Ayurvedic panchakarma

powerful cathartic (historical)

Adult Dosage

Root powder 3-6g as purgative (under Ayurvedic supervision)

Not recommended; dangerous purgative

Contraindications

pregnancy, IBD, intestinal obstruction, debility

pregnancy, IBD, intestinal obstruction, cardiac conditions

Side Effects

severe purgation, GI cramping

severe purgation, severe GI cramps, dehydration

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E