scammony

drug

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July 13, 2026

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Scammony refers to a twining plant (Convolvulus scammonia) native to Asia Minor, known for its large, thick root. The dried root of this plant, or a cathartic resin derived from it, is also called scammony. This resin has been historically used as a purgative drug. The term "Mexican scammony" refers to a plant in the Ipomoea genus. Additionally, Secamone is a genus of woody vines whose name is derived from the Latin word for scammony. While savory, a different plant, has various medicinal properties studied for traditional and modern uses, scammony's primary historical association is as a cathartic agent.1234

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Scammony, a purgative, is derived from the rhizomes of C. scammonia, a trailing perennial with white to pink flowers, native in western Asia.
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Scammony, a purgative, is derived from the rhizomes of C. scammonia, a trailing perennial with white to pink flowers, native in western Asia.
Read More