Botanical Name: Scopolia carniolica
Family: Solanaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Solanales
Genus: Scopolia
Species: S. carniolica
Synonyms: Hyoscyamus chloranthus. Scopolina atropoides. Scopolina carniolica.
Common Names:Scopolia, European scopolia, Henbane bell
Habitat: Scopolia carniolica is native to Europe – Austria, Hungary and Russia. It grows on moist rocky beech woods around 1000 metres. Damp stony places in hilly areas.
Description:
Scopolia carniolica is a creeping herbaceous perennials plant with boldly-veined leaves, growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).
with dark green foliage emerging flushed with dark purple in late winter, and dying back in summer. Pale yellow, hanging, bell-shaped flowers are produced in spring. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Cultivation: Prefers a light, fertile, well-drained dry soil in a shady position. A very ornamental plant, it is occasionally cultivated for its medicinal uses.
Medicinal Uses:
The dried root is hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic. It causes a sleep that resembles normal sleep. The medicinal activity of this plant resembles belladonna (Atropa belladonna) but it is more narcotic. It is used internally in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach ache and manic-depressive states. A very toxic plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. The root is harvested in the autumn and normally processed for extraction of the alkaloids which are used in the pharmaceutical industry. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Scopolia carniolica for liver & gallbladder complaints .
Known Hazards: This plant is probably fairly poisonous. The rhizomes contain potentially poisonous alkaloids that are similar to Atropa belladonna[200]. Adverse effects include visual disturbances, heat build up due to lack of sweating. Micturition disorders may occur with overdose. Contraindicated in close angle glaucoma, prostatic adenoma with residual urine, tachycardia, and gastrointestinal obstructions and any state where increased anticholinergic activity is harmful.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scopolia_carniolica
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scopolia+carniolica
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/16898/Scopolia-carniolica-var-brevifolia/Details
