Scopolia, European scopolia

Scopolia carniolica

Physical Characteristics

Scopolia carniolica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Austria, Hungary and Russia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Dysentery Hypnotic Mydriatic Narcotic The dried root is hypnotic, mydriatic and narcotic[4, 46, 61]. It causes a sleep that resembles normal sleep[4]. The medicinal activity of this plant resembles belladonna (Atropa belladonna) but it is more narcotic[46]. It is used internally in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea, dysentery, stomach ache and manic-depressive states[238]. A very toxic plant, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and normally processed for extraction of the alkaloids which are used in the pharmaceutical industry[238]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Scopolia carniolica for liver & gallbladder complaints (see [302] for critics of commission E).

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 [301].