Indications
Convolvulus scammonia, known in Unani medicine as saqmunia or scammony, is a plant whose dried root resin is a very strong purgative (a substance that causes forceful bowel movements). In Unani practice it is used in small amounts as one ingredient of compound preparations, for example majoons traditionally taken for joint pain, gout and sciatica, where purging is believed to clear “morbid matter” from the body. It is also an old remedy for severe constipation and worms. Scientific evidence for these uses is very limited, and the resin is potent and potentially harmful.
How It Works
Scammony resin contains glycosides that strongly irritate the lining of the bowel. This draws water into the gut and makes the bowel muscles contract hard, producing watery stools within a few hours. This effect does not treat the cause of joint pain or gout.
Dosage and Administration
Use only a registered product, and only as directed on the label or by a registered Unani practitioner. Never take scammony resin on its own or increase the dose. Drink plenty of fluids while using any product that contains it, and use it only for short periods.
Interactions
Strong purging can cause loss of potassium and fluids, which increases the risk of side effects from Digoxin, water tablets (diuretics) such as Furosemide or Hydrochlorothiazide, steroid medicines such as Prednisolone and some heart rhythm medicines. Fast bowel transit may reduce the absorption of other medicines taken by mouth, including oral contraceptives. Products for joint pain may contain other potent ingredients such as Colchicine, which also causes diarrhoea. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines and herbal products you use.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Children and frail older people
- Bowel blockage, unexplained stomach pain, appendicitis or inflammatory bowel disease
- Piles (haemorrhoids) that bleed, or recent bowel surgery
- Dehydration, low potassium, kidney disease or heart disease
- Allergy to any ingredient
Side Effects
Common effects include stomach cramps, nausea, frequent watery stools and soreness around the anus. Excess use can cause dehydration, dizziness, weakness, low potassium and irritation or bleeding of the bowel.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe or continuing diarrhoea, blood in the stools, severe stomach pain, signs of dehydration such as very little urine, dry mouth and dizziness, muscle weakness, an irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy, as strong purgatives can stimulate the womb and cause miscarriage or early labour. Do not use while breastfeeding, as its safety for the baby is not known and dehydration can reduce milk supply.
Precautions and Warnings
Joint pain, gout and sciatica need a proper diagnosis and treatment from a doctor; purging is not a substitute. Older people and those with long term illnesses are at higher risk of harm from dehydration and salt loss. Stop the product if diarrhoea becomes troublesome. Use only registered products from a reliable source.
Overdose
Overdose can cause violent diarrhoea, vomiting, severe cramps, dehydration, low blood pressure and dangerous salt imbalance. Give fluids and go to the nearest hospital straight away, taking the pack with you. A child who swallows any amount should be checked by a doctor.
Therapeutic Class
Unani herbal ingredient (drastic purgative).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Keep the container tightly closed.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.