Anisodus luridus Link ex Spreng.
Aliases：Shan Yan (literally "Mountain Tobacco"), Tanggute Shan Langdang (recorded in Xizang Changyong Zhongcaoyao — Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Tibet); Qi Li San (literally "Seven‑Li Powder"), Wu Ci (literally "Without Mercy"), and Feng Yao (literally "Madness Medicine" — used in Yunnan). (These are all alternative names for Sài Làng Dàng, i.e., Scopolia Root / Anisodus luridus.)
Scopolia Root (Sài Làng Dàng) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried root of Anisodus luridus Link ex Spreng. (also known as Scopolia carniolicoides C. Y. Wu et C. Chen), a plant belonging to the genus Anisodus (or Scopolia) of the family Solanaceae. It commonly grows in fields, roadsides, and village edges. It was first recorded in Xizang Changyong Zhongcaoyao (Commonly Used Chinese Herbal Medicines of Tibet).
Efficacy & Actions
Relieves spasms, alleviates pain, and promotes blood circulation.
Indications
Epigastric pain, biliary colic, abdominal pain, and acute and chronic gastroenteritis.
Modern Pharmacology
The alkaloids contained in Scopolia Root exhibit anticholinergic effects, which can relieve smooth muscle spasms and provide relief for gastrointestinal spasms, biliary colic, and other conditions. Atropine and scopolamine, the alkaloids it contains, are classic anticholinergic drugs that inhibit glandular secretion and relieve smooth muscle spasms, among other effects. Overdose can cause anticholinergic poisoning syndrome.
Ingredients
The root contains hyoscyamine, cuscohygrine, atropine, and small amounts of scopolamine, apoatropine, and tropine; it also contains scopolamine and other alkaloids.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 0.3–0.9 grams (1–3 fen, a traditional Chinese unit of weight). For topical application: appropriate amount.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with heart disease or cardiac weakness. This herb is highly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician; it should not be taken arbitrarily. Toxic symptoms and management: In cases of overdose, symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, flushed cheeks, accelerated heartbeat, dilated pupils, and coma may occur. Early gastric lavage is required, along with oral administration of clarified loess solution or cold thin congee, combined with injection of pilocarpine, fluid replacement, and other symptomatic treatments. Contraindicated or should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, etc.
Selected Formulas
This herb is mostly used alone for relieving spasms and alleviating pain.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
