Scammony
in botany, the scammony bindweed. In chemistry, scammonium, a purgative gum resin obtained from the root of Convolvulus scammonia.
When the root is cut there exudes a milky juice, which dries up to a yellowish-brown, gummy-looking substance. Two varieties are known in commerce, Aleppo and Smyrna, the former being considered the more valuable. It forms flat irregular masses, very brittle, and having a dark gray or blackish hue.
Viewed in thin fragments, it appears translucent and of a golden brown color.
Genuine scammony should contain from 75 to 82 per cent. of resinous matter, soluble in alcohol, the remainder being wax, gum, starch, etc. It is, however, frequently adulterated. Pure scammony is a powerful drastic purgative and anthelmintic. Montpellier scammony is obtained from Cynanchum mouspeliacит.