What's the difference between bindweed and scammony?
Bindweed
Definition:
(n.) A plant of the genus Convolvulus; as, greater bindweed (C. Sepium); lesser bindweed (C. arvensis); the white, the blue, the Syrian, bindweed. The black bryony, or Tamus, is called black bindweed, and the Smilax aspera, rough bindweed.
Example Sentences:
(1) Black bindweed seed (Polygonum convolvulus) from the 1987 harvest was tested for possible toxicity in a 38-day range-finding test with Wistar rats which received feed rations on the basis of VDT-1 standard feedstuff and components of 5 or 20%.
(2) Root segments of Convolvulus arvensis, the field bindweed, were examined with the electron microscope to make possible a description of the fine structural correlates of lateral root protrusion through cortical parenchyma.
(3) And, if his campaign has been any guide, a victory for the Bahraini will see Blatter’s Fifa growing back like bindweed before our eyes.
(4) "I had the same problem with morning glory, a pernicious, vicious bindweed," writes Michael Aston.
Scammony
Definition:
(n.) A species of bindweed or Convolvulus (C. Scammonia).
(n.) An inspissated sap obtained from the root of the Convolvulus Scammonia, of a blackish gray color, a nauseous smell like that of old cheese, and a somewhat acrid taste. It is used in medicine as a cathartic.
Example Sentences:
(1) If Scammony does contain ergot alkaloids, it is suggested that it will be an excellent source for this material, since the plants cultivation is inexpensive and easy.
(2) Only 1 extant study intimates the possible existence of ergot-like activity in Scammony, a study which showed that small doses of an ether extract of Scammony resin stimulated an isolated guinea pig uterus.
(3) In addition, an argument made from salient quotations from historical texts indicates that Scammony may also contain ergot alkaloids, although such compounds have yet to be chemically isolated.
(4) The ether-soluble resin glycoside ('jalapin') fraction obtained from scammony roots, on alkaline hydrolysis, gave a glycosidic acid, scammonic acid A, together with isobutyric, 2S-methylbutyric and tiglic acids.