Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
[The history of scopolamine--with special reference to its use in anesthesia]
Abstract:
Potions from plants, now known to contain scopolamine, were used in antiquity and the middle ages. However, wide-spread application of drugs for induction of insensibility to pain did not occur, probably because of side-effects and unpredictable dose-effect relationships. The word "scopolamine" is derived from "Scopolia carniolica", a solanaceous plant so named by Carl von Linné in honour of supposed discoverer, J. A. Scopoli. However, description of the effects and picture of the same plant have been found in A. P. Matthioli's work. Scopolamine is still widely used in anaesthetic practice and has enjoyed applicability in other medical fields. Unethical misuse of scopolamine has been known for a considerable time. Nowadays, the unwanted effects of scopolamine can specifically be antagonized by physostigmine. Scopolamine has been used in folk-lore rituals and enjoys great interest among ethno-pharmacologists.
Related Concept Videos
Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal secretions in common...
Local Anesthetics: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
General Anesthesia: Overview
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
Stages of General Anesthesia
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview

