Strychnos nux-vomica

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Seeds of S. nux-vomica

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Seedling of nux vomica

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Bark of Strychnos nux-vomica

Strychnos nux-vomica, also known as the strychnine tree, poison nut, semen strychnos and quaker buttons, is a deciduous tree native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized tree in the family Loganiaceae that grows in open habitats. Its fruit, seeds, and bark have been used in traditional medicine, primarily in Ayurveda, but it is also a source of the highly toxic alkaloids strychnine and brucine, derived from the seeds.

Description

The Strychnos nux-vomica tree grows to about 12 meters in height, with a thick, frequently crooked trunk. The bark is smooth and gray, with the wood white and hard. The short, irregular branches form a dense, irregular canopy. The tree has small, greenish-white flowers and apple-sized fruit. The fruit, which has a hard shell, is orange when ripe and contains five seeds covered with a soft wool-like substance.

Distribution and habitat

Strychnos nux-vomica is native to India and Southeast Asia. It is found in open, mixed deciduous forests, especially in disturbed sites, forest edges, and along roadsides. It prefers well-drained, deep, fertile soils.

Uses

The seeds, bark, and most other parts of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree have been used in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda. The seeds are used to treat diseases like asthma, liver disease, and heart disease. However, due to the presence of the highly toxic alkaloids strychnine and brucine, the use of nux vomica in medicine is restricted.

Toxicity

The seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica are highly toxic. They contain the alkaloids strychnine and brucine, which are used as pesticides, particularly for killing rodents. Strychnine is a strong neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system. Symptoms of strychnine poisoning include painful convulsions, asphyxia, and death.

See also

• Strychnine
• Brucine
• Ayurveda
• Loganiaceae