Strychnos nux-vomica, the strychnine tree, also known as nux vomica, poison nut, semen strychnos, and quaker buttons, is a deciduous tree native to India and to Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized tree in the family Loganiaceae that grows in open habitats. Its leaves are ovate and 2–3.5 inches (5.1–8.9 cm) in size.[rx]
| Strychnine tree Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Strychnine tree |
| Scientific Name: | Strychnos nux-vomica |
| Origin | India and to southeast Asia. |
| Colors | Orange-red |
| Shapes | Rough, glossy orange, 4‐5 cm wide |
| Flesh colors | White or pale yellow |
| Taste | Bitter |
Strychnos nux vomica belonging to the Loganiaceae family is a medicinal toxic plant which is also known as poison nut, nux vomica has various clinical as well as therapeutic applications. Commercially cultivated in different parts of the world such as the European Union, United States, Guangdong, Fujian, Hainan, Guangxi, Taiwan, North Australia, and throughout tropical Africa.
It is a deciduous tree that is native to Southeast Asia and India. It is a medium-sized tree that grows in open habitats. Leaves are ovate measuring 2–3.5 inches (5.1–8.9 cm) in size. The various parts of plants especially seeds and bark contain various indications in folklore and traditional medicines of different countries. It is a great source of highly poisonous and intensely bitter alkaloids strychnine and brucine acquired from seeds inside the round and green to orange fruit.
The plant is used in formulating more than 60 Indian systems of medicine, 30 of which is used for treating disorders of Vata dosha. The various parts of the plant are rich in indole alkaloids such as strychnine and brucine liable for various therapeutic purposes.
Plant
Strychnos nux-vomica is a medium-sized tree with a short, crooked, and thick trunk. Wood is close-grained, hard white, and dense. Branches are irregular and ash-colored. Young shoots are deep green with a shiny coat. Leaves are arranged opposite decussate, short-stalked and oval-shaped with a shiny coat, and are smooth on both sides. Leaves are 4 inches (10 cm) long and 3 inches (7.6 cm) wide. Flowers are small, funnel-shaped, and pale green in color with a foul smell which blooms usually in the cold season. Flowers give way to yellow fruits with soft and white (jelly-like) white pulp that contains five seeds covered with soft and woolly substance. Seeds are flattened disks covered with hairs that radiate from the center of the sides.
History
It is believed that in 323 B.C., the death of Alexander was due to the intake of wine that contains strychnine. Nux vomica tree nut was used for medicinal purposes at the time of the mid-16th century.
Valerius Cordus was the first German physician and botanist who have written about nux vomica around this time. Then nut was used as an antidote for plague, worms, hysteria, rabies, rheumatism, and gout by Germans. Strychnine was also used in rat poisons and also used by veterinarians as a stimulant in smaller doses.
Health Benefits of Strychnos nux-vomica
Discussed below are some health benefits of Strychnos nux vomica:
- Motion sickness
Nux vomica is helpful for motion sickness if one has severe nausea with difficulty vomiting and intense headache at the back of the head and eye. Still, scientific studies are required to improve motion sickness.
- Prevent constipation
Nux vomica is a cure for constipation. It acts as a laxative and helps to break constipation. But research is still needed to assure it is effective for constipation.
- Treat flu
Influenza is also known as flu could be helped with the use of nux vomica. It is effective for gastric flu with diarrhea and vomiting. Studies show that stem and bark contain a high level of flavonoids and have antiviral effects that make them effective to combat viral diseases such as flu. The homeopathic remedy comes from seeds, not stem bark.
- Treatment for urinary tract infection
Nux vomica is useful for treating urinary tract infections when these symptoms occur such as irritable bladder with the constant need to urinate but passes only small amounts. The cramping pain or burning may be felt in the bladder area with an itching sensation in the urethra with the passing of urine. The person feels impatient, irritable, and chilly. The symptoms could be relieved by hot baths and other forms of warmth.
- Cure for insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects about 10 percent of adults. Insomnia is caused due to anger, anxiety, irritability, use of alcohol, caffeine, and drugs. The study shows that nux vomica has a positive impact on REM sleep but further research is still required for confirmation.
- Reduce back pain
Strychnos nux-vomica is useful for muscle cramps and constricting pains in the back. The discomfort is worsened due to cold and provides relief from warmth. Pain worsens at night and backache is worse at the time of constipation.
Traditional uses
- It is used to treat neuralgic and paralytic affections, itching, dyspepsia, joint pain, urinary disorders, epilepsy, emotional disorders, dysentery, insomnia, and rheumatism.
- In India, fruits are used as tonic, appetizer, antipyretic, and aphrodisiac.
- It is used as a cure for blood diseases, leucoderma, ringworm, itching, ulcer, piles, urinary disorders, anemia, limb weakness, and lumbago.
- Juice of stem and root barks are used to treat cholera, intermittent fevers, and acute dysentery.
- Use the bark infusion internally for treating epilepsy or apply it externally for leprotics and ulcers.
- Apply the leaves externally as a poultice for wounds, ulcers (information of maggots).
- It is a cure for trauma, swelling pain, bone fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, facial nerve paralysis, and myasthenia gravis.
- It is a cure in chronic dysentery, epilepsy, paralytic and neuralgic disorders, hydrophobic, and rheumatic arthritis.
- It is used for treating constipation, abdominal pain, insomnia, heartburn, upset stomach, depression, circulatory problems, nervous conditions, migraine, depression, and problems associated with respiratory diseases and menopause.
Precautions
- It may cause some side effects such as anxiety, restlessness, dizziness, spasms of jaw and neck muscles, neck and back stiffness, seizures, convulsions, liver failure, breathing problems, and death.
- Avoid breastfeeding mothers and pregnant women.
- In case of nux vomica poisoning, seek immediate medical attention.
Other facts
- The tree lives up to the lifespan of 50 to 60 years.
- The tree takes 15 to 20 years to initiate flowering.
References
