Strychnine

Approximately 200 species of mainly evergreen trees, shrubs, and climbers belong to this genus, which is pantropical in distribution. The genus is rich in alkaloids, such as strychnine. A dozen or more species are used in making curare, a black, resinous arrow poison used by native N American tribes, which causes instantaneous muscular paralysis but leaves the flesh of animals untainted. The preparation of curare was first observed by Alexander von Humboldt and Aimé Bonpland during their explorations in C and S America (1799-1804). Extracts of S. nux-vomica and S. ignatii (St. Ignatius Bean) are used in minute amounts in tonic and restorative preparations. Both species are also used in homeopathy.

Evergreen tree with leathery, ovate leaves, to 15cm (6in) long. Numerous, white, green-tinged, tubular flowers, about 1cm (½in) long, opening into 4-5 lobes, are produced in terminal clusters in spring, followed by globose, juicy fruits, to 6cm (2½in) in diameter, containing 4 disk-shaped seeds.

Common Name:	Strychnine
Other Names:	Nux-Vomica, Poison Nut
Botanical Name:	Strychnos nux-vomica
Genus:	Strychnos
Family:	Loganaceae
Cultivation:	Well-drained, rich soil in sun or partial shade.
Native Location:	India and Myanmar (Burma)
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
Harvest:	Seeds are collected when ripe, and dried for elixirs, liquid extracts, pills, or tinctures, and for commercial extraction of alkaloids.
Height:	20m (70ft)
Width:	15m (50ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15°C (59°F)
Parts Used:	Seeds
Properties:	A very bitter, tonic herb that stimulates the nervous system and improves appetite.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally in minute amounts, for nervous exhaustion, debility, and poor appetite (especially in the elderly and children). It is also used as a central nervous system stimulant in chloroform or chloral poisoning, surgical shock, and cardiac arrest. Used (as nux-vomica) in homeopathic preparations.
Economic Uses:	Strychnine is extracted commercially for use in vermin poisons.
Warning:	All parts are toxic; handle with care; Excess causes paralysis (notably risus sardonicus, a fixed grin), convulsions, respiratory failure, and death. Used by qualified practitioners only; This herb and strychnine are subject to legal restrictions in most countries.
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pp 376