Botanical characteristics of Strychnos nux-vomica
Strychnos nux-vomica, Commonly known as nux vomica, is an evergreen tree that can reach up to Meters 25, presenting a dense and highly branched crown. Its bark offers shades that vary from gray-black to gray-yellow and, over time, develops a finely warty texture. twigs The leaves of this species are brownish and fork repeatedly, giving the tree a distinctive appearance.
The leaves They are opposite, leathery, elliptical to ovate or obovate in shape, and have a smooth, shiny, dark green upper surface that becomes paler on the underside. The leaf margin is entire and the apex is rounded or acuminate. The leaf blade has fine hairiness on the underside, and the veins, which can be three to five, are visible and whitish or light green. This tree lacks noticeable stipules, although in some varieties they may be barely perceptible.
Flowering and fruits
The inflorescences They can appear both at the apices of the branches and in the axils and consist of loose thyrs or umbrella-shaped panicles. flowers They are fragrant, greenish-white to white in color, hermaphroditic and short-stalked. They usually measure around 1,3 cm long and have five petals. The corolla tube is glabrous on the outside and somewhat hairy at the inner base; the calyx is short, green and covered with fine hairs, with five ovoid and pointed lobes. The ovary is bicameral and superior, with a long, protruding style ending in a bilobed stigma.
The stamens There are five very short, barely protruding from the floral pharynx. In addition, there are nectaries present that can attract pollinating insects.
El fruit It is a rounded berry with a smooth surface, which starts out green and turns orange-red when ripe. It can measure between 3 and 6 cm and has a thin but tough, dry skin that's easy to break. Its whitish flesh is gelatinous, very bitter, and sticky, although it can sometimes be edible despite its extremely unpleasant taste.
Seed description and toxicity
The seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica, also called rooster eye, are disc or button shaped, almost flat, finely hairy, although the hairs usually disappear with storage. They are usually between 1,5 and 3 cm diameter, 4 to 6 mm thick and weighing 1,2 to 2,4 gThe shell is very hard, ranging in shades of greenish-grey to brownish, and can split open violently along the long sides when humidity conditions change, facilitating germination.
These seeds are odorless, but their The taste is intensely bitter and acrid, with a nauseating undertoneThe most relevant feature is its high toxicity, mainly due to the presence of potent alkaloids, especially strychnine and brucine, although it also contains other alkaloids such as vomycin, colubrine, icajime and novacin. It is estimated that the lethal dose of strychnine for an adult may be around 0,2 to 1 mg/kg of body weight, causing seizures, hypertension, bradycardia and, in severe cases, death by asphyxiation following muscle paralysis.
Geographic distribution and habitat
El Strychnos nux-vomica It is native and grows wild in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, covering regions such as Ceylon, India, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, and northern Australia. It prefers well-drained soils and warm, humid environments, characteristic of dense rainforests and areas of tropical vegetation.
Chemical composition
This species stands out for its composition in indole alkaloids, with concentrations that usually range between 1% and 5% of the dry material. They highlight the strychnine (which represents approximately between 40% and 50% of the total alkaloids), the brucine (around the 45%), as well as iso-strychnine, isobrucine, vomycin, colubrine, and other related compounds. It also contains glycosides such as loganina (meniantine), organic acids such as chlorogenic and the malic, terpene alcohols and silica salts.
These compounds, especially strychnine, are responsible for both the pharmacological effects as of the extreme toxicity of the plant.
Traditional, medical and industrial uses
Historically, the nux vomica It has been used in different cultures, mainly in the traditional medicine, although its contemporary use is very restricted due to its danger. It has been used in small quantities as bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and treat dyspepsia, asthenia, digestive disorders of gastric origin and even as an aphrodisiac, due to its stimulating action on the central nervous system and spinal cord.
Its use is also mentioned for relieve symptoms of rheumatism, neuralgia, paralysis, myasthenia, enteric hypotonia, enuresis and certain eye conditions and anemia, although There is no solid scientific evidence to support these benefits. and its use is highly discouraged because of the risks involved.
In the West, nux vomica achieved notoriety as ingredient in poisons For animals, it is used in the production of rodenticides and as a base substance for the industrial production of strychnine. Its therapeutic use has become obsolete due to its toxicity, although it can be found in homeopathy in extreme dilutions and in some older galenic preparations as tonics or restoratives.
Details on toxicity and symptoms of poisoning
El high strychnine content makes the seed of Strychnos nux-vomica one of the most dangerous plant substances known. Poisoning is usually manifested by Hyperreflexia, seizures, anxiety, increased sensitivity to external stimuli such as light or noise and muscle stiffness, symptoms very similar to those seen in tetanus. In the most severe cases, death occurs due to suffocation, resulting from a violent and sustained contraction of the thoracic muscles and diaphragm.
INCLUDED very small quantities can be fatal. It has been documented that ingesting a single seed can be enough to cause death from spinal cord paralysis or respiratory failure. Another relevant fact is that strychnine can accumulate in the body, and continued use in sublethal doses can also be lethal over the course of weeks.
Currently, public sale of Strychnos nux-vomica is prohibited or restricted in many countries due to its toxicity, and it is listed on official lists of plants dangerous for consumption or handling by the general population.
Synonyms and popular names
- Strychnos nux-vomica var. oligosperm Dop
- Strychnos spireana Dop
- Common names: false angostura, Indian castor bean, Indian dogwood, Indian dogwood, Indian dogwood, Nux vomica, Noix Vomique, Nux Vom, Poison Nut
Historical importance and references
La nux vomica It was introduced into Europe beginning in the 16th century, and was used as an effective poison to eliminate harmful animals, especially in agriculture and livestock. Its use as a source of strychnine in industry has continued for decades, and it remains one of the most studied and regulated alkaloids due to its potent physiological and lethal effects.
Strychnos nux-vomica It was formally described by Carl Linnaeus and is included in important treatises on botany and pharmacology. Various academic studies and publications have documented its composition, traditional use, and associated risks.
Precautions and legal observations
Due to the danger of Strychnos nux-vomica, its use is banned or restricted in many countries. It is included on lists of plants whose sale and handling to the public are regulated due to the high risk of accidental or deliberate poisoning. Strychnine is also considered a controlled substance by many public health and chemical safety agencies.
Diagnosis of poisoning is made by laboratory tests specific for strychnine and requires urgent medical treatment, usually with respiratory support and measures to control seizures and neuromuscular symptoms.
For all the above, Knowledge of the characteristics, composition and risks of Strychnos nux-vomica is essential for the prevention of poisoning, its responsible handling and correct botanical identification..