Strychnos nux-vomica
Strychnine
Analysis of strychnine and brucine in postmortem specimens by RP-HPLC: a case report of fatal intoxication. (1/8)
A sensitive method for the identification and quantitation of the toxic alkaloids strychnine and brucine from postmortem specimens has been established. After solid-phase extraction using Oasis MCX cartridges the extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection. The limit of detection was 0.5 ng/mL blood for strychnine and brucine, and the limit of quantitation was 5 ng/mL blood for strychnine and brucine. The method was applied for the analysis of blood and gastric contents of a 34-year-old female who died after ingestion of a packet of herbal medicine powder containing the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L. Strychnine and brucine were detected in all the samples. The concentration in our case is consistent with that in previous reports. (+info)Physicochemical characterization of the Strychnos alkaloids by capillary zone electrophoresis. (2/8)
A capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) method has been developed for investigating the physicochemical characteristics of five Strychnos alkaloids in Strychnos nux-vomica L. Firstly, the dissociation constants of the five Strychnos alkaloids were determined, based on the relation between the effective mobility of the solutes and the buffer pH. The mathematical relationship was strictly deduced from the fundamental electrophoretic theory and the dissociation equilibrium. Secondly, an equation describing the relation between the migration time of alkaloids of similar structure and their molecular weights was developed and used to predict the migration order and to calculate the electrosomotic velocity. The results predicted by the theory agreed with those from experiments. (+info)The apoptotic effect of brucine from the seed of Strychnos nux-vomica on human hepatoma cells is mediated via Bcl-2 and Ca2+ involved mitochondrial pathway. (3/8)
In an attempt to dissect the mechanism of Strychnos nux-vomica, a commonly used Chinese folk medicine in the therapy of liver cancer, the cytotoxic effects of four alkaloids in Strychnos nux-vomica, brucine, brucine N-oxide, strychnine, and isostrychnine, on human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were screened by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrasolium bromide (MTT) assay. Brucine, among the four alkaloids, exhibited the strongest toxic effect, the mechanism of which was found to cause HepG2 cell apoptosis, since brucine caused HepG2 cell shrinkage, the formation of apoptotic bodies, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle arrest, as well as phosphatidylserine externalization, all of which are typical characteristics of apoptotic programmed cell death. Brucine-induced HepG2 cell apoptosis was caspase dependent, with caspase-3 activated by caspase-9. Brucine also caused the proteolytic processing of caspase-9. In addition, brucine caused depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane of HepG2 cells, the inhibition of which by cyclosporine A completely abrogated the activation of casapses and release of cytochrome c in brucine-treated HepG2 cells. These findings suggested a pivotal role of mitochondrial membrane depolarization in HepG2 cell apoptosis elicited by brucine. Furthermore, brucine induced a rapid and sustained elevation of intracellular [Ca2+], which compromised the mitochondrial membrane potential and triggered the process of HepG2 cell apoptosis. Finally, Bcl-2 was found to predominately control the whole event of cell apoptosis induced by brucine. The elevation of [Ca2+]i caused by brucine was also suppressed by overexpression of Bcl-2 protein in HepG2 cells. From the facts given above, Ca2+ and Bcl-2 mediated mitochondrial pathway were found to be involved in brucine-induced HepG2 cell apoptosis. (+info)A rare case of brucine poisoning complicated by rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. (4/8)
Brucine is the predominant alkaloid present in the bark of the tree Strychnos nux vomica and is a weaker alkaloid when compared to strychnine. However, its toxicological property is akin to strychnine. We report a rare case of brucine poisoning complicated by acute renal failure and rhabdomyolysis. A 24-year-old male presented with a history of consumption of a decoction made from the bark of the Strychnos nux vomica tree. Soon after, he developed widespread muscle spasms and convulsions, which were promptly treated. On the fifth day of admission, he developed features of rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. Investigations revealed elevated creatine phosphokinase levels and elevated blood urea and serum creatinine. The patient was managed with hemodialysis and recovered gradually. There are many reports of strychnine poisoning producing rhabdomyolysis and renal failure. In this case report, attention is drawn to the fact that brucine, although a weaker alkaloid, can also produce life threatening complications like rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure. (+info)Effects of homeopathic medicines on polysomnographic sleep of young adults with histories of coffee-related insomnia. (5/8)
(+info)Use of Strychnos nux-vomica (Azraqi) seeds in Unani system of medicine: role of detoxification. (6/8)
Some plants used in Unani system of medicine are toxic, even deadly poisonous. The drugs having such plants as their components are detoxified before they are dispensed to the patients. One such drug, capsule Hudar, has Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Azraqi) seeds as one of its components and is very effectively used to elevate blood pressure. Ancient manuscripts describe many methods of its detoxification. It has been found that the detoxification processes studied reduce the strychnine content, as determined either by using uv-vis spectrophotometer or HPLC, present in Strychnos nux vomica seeds which is responsible for Strychnos nux vomica toxicity. The decrease in strychnine amount was best when the seeds were immersed for detoxification in excess of water for 5 days, in milk for 2 days followed by their boiling in milk. Strychnine in small amounts has been reported to give subjective feeling of stimulation. (+info)Four types of traditional Chinese medicine inducing epileptic seizures. (7/8)
(+info)Nonlinear dynamical systems effects of homeopathic remedies on multiscale entropy and correlation dimension of slow wave sleep EEG in young adults with histories of coffee-induced insomnia. (8/8)
(+info)'Strychnos nux-vomica' is a plant species also known as the poison nut tree or strychnine tree. Its seeds, known as nux vomica, contain several alkaloids including strychnine and brucine, which have been used in medicine for their stimulant and convulsant properties. However, due to the high toxicity and narrow therapeutic index of these compounds, the use of 'Strychnos nux-vomica' in modern medicine is very limited and generally not recommended.
It's important to note that while some alkaloids found in 'Strychnos nux-vomica' have been used in homeopathy, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy, and they should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
"Strychnos" is a genus of plants, specifically belonging to the Loganiaceae family. While not a medical term itself, certain species of Strychnos contain toxic alkaloids that have been used in medicine and are important to understand from a medical and pharmacological perspective.
The most well-known species is Strychnos nux-vomica, which produces the potent alkaloid strychnine. This alkaloid acts as a competitive antagonist at glycine receptors in the central nervous system, leading to uncontrolled muscle contractions, stiffness, and potentially life-threatening convulsions if ingested or otherwise introduced into the body.
Another important alkaloid found in some Strychnos species is brucine, which also has toxic properties, although it is less potent than strychnine. Both of these alkaloids are used in research and have been employed in the past as rodenticides, but their use in medicine is limited due to their high toxicity.
In a medical context, knowing about Strychnos plants and their toxic alkaloids is essential for understanding potential poisonings, recognizing symptoms, and providing appropriate treatment.
Strychnine is a highly toxic, colorless, bitter-tasting crystalline alkaloid that is derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree, native to India and Southeast Asia. It is primarily used in the manufacture of pesticides and rodenticides due to its high toxicity to insects and mammals.
Medically, strychnine has been used in the past as a stimulant and a treatment for various conditions such as asthma, heart failure, and neurological disorders. However, its use in modern medicine is extremely rare due to its narrow therapeutic index and high toxicity.
Strychnine works by blocking inhibitory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, leading to increased muscle contractions, stiffness, and convulsions. Ingestion of even small amounts can cause severe symptoms such as muscle spasms, rigidity, seizures, and respiratory failure, which can be fatal if left untreated.
It is important to note that strychnine has no legitimate medical use in humans and its possession and use are highly regulated due to its high toxicity and potential for abuse.
"Sophora" does not have a specific medical definition, but it is a term that refers to various species of the Sophora plant genus, which belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family. Some of these plants have been used in traditional medicine in different cultures.
For instance, Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antipyretic properties. It contains several alkaloids, such as matrine and oxymatrine, which have demonstrated pharmacological activities.
Another example is Sophora japonica (Japanese pagoda tree), whose seeds, leaves, and bark have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating various conditions like diarrhea, insomnia, and skin diseases. Its active compounds include flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids, which contribute to its medicinal properties.
It is essential to note that the use of Sophora species or their extracts in a medical context should be based on scientific research and under professional medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Alkaloids are a type of naturally occurring organic compounds that contain mostly basic nitrogen atoms. They are often found in plants, and are known for their complex ring structures and diverse pharmacological activities. Many alkaloids have been used in medicine for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and therapeutic properties. Examples of alkaloids include morphine, quinine, nicotine, and caffeine.