nux-vomica
Strychnos nux-vomica
Strychnos nux-vomica is a plant species found frequently as saplings under giant trees in sacred groves. In various traditional systems, it has been applied as an emetic, stimulant, and treatment for conditions including epilepsy, fever, asthma, colic, and abdominal complaints. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that brucine from the seeds may show inhibitory effects on tumor development in preclinical models, and certain processing methods like vinegar treatment may reduce hepatic and renal toxicity. There is also evidence of high antioxidant properties in extracted bioactive compounds. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- canicide · fever
- Traditions
- TCM · Ayurveda · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- canicide
- fever
- sores
- stimulant
- abdominal complaints
- ague (malarial fever)
- amblyopia
- asthma
- avicide
- chorea
- cns stimulant
- colic
- cynanche
- emetic
- epilepsy
What the science says
- The study optimized the recovery of bioactive compounds from Strychnos nux-vomica seeds using DES-UAE, achieving high extraction yields and antioxidant properties.
- Preclinical studies suggest that brucine from Strychnos nux-vomica shows significant inhibitory effects on tumor development across various cancer types.
- Different processed products of Strychnos nux-vomica seeds showed varying degrees of reduced hepatic and renal toxicity, with vinegar processing exhibiting the most significant effect.
- Strychnos nux-vomica was more commonly found as saplings under giant trees in sacred groves compared to human settlements.
- The virtual screening identified several phytochemicals, including 4-hydroxystrychnine from Strychnos nux-vomica, as potential inhibitors against NS2B-NS3 protease of dengue virus.
Frequently asked questions
What is nux-vomica?
nux-vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is nux-vomica traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record nux-vomica for: canicide, fever, sores, stimulant, abdominal complaints, ague (malarial fever). This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use nux-vomica?
nux-vomica appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Ayurveda, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about nux-vomica?
5 sourced findings are recorded for nux-vomica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study optimized the recovery of bioactive compounds from Strychnos nux-vomica seeds using DES-UAE, achieving high extraction yields and antioxidant properties.
How strong is the evidence for nux-vomica?
The strongest finding for nux-vomica carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is nux-vomica safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for nux-vomica in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does nux-vomica interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for nux-vomica in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of nux-vomica?
nux-vomica is also known as: Чилибуха.
Is nux-vomica a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Brucine as a Natural Modulator of Cancer Signaling: Cellular Mechanisms, Therapeutic Potential, and Translational Perspectives. literature abstract metadata
- T2 High-Throughput Virtual Screening of Phytochemicals From Indian Medicinal Plants for the Identification of Potential Inhibitors Against NS2B-NS3 Protease of Dengue Virus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 [Hepatotoxicity and renotoxicity of different processed products of Strychnos nux-vomica seeds based on serum metabolomics and their mechanisms of action]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Optimization of phenolics recovery from strychnos nux-vomica L. seed applying deep eutectic solvent-ultrasound assisted extraction. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Giant trees enhance zoochorous plant dispersal in sacred groves and human settlements of the Western Ghats, India. literature abstract metadata