gave protection similar to strychnine.
Orally, 30—50 mg Nux-vomica (5 mg strychnine) is toxic.
Dosage Detoxified seed—60— 125 mg. (API, Vol. IV.)
Strychnos potatorum Linn.f.
Family Loganiaceae; Strychnaceae.
Habitat Forests of West Bengal, Central and South India, up to 1,200 m.
English Clearing Nut tree.
Ayurvedic Kataka, Katakaphala, Payah-prasaadi, Chakshushya,
Nirmali.
Unani Nirmali.
Siddha/Tamil Thettran, Thetrankot tai.
Action Seed—antidiabetic,
antidysenteric, emetic.
Mannogalactan from seeds reduces cholesterol and triglycerides (one-tenth and one-fifth when compared to clofibrate). Seeds are also applied to abscesses, and venereal sores (internally in gonorrhoea). Fruits—antidiabet ic
antidysenteric, expectorant. (Pulp is used as a substitute for ipecacuanha.)
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the seed in dysuria, polyuria, urolithiasis, also in epilepsy.
The seeds, leaves and trunk bark gave diabolin (major alkaloid) and acetyldiabolin. Seeds also gave brucine, strychnine, novacine, icajine, oleanolic acid and its glycoside. Leaves and bark gave isomotiol, stigmasterol, campesterol and sitosterol. Diabolin exhibits hypotensive activity.
A decoction of seeds is given to treat stammering.
The seeds resemble those of Nuxvomica but are non-poisonous. The ripe seeds are used for clearing muddy water.
Dosage Seed—3—6 g. (API, Vol. IV.)
Strychnos rheedei C.B.Clarke.
Synonym S. cinnamomifolia Thw. S. wallichiana Steud.
Family Logan iaceae; Strychnaceae.
Habitat Western Ghats, from South Kanara to Trivandrum, up to 900 m and in Andhra Pradesh.
Siddha/Tamil Valli Kanjiram.
Action Roots—antirheumatic, anti-inflammatory, febrifuge.
