Noix vomique

Related Terms

Arabinose, Brechnuss, Brechnusssamen, brucine, brucine N-oxide, galactan, galactomannan, galactose, Loganiaceae (family), loganic acid, ma qian zi, noce vomica, noix vomique, nuez vomica, poison nut, Quaker buttons, rhamnose, shudha kupilu, slang nut, strychni semen, strychnine, Strychnos nux-vomica, strychnos seed, vishamushti.

Background

Nux vomica is the dried, ripe seed of Strychnos nux-vomica L., a native tree of Burma, China, eastern India, Thailand, and northern Australia. There are reports of toxic effects with traditional use of the seeds or fruit of Strychnos nux-vomica L.
In homeopathy, nux vomica is used for allergies, back pain, colds, constipation, digestive problems, emotional stress, flu, hangovers, headaches, hemorrhoids, and menstrual problems. Nux vomica is also a polycrest, or a homeopathic remedy used to treat many ailments. As a polycrest, nux vomica's primary indication is for disorders related to abuse of narcotic drugs, alcohol, coffee, or tobacco, overindulgence of rich food and beverages, and mental strain from excessive work.
Athough nux vomica appeared as a treatment in 19th Century medical publications, there is very little documentation on its therapeutic effectiveness in today's standard medical journals. However, because nux vomica is a common homeopathic medicine, research continues on it, albeit in laboratory and animal studies. This remedy is in the category of unapproved herbs according to the German Commission E.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for nux vomica. As pills or powders, 0.3-0.9g per day has traditionally been used.
Homeopathic preparations are the most commonly used form, and nux vomica comes in several strengths, including 6X, 12X, 30X, and 30C. Traditionally, sublingual doses are taken one-half hour before or after eating, brushing teeth, or drinking anything but water.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Anti-psychotics and phenothiazines are contraindicated in individuals with symptoms of poisoning, as they may compound the symptoms exhibited by the patient. Use is not recommended with nux vomica.
Strychnine in nux vomica can accumulate in the liver with extended administration, and especially in those with liver damage. Patients taking drugs that are potentially damaging to the liver should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Chan TY. Herbal medicine causing likely strychnine poisoning. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2002;21(8):467-468.
Choi YH, Sohn YM, Kim CY, et al. Analysis of strychnine from detoxified Strychnos nux-vomica [corrected] seeds using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;93(1):109-112.
Deng X, Yin F, Lu X, et al. 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. Toxicol.Sci 2006;91(1):59-69.
Gupta R, Manchanda RK. Reiter's disease treated with Nux vomica. Homeopathy. 2006;95(2):103-104.
Katz J, Prescott K, Woolf AD. Strychnine poisoning from a Cambodian traditional remedy. Am J Emerg.Med 1996;14(5):475-477.
Sukul A, Sarkar P, Sinhababu SP, Sukul NC. Altered solution structure of alcoholic medium of potentized Nux vomica underlies its antialcoholic effect. Br.Homeopath.J 2000;89(2):73-77.
Sukul A, Sinhabau SP, Sukul NC. Reduction of alcohol induced sleep time in albino mice by potentized Nux vomica prepared with 90% ethanol. Br.Homeopath.J 1999;88(2):58-61.
Sukul NC, De A, Dutta R, et al. Nux vomica 30 prepared with and without succession shows antialcoholic effect on toads and distinctive molecular association. Br.Homeopath.J 2001;90(2):79-85.
Sukul NC, De A, Sinhababu SP, Sukul A. Potentized Mercuric chloride and Nux vomica facilitate water permeability in erythrocytes of a fresh-water catfish Clarius batrachus under acute ethanol intoxication. J Altern.Complement Med 2003;9(5):719-725.
Sukul NC, Ghosh S, Sinhababu SP, Sukul A. Strychnos nux-vomica extract and its ultra-high dilution reduce voluntary ethanol intake in rats. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7(2):187-193.
Tripathi YB and Chaurasia S. Interaction of Strychnos nux-vomica-products and iron: with reference to lipid peroxidation. Phytomedicine 2000;7(6):523-528.
Umamaheswari M, Asokkumar K, Somasundaram A, et al. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of some Indian medical plants. J Ethnopharmacol 2-12-2007;109(3):547-551.
Van Eenoo P, Deventer K, Roels K, Delbeke FT. Quantitative LC-MS determination of strychnine in urine after ingestion of a Strychnos nux-vomica preparation and its consequences in doping control. Forensic Sci Int 1-28-2006;
Yin W, Wang TS, Yin FZ, Cai BC. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of brucine and brucine N-oxide extracted from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;88(2-3):205-214.
Zhang X, Xu Q, Xiao H, Liang X. Iridoid glucosides from Strychnos nux-vomica. Phytochemistry 2003;64(8):1341-1344.