Nux Vomica: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Nux vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica) is a plant that grows in Southern Asia. Its dried seeds are used in ayurveda and traditional Asian medicines.

Nux vomica contains strychnine and brucine, two toxic chemicals. These chemicals can affect the brain and cause muscle contractions, leading to convulsions and death.

Despite serious safety concerns, people sometimes use nux vomica for anxiety, cancer, depression, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Nux Vomica overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Nux vomica is unsafe. It contains strychnine, which is a poison. Taking 1-2 grams of nux vomica containing 60-90 mg of strychnine can be fatal. Lower doses can cause side effects including agitation, anxiety, neck and back stiffness, muscle spasms, pain, and twitching.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Nux vomica is unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Liver disease: The strychnine in nux vomica can cause liver damage or make liver disease worse. Avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Nux Vomica overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of nux vomica might be. Nux vomica is also unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

REFERENCES:

Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.

Robbers JE, Speedie MK, Tyler VE. Pharmacognosy and Pharmacobiotechnology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.

Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.

Hardman JG, Limbird LL, Molinoff PB, eds. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.

Yin, W., Wang, T. S., Yin, F. Z., and Cai, B. C. 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., and Liang, X. Iridoid glucosides from Strychnos nux-vomica. Phytochemistry 2003;64(8):1341-1344.

Choi, Y. H., Sohn, Y. M., Kim, C. Y., Oh, K. Y., and Kim, J. 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., Cai, B., and Yin, W. 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.

Van Eenoo, P., Deventer, K., Roels, K., and Delbeke, F. T. 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;

Katz, J., Prescott, K., and Woolf, A. D. Strychnine poisoning from a Cambodian traditional remedy. Am J Emerg.Med 1996;14(5):475-477.

Dai TY, Chen CC, Hong LL, et al. Effect evaluation of strychnos nux-vomica L. with integrative methods for bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy in multiple myeloma patients: A self-controlled clinical trial. Chin J Integr Med. 2020 May 16.

Guo Y, Meng Z, Gu Y, et al. HPLC-MS/MS analysis of primary alkaloids in rat plasma after oral administration of "Nux vomica - Glycyrrhiza glabra decoction": A pharmacokinetic study. J Ethnopharmacol 2022;298:115588.

Qiu C, Zhang L, Li J. Grilled nux vomica alleviates myasthenia gravis by inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway: a study in a mice model. Eur J Med Res 2024;29(1):507.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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