nux vomica

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(nŭks vŏm'ĭ-kə) pronunciation
n.
A tree (Strychnos nux-vomica) native to southeast Asia, having poisonous seeds that are the source of the medicinal alkaloids strychnine and brucine.

[Medieval Latin : Latin nux, nut + Medieval Latin vomica, feminine of vomicus, emetic (from Latin vomere, to vomit).]


nux vomica (nŭks vŏm'əkə), bitter-tasting drug obtained from the poisonous seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica, a tree that grows in Sri Lanka, India, and N Australia. The dried seeds contain strychnine and brucine, both colorless crystalline alkaloids, as well as sugar, acid, and oil. In the past nux vomica was used as a tonic in the form of a tincture, or alcoholic solution, but it is not used in modern medicine. In minute quantities it has a powerful peristaltic action on the intestines and in larger doses causes convulsions and death.



the dried seeds of the Indian tree, Strychnos nux-vomica. They are a source of strychnine, brucine, and other poisonous alkaloids.

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Powdered nut of the plant Strychnos nux-vomica. In earlier times was used as a stimulant to appetite. Also finds use in small animals as a herbal remedy, but the strychnine content presents the possibility of toxicity.

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brucine (in chemistry)