Phytochemical and medicinal properties on Strychnos-nux-vomica (L)

Abstract

Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae) is a deciduous tree that grows in tropical areas and is distributed throughout India and Southeast Asia. The dried seed of this plant S. nux vomica has been applied clinically in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. S. nuxvomica is a non edible tree with a strong content of two poisonous alkaloids, strychnine and brucine. S. nux-vomica which belongs to the family loganiaceaalso called Kanjiram is a medium-sized tree. Other names of S. nux-vomica are Kanjiram, Kuchla, Kupilu. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloid, carbohydrate, tannin, steroid, triterpenoid and glycoside in the extract. Seeds of Nux vomica used as nervine tonic, alexiteric, aphrodisiac, anthelmintic, digestive, purgative and stimulant. Detoxified S. Nux vomica seeds used in various Ayurvedic drugs like Agnitundi vati, Navjeevan Rasa and vishatinduka vati as an important ingredient. This study presents a review on the Phytochemical and Medicinal properties of S.nux vomica L.