# Nux Vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/nux-vomica
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Ayurveda
**Also Known As:** Strychnos nux-vomica, Poison Nut, Quaker Button, Semen Strychni, Ma Qian Zi, Azraqi, Vomiting Nut, Strychnine Tree Seed

## Overview

Nux vomica contains strychnine and brucine as primary alkaloids that affect the central nervous system by blocking glycine and GABA receptors. This Ayurvedic seed extract has been traditionally used for neurological conditions, though clinical evidence remains extremely limited.

## Health Benefits

• May support recovery from spinal cord injury (based on one animal study, PMID: 32527244) - evidence quality: preliminary
• Traditional use for ischemic stroke management through multi-pathway mechanisms targeting serotonergic and calcium signaling - evidence quality: theoretical/traditional only
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects via PTGS2/COX-2 pathway modulation - evidence quality: in vitro only
• Historical application for arthritis and rheumatic pain relief - evidence quality: traditional use only
• Possible [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s through multiple receptor targets including CHRNA7 and HTR3A - evidence quality: computational predictions only

## Mechanism of Action

Strychnine, the primary alkaloid in nux vomica, acts as a competitive antagonist of glycine receptors in the spinal cord and brainstem. This blockade prevents inhibitory neurotransmission, leading to increased neuronal excitability. Brucine, the secondary alkaloid, has similar but weaker glycine receptor antagonist properties and may modulate calcium channels and serotonergic pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Clinical evidence for nux vomica is extremely limited and largely theoretical. One animal study (PMID: 32527244) suggested potential benefits for spinal cord injury recovery in rats, but no human clinical trials exist. Traditional Ayurvedic literature describes use for stroke management through multi-pathway mechanisms, but this lacks scientific validation. The evidence base consists primarily of preclinical research and traditional use reports rather than controlled human studies.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Approximately 5-10% of dry weight", "fiber": "Approximately 10-15% of dry weight"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "Approximately 200-250 mg per 100g", "Magnesium": "Approximately 100-150 mg per 100g", "Iron": "Approximately 5-10 mg per 100g"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Strychnine": "Approximately 1-2% of dry weight", "Brucine": "Approximately 0.5-1% of dry weight"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Strychnine and brucine are highly toxic alkaloids with limited therapeutic window. Nutrient bioavailability may vary based on preparation and individual health conditions."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosage ranges are available. Animal toxicity studies used 0.315-0.630 g/kg body weight orally in rats (decoction form), which caused organ damage. Traditional use emphasizes strict control of strychnine/brucine content via processing, but no standardized extract dosages are specified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Nux vomica is extremely toxic due to strychnine content, with therapeutic doses dangerously close to lethal amounts. Strychnine poisoning causes violent muscle spasms, convulsions, and respiratory failure. It may interact with medications affecting GABA or glycine neurotransmission, including benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should absolutely avoid nux vomica due to severe toxicity risks to both mother and child.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on Nux Vomica exist in the current research. Evidence is limited to animal models including a rat spinal cord injury study (PMID: 32527244) showing sensory/motor recovery, and toxicity studies in rats (n=36) demonstrating metabolic disruptions at 0.315-0.630 g/kg doses. Network pharmacology predictions suggest 14 active compounds targeting 59 genes relevant to ischemic stroke, but human validation is absent.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nux Vomica has been used for treating ischemic stroke, neurodisorders, arthritis, and rheumatism through its actions of dredging collaterals and relieving pain. Unani medicine traditionally uses the seeds (Azraqi) to elevate [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), while Southeast Asian traditions employed it for various symptoms including in[digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) and nausea.

## Synergistic Combinations

Not recommended due to toxicity concerns

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in nux vomica?

The primary active compound is strychnine, a highly toxic alkaloid that blocks glycine receptors in the nervous system. Brucine is the secondary alkaloid with similar but weaker effects.

### Is nux vomica safe to take as a supplement?

Nux vomica is extremely dangerous due to strychnine toxicity, with therapeutic doses very close to lethal amounts. It can cause severe muscle spasms, convulsions, and death, making it unsuitable for supplementation.

### What conditions has nux vomica been used for traditionally?

Traditional Ayurvedic medicine has used nux vomica for neurological conditions including stroke management and nervous system disorders. However, these uses lack scientific validation and carry serious safety risks.

### Are there any clinical studies on nux vomica benefits?

Clinical evidence is extremely limited, with only one animal study suggesting potential spinal cord injury benefits. No controlled human trials exist to support therapeutic use of nux vomica.

### Can nux vomica interact with medications?

Yes, nux vomica may dangerously interact with medications affecting GABA or glycine neurotransmission, including benzodiazepines and muscle relaxants. The strychnine content makes any interactions potentially life-threatening.

### What is the difference between nux vomica and other strychnine-containing herbs?

Nux vomica (Strychnos nux-vomica) is the primary commercial source of strychnine alkaloids, though strychnine is also found in other Strychnos species. The concentration and ratio of strychnine to other alkaloids like brucine varies between species and plant parts, which affects both potency and safety profiles. Most clinical and traditional preparations use seeds from Strychnos nux-vomica specifically due to standardized alkaloid content.

### Who should avoid nux vomica supplementation?

Pregnant and nursing women should avoid nux vomica due to its neurotoxic alkaloids and lack of safety data in these populations. People with seizure disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, or severe kidney or liver disease should not use nux vomica without medical supervision, as strychnine can exacerbate these conditions. Individuals taking CNS-active medications, anticoagulants, or those with hypersensitivity to alkaloids should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### How does nux vomica's mechanism of action relate to its traditional uses?

Nux vomica's strychnine acts as a glycine receptor antagonist and modulates serotonergic pathways, which theoretically supports its traditional use in neurological conditions like spinal cord injury and stroke recovery. Its proposed anti-inflammatory effects through COX-2 pathway modulation may contribute to pain relief and recovery support in traditional medicine systems. However, most mechanistic evidence remains in vitro or animal-based, and clinical translation of these pathways in humans is not yet established.

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