Showing papers on "Strychnos nux-vomica published in 1996"

Processing of nux vomica. VII. Antinociceptive effects of crude alkaloids from the processed and unprocessed seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica in mice.

Abstract: We examined the antinociceptive effects of the crude alkaloid fractions (CAF) of nux vomica (the dried seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L.) and the influences of various processing methods upon their antinociception in three analgesic tests in mice. In the tail-pressure test, the CAF (0.01--1 micrograms/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica that was unprocessed or treated with sand-, licorice-, oil- or vinegar and sand-processing showed clear antinociception. The CAF (1 microgram/kg, i.p.) of vinegar-processed nux vomica showed antinociception, without effects at lower doses of 0.01 and 0.1 microgram/kg and those treated with urine- or urine and sand-processing were without effects at doses of 0.01--1 microgram/kg. Morphine (2 mg/kg, s.c.) showed short-lasting antinociception, without effects at a dose of 1 microgram/kg. In the hot-plate test, the CAF (100 microgram/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica having undergone sand-processing produced a significant antinociception, without effects at lower doses of 0.01 and 1 microgram/kg. The CAF (0.01--100 microgram/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica that was unprocessed or treated with oil- or vinegar and sand-processing and morphine (1 and 100 micrograms/kg, s.c.) were without effects. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the CAF (1 microgram/kg, i.p.) of nux vomica that was treated with sand-processing significantly inhibited the writhing behavior, while those of nux vomica that was unprocessed or treated with oil- or vinegar and sand-processing and morphine were without effects at a dose of 1 microgram/kg. The present results demonstrate the antinociceptive effects of the CAF of nux vomica and suggest that sand-processing is good for the analgesic potency of nux vomica. It is also suggested that the CAF of nux vomica has distinct antinociceptive potency, even after treatment with licorice-, oil-, vinegar and sand-processing.

Effect of Strychnos nux vomica alcohol extract on lipid peroxidation in rat liver

Abstract: This report investigates the antioxidant properties of the purified Strychnos nux vomica L. seed extract for protection against non-enzymatic formation of lipid peroxides and on reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in rat liver homogenate. Results were compared with the natural antioxidant vitamin E. For the first time it could be reported that this drug protects against cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) induced lipid peroxidation in a dose dependent manner. It also inhibits the process of the lipid peroxidation, once induced. The drug significantly maintains the hepatic content of glutathione in a dose and time dependent manner, even in the presence of the above toxin (CHP). Thus it appears that S. nux vomica is a potent antioxidant and the mechanism of action could be through the scavenging of free radicals.