Showing papers on "Strychnos nux-vomica published in 2015"

Phytochemical study, cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Strychnos nux-vomica

Abstract: The strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) (S. nux-vomica) belonging to family Loganiaceae has been a very promising medication for certain disorders. Different chromatographic methods were used to isolate the phenolic compounds from the aqueous methanolic extract of the S. nux-vomica leaves. Their identification was achieved through spectroscopic techniques. Cytotoxicity, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of S. nux-vomica leaves extract were evaluated. Five phenolic compounds were isolated and identified; Kaempferol-7 glucoside 1, 7-Hydroxy coumarin 2, Quercetin-3-rhamnoside 3, Kaempferol 3-rutinoside 4, and Rutin 5. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the extract was evaluated against different cancer cell lines. The extract showed potential cytotoxic activity against human epidermoid larynx carcinoma cells (Hep-2) and against breast carcinoma cell line (MCF-7). Colon carcinoma cells (HCT) were the least one affected by the extract. In addition, the extract exhibited promising analgesic, antipyretic as well as anti-inflammatory activities. It is concluded that, leaves extract of S. nux vomica possess potent cytotoxic, analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities could be due to the presence of phenolic compounds revealed by our phytochemical investigations.

An unusual case of strychnine poisoning

Abstract: Strychnine-related death has been described since the 19th century. This alkaloid was discovered in 1818. Historically, strychnine was used by the South-East Asian autochthones on their arrows. However, its production was modified by legislation, which was used to protect people against accidental intoxications. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old man who was found dead at home. During the autopsy, we found a blue substance in the stomach. Toxicological analysis measured strychnine at 0.29 μg/mL in the blood sample, which is a relatively low level in comparison with the results given in the literature. However, histologic examination and toxicological findings permitted the conclusion of strychnine poisoning.

Phytochemical investigation of the bark of Strychnos-nux-vomica and its antimicrobial properties

Abstract: Strychnos-nux-vomica which belongs to the family loganiacea also called Kanjiram is a medium-sized tree. The bark of the plant was under investigation. The bark of the plant was collected and extracted using ethyl acetate solvent. GC-MS analysis was conducted to identify the components present in it. The major components present in this extract were strychnine and brucine. The antibacterial screening of the extract was carried out by disc diffusion method. The extract was tested against four pathogenic bacterial stains of gram positive and gram negative organism. The ethyl acetate extract of Strychnos-nux-vomicashows antimicrobial activity.

Effect of detoxification (tadbeer) in content of toxic metabolites of Strychnos nux-vomica: A Unani approach for its use in human

Abstract: Background: Azaraqi ( Strychnos nux - vomica , Loganiaceae) has been the important Unani medicine since long time as a stimulant, anti-inflammatory, and blood purifier. It has been used very frequently by the Unani practitioner. But the Unani system recommends application of azaraqi in medicine only after its detoxification (tadbeer) may be because of the presence of its deadly poisonous alkaloids (strychnine and brucine). In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to quantify the actual content of their toxic alkaloids before and after the tadbeer. Materials and Methods: A sensitive high-performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method has been developed for estimation of strychnine and brucine in different samples of azaraqi before and after tadbeer. Precoated HPTLC silica gel plates were used as stationary phase and (toluene: Ethyl acetate: Dietylamine 7:2:1 v/v/v) was used as mobile phase. Result: The R f value of strychnine and brucine was found as 0.53 and 0.41, respectively. Detection and quantification were performed by densitometry at 270 nm. The calibration plot was linear in the range of 50–1000 ng of strychnine and brucine, respectively, with the correlation coefficient ( r 2 ) 0.993 and 0.991 for strychnine and brucine, respectively, which confirms good linearity. The content of strychnine was 0.175, 0.07, 0.18, 0.051, and 0.075% w/w whereas brucine was 0.16, 0.117, 0.061, 0.045, and 0.057 in crude azaraqi, azaraqi without outer cover, azaraqi outer cover only, azaraqi mudabbar and azaraqi mudabbar by fried in ghee, respectively. Conclusion: The detoxification results in sharp decrease in content of toxic metabolites. The process by boiling in milk was found much effective but tedious as compare to frying method.

Chapter 17 – Strychnine

Abstract: Strychnine is a poisonous alkaloid that has a bitter taste and is used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as rodents. Strychnine causes muscular convulsions, asphyxia, and exhaustion. Within 20 min after exposure, every muscle in the body starts to simultaneously contract. Spasms start in the head and neck and subsequently spread to all muscles in the body, with nearly continuous convulsions. They get worse at the slightest stimulus and increase in intensity and frequency until the backbone arches continually. Death comes from asphyxiation caused by paralysis of the brain’s respiratory center or by exhaustion from the convulsions. At that time, the body “freezes,” even in the middle of a convulsion. Rigor mortis sets in immediately, with the eyes left wide open. The toxic and medicinal effects of strychnine have been well-known since the times of ancient China. The inhabitants of southeast Asia and India had ancestral knowledge of the species nux vomica and Saint Ignatius bean, principal sources of this alkaloid. Because toxic dose and therapeutic dose are very close, strychnine poisoning cases are frequently reported. In this chapter, the physiocochemical properties, toxic dose, mechanisms of toxicity, poisoning symptom, pathological changes, and treatment after strychnos poisoning are described.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activity of Strychnos nux vomica flower extract

Abstract: This study was aimed to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of Strychnos nux vomica flowers. Results showed that the plant was able to inhibit all the microorganisms chosen however its effect was higher with Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae with Chloramphenicol (10ug/ml) as the standard drug of choice. The samples were evaluated for their radical scavenging activity against the synthetic DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hidrazila), results showed a high antioxidant activity. Further, this study showed that the flowers of this plant can be used to treat against infections caused by these tested microorganisms. More research is needed to isolate the active compounds, determine the structural composition and their mode of action in inhibiting these bacteria.

The therapeutic and toxicological effect of kupilu (strychnos nux-vomica l.)- a review

Abstract: Kupilu ( Strychnos nux-vomica L., family-Loganiaceae) is a poisonous herbal plant, also known as Kuchla in Ayurvedic samhitas and has been commonly used in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. It is also described in Surasadi gana of Sushruta and Amradi phala varga of Bhavprakasa . It is a deciduous tree which is widely distributed in India and found throughout tropical areas of India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia. In this review, an endeavor has been made to explore the therapeutic utilities of Strychnos nux vomica and its poisoning effect as mentioned in Ayurveda . It is observed that seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica are used as an ingredient of compound formulations of Ayurvedic medicine, indicated for nervous debility, paralysis and weakness of limbs, sexual weakness, dyspepsia, dysentery and chronic rheumatism. Additionally, it is employed in the treatment of anemia, asthma, bronchitis, colic, intermittent fever, hysteria, etc in a specific therapeutic dose. In higher doses, it produces tetanic convulsions ultimately resulting in death. Kupilu has been described as a toxic plant in Ayurveda so certain Shodhan process of the seeds are considered mandatory before its administration.

A reverse phased high-pressure liquid chromatographic method for the estimation of a poisonous matter in Strychnos nux-vomica.

Abstract: Seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica were subjected to preliminary phytochemical tests and its presence was confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) method. The TLC profile of the methanolic extract of seeds of S. nux-vomica was developed using the solvent system toluene:chloroform:methanol in the ratio 8:2:1. The plate was observed in visible light after spraying with Dragendorff's reagent (specific method). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile of the methanolic extracts of S. nux-vomica was developed, and the amount of strychnine seems to be 0.36% (w/w) in the seeds. The TLC and HPLC profiles developed are very valuable for the identification of the original drug from their adulterants. The TLC profile identifies the presence of strychnine in the plant material. The quantification method for the strychnine in the seeds can be used for the quality standardization of the raw drug because the strychnine is reported to have some toxicity.

Biotechnological Approach of Threatened Species Strychnos Nux- vomica L. to Standardized Nursery Techniques

Abstract: Strychnos nux-vomica belonging to family Loganiaceae. Carbohydrate, protein, oil, steroid, alkaloid, resin, strychnine and brucine were detected in phytochemical screening. It is anticipated that lipid peroxidation may provide scientific rationale for the use of S. nux-vomica as an antidiabetic plant. There is a need to develop bio-technological approach for raising nursery plants of S. nux-vomica as per International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) criteria. Different concentration of growth hormones to break seed dormancy, four pre treatments, different size of polythene bags, root trainer, and impact of potting mixture on the growth were adopted to determine the best treatments. The results indicated that the seed dormancy was broken when seeds were treated with 40 ppm concentration of GA3 or 100 ppm concentration of IBA hormones and soaking with warm water, the best size of polythene bag was used as medium size of polythene (25x11 cm), the best size of root trainer was used as medium cup root trainer (187 cm 3 ), and the best potting mixture was found to be farm yard manure (FYM) with soil and sand in ratio of 1:1:1. Statistical analysis was also adopted to determine of significance levels.