Nux vomica is the dried, ripe seed of Strychnos nux-vomica L., a native tree of Burma, China, eastern India, Thailand, and northern Australia. There are reports of toxic effects with traditional use of the seeds or fruit of Strychnos nux-vomica L.
In homeopathy, nux vomica is used for allergies, back pain, colds, constipation, digestive problems, emotional stress, flu, hangovers, headaches, hemorrhoids, and menstrual problems. Nux vomica is also a polycrest, or a homeopathic remedy used to treat many ailments. As a polycrest, nux vomica's primary indication is for disorders related to abuse of narcotic drugs, alcohol, coffee, or tobacco, overindulgence of rich food and beverages, and mental strain from excessive work.
Athough nux vomica appeared as a treatment in 19th Century medical publications, there is very little documentation on its therapeutic effectiveness in today's standard medical journals. However, because nux vomica is a common homeopathic medicine, research continues on it, albeit in laboratory and animal studies. This remedy is in the category of unapproved herbs according to the German Commission E.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Tradition
WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Abscesses, aging, alcohol abuse, allergies, analgesic (pain reliever), anemia (secondary), anthelminthic (expels worms), anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anxiety, appetite stimulant, back pain, bubonic plague, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, colds, constipation, depression, drug abuse, eating disorders, encephalopathy (glycine), expectorant, eye diseases, neuralgia (facial nerve pain), gastrointestinal disorders, gout, hangovers, headaches, hemorrhoids, hysteria, impotence, indigestion, influenza, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, liver cancer, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, migraine, muscle spasm, myasthenia gravis, nerve disorders (paresthesia), rabies, Raynaud's disease, Reiter's syndrome, respiratory ailments, rheumatism, stress (emotional), substance abuse (coffee), substance abuse (tobacco), tonic.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for nux vomica. As pills or powders, 0.3-0.9g per day has traditionally been used.
Homeopathic preparations are the most commonly used form, and nux vomica comes in several strengths, including 6X, 12X, 30X, and 30C. Traditionally, sublingual doses are taken one-half hour before or after eating, brushing teeth, or drinking anything but water.
Children (younger than 18 years):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for nux vomica, and use in children is not recommended due to potential toxicity. In children, as little as 50mg of seed may cause intoxication or death.
Safety
DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Strychnos nux-vomica.
Side Effects and Warnings
In general, nux vomica has predominantly neurological effects, and may cause painful seizures, spasms, difficulty breathing, dizziness and confusion. Other adverse effects include muscle cramps, pain and tenderness.
Chest discomfort, tonic contractions of all limb muscles, carpopedal spasm, muscle pain, numbness, hyperventilation, confusion, hyperreflexia, nystagmus (rapid movement of the eyes), knee-jerks, tiredness and seizure have been reported after taking a multi-herb concoction containing nux vomica. Seizures can occur within 15 minutes of ingestion (or five minutes of inhalation) and may result in hyperthermia, metabolic and respiratory acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and myoglobinuric renal (kidney) failure. Strychonos nux-vomica fruit may also cause crampy abdominal and leg pain and tense thigh muscles with tenderness to touch.
Avoid taking nux vomica seeds by mouth, as the seeds may contain toxic amounts of strychnine. Use cautiously in other forms due to potential toxicity from strychnine in nux vomica. Also use cautiously in patients with seizure disorders, as nux vomica has induced seizures.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Nux vomica should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to risk of ingestion of toxic levels of strychnine. No safe internal dosage or maximum duration of homeopathic nux vomica during pregnancy or breastfeeding has been clinically established.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
Anti-psychotics and phenothiazines are contraindicated in individuals with symptoms of poisoning, as they may compound the symptoms exhibited by the patient. Use is not recommended with nux vomica.
Strychnine in nux vomica can accumulate in the liver with extended administration, and especially in those with liver damage. Patients taking drugs that are potentially damaging to the liver should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Strychnine in nux vomica can accumulate in the liver with extended administration, and especially in those with liver damage. Patients taking herbs and supplements that are potentially damaging to the liver, such as kava, should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Phillip Fong (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Dawn Costa, BA, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Sooyoun Kang, PharmD (Massachusetts College of Pharmacy); Helena Kim, PharmD (Northeastern University); Mary McGarry, RPh. (University of Kansas); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Mamta Vora, PharmD (Northeastern University); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER:
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
Choi YH, Sohn YM, Kim CY, et al. Analysis of strychnine from detoxified Strychnos nux-vomica [corrected] seeds using liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry. J Ethnopharmacol. 2004;93(1):109-112.
Deng X, Yin F, Lu X, et al. The apoptotic effect of brucine from the seed of Strychnos nux-vomica on human hepatoma cells is mediated via Bcl-2 and Ca2+ involved mitochondrial pathway. Toxicol.Sci 2006;91(1):59-69.
Katz J, Prescott K, Woolf AD. Strychnine poisoning from a Cambodian traditional remedy. Am J Emerg.Med 1996;14(5):475-477.
Sukul A, Sarkar P, Sinhababu SP, Sukul NC. Altered solution structure of alcoholic medium of potentized Nux vomica underlies its antialcoholic effect. Br.Homeopath.J 2000;89(2):73-77.
Sukul A, Sinhabau SP, Sukul NC. Reduction of alcohol induced sleep time in albino mice by potentized Nux vomica prepared with 90% ethanol. Br.Homeopath.J 1999;88(2):58-61.
Sukul NC, De A, Dutta R, et al. Nux vomica 30 prepared with and without succession shows antialcoholic effect on toads and distinctive molecular association. Br.Homeopath.J 2001;90(2):79-85.
Sukul NC, De A, Sinhababu SP, Sukul A. Potentized Mercuric chloride and Nux vomica facilitate water permeability in erythrocytes of a fresh-water catfish Clarius batrachus under acute ethanol intoxication. J Altern.Complement Med 2003;9(5):719-725.
Sukul NC, Ghosh S, Sinhababu SP, Sukul A. Strychnos nux-vomica extract and its ultra-high dilution reduce voluntary ethanol intake in rats. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7(2):187-193.
Tripathi YB and Chaurasia S. Interaction of Strychnos nux-vomica-products and iron: with reference to lipid peroxidation. Phytomedicine 2000;7(6):523-528.
Umamaheswari M, Asokkumar K, Somasundaram A, et al. Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of some Indian medical plants. J Ethnopharmacol 2-12-2007;109(3):547-551.
Van Eenoo P, Deventer K, Roels K, Delbeke FT. Quantitative LC-MS determination of strychnine in urine after ingestion of a Strychnos nux-vomica preparation and its consequences in doping control. Forensic Sci Int 1-28-2006;
Yin W, Wang TS, Yin FZ, Cai BC. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of brucine and brucine N-oxide extracted from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;88(2-3):205-214.
Zhang X, Xu Q, Xiao H, Liang X. Iridoid glucosides from Strychnos nux-vomica. Phytochemistry 2003;64(8):1341-1344.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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