Strychnine

A poison that stimulates the central nervous system.


A poisonous alkaloid drug, made from the seeds of a tropical tree, and formerly used in small doses as a tonic.


A poisonous alkaloid produced in the seeds of the East Indian tree Strychnos nux-vomica. In small doses it was formerly widely used in tonics. Poisoning causes painful muscular spasms similar to those of tetanus; the back becomes arched (the posture known as opisthotonus) and death is likely to occur from spasm in the respiratory muscles.


An alkaloid derived from Strychnos nux-vomica, the seeds of an East Indian tree, as well as from the seeds of several other closely allied trees and shrubs. It is a white crystalline body possessed of an intensely bitter taste, more bitter perhaps than that of any other substance, and it is not very soluble in water. It stimulates all parts of the nervous system, and was at one time widely used for this purpose. Strychnine poisoning is fortunately rare. It shows itself in convulsions, which come on very speedily after the person has taken the poison. The mental faculties remain unaffected, and the symptoms end in death or recovery within a few hours.


A poisonous alkaloid, used to kill rodents, that may produce nausea and vomiting, symmetrical muscle spasms, fever, muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), and renal failure. It has no therapeutic usefulness but has been used as an experimental tool in neuropharmacology.


A skin condition caused by tuberculosis affecting the skin, also known as scrofuloderma.


 


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