5 Questions
Which alkaloids are found in nux vomica?
Strychnine and brucine
What is the function of brucine?
It acts as a standard for determining the bitter value of drugs
What is the effect of strychnine on the CNS?
It has effects on the CNS, respiration, and heart
What is the use of nux vomica in cardiac failure?
It is used as a tonic to the circulatory system in cardiac failure
What happens in toxic doses of strychnine?
It causes violent tetanus-like convulsions and death
Study Notes
- Nux vomica contains the alkaloids strychnine and brucine, as well as traces of other alkaloids and a glucoside.
- Strychnine is a therapeutically active and toxic alkaloid located in the central portion of the endosperm.
- Brucine is less toxic and intensely bitter, used as a standard for determining the bitter value of many bitter drugs.
- The seeds also contain chlorogenic acid or caffeotannic acid and hemicellulose consisting of mannan and galactan.
- Strychnine acts as a bitter, increases appetite, stimulates peristalsis, and has effects on the CNS, respiration, and heart.
- Brucine closely resembles strychnine in its action but is slightly less poisonous and paralyzes peripheral motor nerves.
- Nux vomica is used as a nervine, sex tonic, and tonic to the circulatory system in cardiac failure.
- In toxic doses, strychnine causes violent tetanus-like convulsions and death.
- Chemical tests can be used to identify strychnine and brucine in nux vomica.
- Nux vomica is also known as vomiting nut but has no vomiting properties.
Test your knowledge on Nux Vomica with this quiz! Discover the alkaloids and other compounds found in the plant, as well as their therapeutic and toxic effects. Learn about the differences between strychnine and brucine, and how they affect the body. Challenge yourself by identifying the chemical tests used to detect these compounds in nux vomica. Take this quiz and become an expert on this fascinating and complex plant.
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