Nux Vomica Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Nux Vomica Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Nux vomica is considered unsafe for oral use due to its strychnine content, which can cause severe adverse effects and sometimes be fatal. It is also likely unsafe during pregnancy and lactation. Insufficient reliable information is available about the safety of topical use or use of the dried seeds of nux vomica.

How is Nux Vomica Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Nux vomica contains alkaloids, predominantly strychnine and brucine. After processing, the alkaloids are metabolized, usually to nitrogen oxidation derivatives. The reduction of strychnine by about 90% occurs during processing. Nux vomica also contains iridoids.

Strychnine, one of the main constituents of nux vomica, is a centrally-acting neurotoxin. It competitively antagonizes the binding of the inhibitory transmitter glycine, leading to heightened reflex excitability of muscles. This can result in convulsions triggered by external irritations or centrally-acting stimulants. Nux vomica has been used traditionally for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, gastritis, constipation, influenza, cancer, limb paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, eye diseases, anxiety, depression, migraine, menopausal symptoms, and more. It has also been used as an oral tonic and an appetite-stimulant.

Pharmacokinetics

Nux vomica metabolites, including strychnine, are excreted in the urine. Approximately 8.6% of strychnine may be excreted unchanged within 12 hours.

Interaction Overview (Full List Below)

None known.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Common side effects of oral use include restlessness, anxiety, heightened sense perception, equilibrium disorders, stiffness of neck and back, muscle twitching and spasms, convulsions triggered by visual or tactile stimulation, muscle hypertonicity, agitation, and dyspnea following respiratory muscle spasms. Seizures can occur within minutes of ingestion and may result in hyperthermia, acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and renal failure.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Insufficient reliable information is available about the standardization of nux vomica supplements.

What is Nux Vomica Typically Used For?

Nux vomica is traditionally used for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, gastritis, constipation, influenza, cancer, limb paralysis, rheumatoid arthritis, eye diseases, anxiety, depression, migraine, menopausal symptoms, and more. It is also used as an oral tonic and an appetite-stimulant. In manufacturing, nux vomica is used as a rodenticide.

Drugs that interact with Nux Vomica