NUX VOMICA. 199 



taste of the latter, which otherwise resemble true nut- 

 megs. Bombay long nutmegs also occur in commerce, 

 but these lack fragrance and are usually 2 inches long 

 by rather more than inch broad. Illustrations are 

 given in the Pharm. Journ., April 3rd, 1909, p. 460. 



NUX VOMICA. Strychnos Nux Vomica, Linn. 



N.O. Loganiacete. 

 Syn. Quaker Buttons, Poison Nut. 



Part used Seeds. 



Action Tonic, bitter, stimulant. Used as a general 

 tonic, mostly in combination with other remedies, for 

 neuralgia, dyspepsia, debility, impotence, and in chronic 

 constipation, as it increases peristalsis. Should be given 

 with great care. 



Preparations Fluid extract B.P. : Dose, 1-3 drops. 

 Tincture B.P. and U.S. P. : Dose, 5-15 drops. Strych- 

 nine (Alkaloid). Solid extract B.P. : Dose, J-i grain. 



Distinctive character The seeds are of a light 

 greenish grey colour, with a satiny surface due to the 

 closely-appressed hairs. They are circular, usually 

 rather less than i inch in diameter and about J inch in 

 thickness, depressed on one side and convex on the 

 other, and often with a keeled or sharp margin. On 

 the convex side there is usually a raised line (raphe) 

 proceeding from a central scar (hilum) to a small pro- 

 tuberance at the edge (micropyle). Internally it is very 

 hard and horny, but when split open shows a small 

 embryo with heart-shaped, three-veined, white cotyle- 

 dons, and a straight radicle. Taste, extremely bitter. 

 Inodorous. 



Nux Vomica seeds are poisonous, but vary in the 

 amount of the Strychnine they contain, the large seeds 

 from Ceylon being the richest. 



