STRYCHNINE Meaning and
Definition
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Strychnine is a highly toxic, bitter alkaloid compound derived from the seeds of the Strychnos tree, particularly Strychnos nux-vomica. It is well-known for its lethal effects on the nervous system and is classified as a powerful poison. Strychnine has been historically used as a pesticide, rodenticide, and as a component of various traditional medicines.
In terms of its chemical composition, strychnine belongs to the family of indole alkaloids and is characterized by its crystalline structure. It exhibits a distinctive white color and a taste that is intensely bitter. Its toxicity arises from its ability to block specific receptors in the central nervous system, especially glycine receptors, which are responsible for inhibitory signals throughout the body. Consequently, strychnine disrupts normal nerve impulses, leading to the overstimulation of muscles, resulting in severe and frequent convulsions.
Furthermore, ingestion of strychnine can lead to symptoms including muscle stiffness, painful muscle spasms/jerking, seizures, respiratory distress, elevated heart rate, and eventually, death by asphyxiation. Due to its toxicity, strychnine has been widely regulated and restricted in many countries, particularly for non-medical purposes.
Despite its highly poisonous nature, strychnine does find some limited applications in modern medicine. It is occasionally used as a bittering agent in some liquid medications to discourage accidental ingestion. Additionally, its use has also been identified in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as muscular sclerosis, although these uses are highly specialized and meticulously controlled by medical professionals.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Etymology of STRYCHNINE
The word "strychnine" has its roots in the Malay word "strychna", which refers to a genus of trees that produce poisonous seeds. This Malay word was later borrowed into English as "strychna" and then modified to "strychnine" specifically to refer to the toxic alkaloid substance found in the seeds of those trees. The word "strychnine" entered the English language in the early 19th century.
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