nux vomica tree

plant

Also known as: Strychnos nux-vomica, nuxvomica tree

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July 23, 2026

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The nux vomica is a poisonous tree native to southern Asia, also known as the poison nut. Its disk-shaped seeds contain potent alkaloids, most notably strychnine and brucine. These seeds yield a drug also called nux vomica. The name itself, from New Latin, literally means "emetic nut".12

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nux vomica
poison nut

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strychnine
The nux vomica tree of India is the chief commercial source. Strychnine has a molecular formula of C₂₁H₂₂N₂O₂. It is practically insoluble in water and is soluble only with difficulty in alcohol and other common organic solvents. It has an exceptionally bitter taste.
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The nux vomica tree of India is the chief commercial source. Strychnine has a molecular formula of C₂₁H₂₂N₂O₂. It is practically insoluble in water and is soluble only with difficulty in alcohol and other common organic solvents. It has an exceptionally bitter taste.
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Strychnos
…strychnine, from the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica and other species; and curare, from the bark of S. toxifera and other species. A few species are valued locally for their sweet fruits, including Natal orange (S. spinosa) and S. unguacha.
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…strychnine, from the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica and other species; and curare, from the bark of S. toxifera and other species. A few species are valued locally for their sweet fruits, including Natal orange (S. spinosa) and S. unguacha.
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