Nux Vomica (Raw Seed)
- Chinese
- 马钱子
- Pinyin
- Ma Qian Zi
- Latin
- Semen Strychni
Known in TCM as Ma Qian Zi (马钱子), this bitter, cold herb enters the Liver and Spleen. Traditionally, it reduces swelling and disperses nodules; applied externally for sores, abscesses, and ulcerations, most often applied for carbuncle and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Strychnine among its active constituents.
Part used: Seed
Also Known As
Latin: Semen Strychni | Pinyin: Ma Qian Zi | Chinese: 马钱子
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Liver, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Reduces swelling and disperses nodules; applied externally for sores, abscesses, and ulcerations
- Unblocks the channels and relieves pain; historically used, in tightly controlled processed and dosed form, for Bi syndrome and traumatic injury
Classical References
- Documented in later Chinese materia medica as an extremely toxic seed reserved for processed, carefully dosed preparations rather than raw use
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Strychnine
- Brucine
Studied Effects
- Strychnine and brucine cause neuromuscular hyperexcitability: agitation, muscular spasms, convulsions, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and potentially fatal respiratory or cardiac arrest
- Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor properties reported for total alkaloid extracts, but always in the context of a narrow, dangerous therapeutic window
- Modern pharmaceutical research is focused on processing methods that reduce strychnine content while retaining therapeutic alkaloid activity
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Children
- Cardiac conduction disorders
- Never used raw or unprocessed for internal use
Cautions
- Extremely toxic; raw seed is not used internally under any normal circumstance
- Only qualified practitioners using pharmacopoeia-specified processed forms (see Zhi Ma Qian Zi) and precisely measured, minimal doses should administer this substance internally
- Overdose causes convulsions and can be fatal; treat any suspected ingestion as a medical emergency
Drug Interactions
- Contraindicated in combination with other CNS stimulants or medications lowering seizure threshold
Conditions
- Carbuncle Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) used for?
Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) is traditionally used to Reduces swelling and disperses nodules; applied externally for sores, abscesses, and ulcerations, Unblocks the channels and relieves pain; historically used, in tightly controlled processed and dosed form, for Bi syndrome and traumatic injury. Research has investigated its effects on: Strychnine and brucine cause neuromuscular hyperexcitability: agitation, muscular spasms, convulsions, rhabdomyolysis, metabolic acidosis, and potentially fatal respiratory or cardiac arrest; Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-tumor properties reported for total alkaloid extracts, but always in the context of a narrow, dangerous therapeutic window.
What are other names for Nux Vomica (Raw Seed)?
Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) is also known as Strychnos nux-vomica, Strychnine Seed, Strychni. In TCM: 马钱子 (Ma Qian Zi); Semen Strychni.
Is Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) safe during pregnancy?
Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Nux Vomica (Raw Seed)?
Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) should not be used in: Pregnancy; Children; Cardiac conduction disorders; Never used raw or unprocessed for internal use. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) interact with any medications?
Nux Vomica (Raw Seed) may interact with: Contraindicated in combination with other CNS stimulants or medications lowering seizure threshold. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.