Nux Vomica Powder (Processed)
- Chinese
- 马钱子粉
- Pinyin
- Ma Qian Zi Fen
- Latin
- Semen Strychni Pulveratum
Known in TCM as Ma Qian Zi Fen (马钱子粉), this bitter, warm herb enters the Liver and Spleen. Traditionally, it the finely milled, pharmacopoeia-standardized powder form of processed Ma Qian Zi, formulated to a specified strychnine content for precise, minimal dosing, most often applied for joint pain and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Strychnine among its active constituents.
Part used: Seed
Also Known As
Latin: Semen Strychni Pulveratum | Pinyin: Ma Qian Zi Fen | Chinese: 马钱子粉
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Liver, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- The finely milled, pharmacopoeia-standardized powder form of processed Ma Qian Zi, formulated to a specified strychnine content for precise, minimal dosing
- Unblocks the channels and relieves pain in Bi syndrome and traumatic injury, used only in milligram-level doses
Classical References
- The Chinese Pharmacopoeia specifies a standardized strychnine content range for this powder form specifically to enable safer, more precise dosing than crude processed seed
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Strychnine (standardized content)
- Brucine
Studied Effects
- Standardized powder formulation allows tighter dose control than crushed processed seed, reducing the risk of inadvertent overdose
- Retains the anti-inflammatory and analgesic alkaloid activity documented for Nux Vomica total alkaloid extracts
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Children
- Cardiac conduction disorders
- Self-administration without a pharmacopoeia-compliant, practitioner-supervised protocol
Cautions
- Even at standardized dosing, this remains one of the most toxic substances in regular Chinese Pharmacopoeia use; strict adherence to specified milligram dosing is essential
- Overdose causes convulsions and can be fatal
Drug Interactions
- Contraindicated in combination with other CNS stimulants or medications lowering seizure threshold
Conditions
- Joint Pain Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) used for?
Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) is traditionally used to The finely milled, pharmacopoeia-standardized powder form of processed Ma Qian Zi, formulated to a specified strychnine content for precise, minimal dosing, Unblocks the channels and relieves pain in Bi syndrome and traumatic injury, used only in milligram-level doses. Research has investigated its effects on: Standardized powder formulation allows tighter dose control than crushed processed seed, reducing the risk of inadvertent overdose; Retains the anti-inflammatory and analgesic alkaloid activity documented for Nux Vomica total alkaloid extracts.
What are other names for Nux Vomica Powder (Processed)?
Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) is also known as Standardized Nux Vomica Powder, Processed Strychnos nux-vomica powder. In TCM: 马钱子粉 (Ma Qian Zi Fen); Semen Strychni Pulveratum.
Is Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) safe during pregnancy?
Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Nux Vomica Powder (Processed)?
Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) should not be used in: Pregnancy; Children; Cardiac conduction disorders; Self-administration without a pharmacopoeia-compliant, practitioner-supervised protocol. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) interact with any medications?
Nux Vomica Powder (Processed) 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.