Ayurvedic processed seeds of nux-vomica: Neuropharmacological and chemical evaluation

The effect of detoxification on Strychnos nux-vomica seeds by traditional processing with aloe and ginger juices (B), by frying in cow ghee (C), and by boiling in cow milk (D) was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of these samples were subjected to spontaneous motor activity (SMA), pentobarbitone-induced hypnosis, PTZ induced convulsions, diazepam-assisted protection, and morphine-induced catalepsy. All samples reduced SMA and inhibited catalepsy. The seeds processed in milk (D) showed the lowest strychnine content in the cotyledons, exhibited marked inhibition of PTZ induced convulsions and maximal potentiation of hypnosis, and were the safest (LD50).

The ethanolic extract traditionally processed Strychnos nux-vomica seeds was analyzed to study the effect of detoxification. The seeds processed in milk (D) exhibited the minimal strychnine content in the cotyledons, exhibited marked inhibition of PTZ induced convulsions and maximal potentiation of hypnosis, besides being the safest (LD50).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide