Dictionary.net

A tree of the family Strychnoides, which grows in India, and the seeds of which have been long sold in the shops, under the names, Nux Vomica, Vomic or Poison nut, Bachelors' buttons, (F.) Noix vomique. For a long time, these seeds were used only for poisoning rats; but subsequently an alcoholic extract was prepared from them, which has been administered in paralytic affections, in small doses. Dose of the Alcoholic Extract, Extractum nucis vomicae spirituosum seu nucis vomicae resinosum seu nucis vomicae alcoholicum, (F.) Extrait alcoholique de noix vomique, one or two grains. It produces a kind of tetanic convulsion in the paralyzed parts, when given to the requisite extent. It has, also, been administered in chronic diarrhoea and dysentery. When taken to such an extent as to induce toxical phenomena- Strychnism- it causes, at first, or when given in a smaller dose, greatly augmented excitahility of the spinal nervous system, with slight transient paroxysms of spasms of the limbs, and hurried respiration. In larger doses, the excitability is still more developed, with paroxysms of prolonged general tetanic convulsions, laryngismus or contraction of the glottis, violent efforts of respiration, apoplexy, and asphyxia. The following is the formula for the preparation of the EXTRACTUM NUCIS VOMICA: of the Pharm U. S. Take of Nux vomica; Alcohol, a sufficient quantity. Expose the Nux Vomica to steam till it is softened; then, having sliced and dried it, grind it into powder. Introduce it into an apparatus for displacement, and pour alcohol upon it gradually, until the liquid passes without bitterness. Distil off the greater part of the alcohol from the filtered liquor, and evaporate the residue to the proper consistence. The bark is the false angustura or false cusparia bark; Rohun. See Brucea antidysenterica.