STRYCHNINUM Meaning and
Definition
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Strychninum is a white, crystalline alkaloid derived from the seeds of plants belonging to the Strychnos genus, particularly Strychnos nux-vomica. It is a highly toxic substance and is recognized as one of the most potent natural poisons known. Strychninum has been used historically as a pharmaceutic agent but is now primarily employed as a rodenticide or pesticide. It is known for its central nervous system stimulant properties, primarily affecting the spinal cord.
In its pure form, strychninum is odorless and bitter-tasting. Its toxicity arises from its ability to block the normal functioning of inhibitory neurotransmitters, specifically glycine. This blockade leads to the uncontrolled activation of the nervous system, causing severe muscular convulsions, muscle stiffness, and ultimately respiratory failure. It is the convulsions that are most associated with strychninum poisoning and can result in death if left untreated.
Due to its extreme toxicity, strychninum is regulated in many countries and its usage is strictly controlled. In medicine, it is no longer in common use due to the high risk of toxicity, which outweighs its potential therapeutic benefits. However, it is still employed in some specialized cases, such as to induce muscle contractions during certain medical procedures or as a diagnostic agent in neurological studies.
Overall, strychninum is a potent toxic alkaloid with various applications ranging from its historical use in medicine to its current use as a rodenticide. Its extreme toxicity and potential dangers highlight the need for caution and strict regulation in handling and usage.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for STRYCHNINUM
- strychninem
- strychninqm
- strychninwm
- strychnintm
- strychninue
- strychninui
- strychninuo
- strychninul
- s trychninum
- st rychninum
- str ychninum
- stry chninum
- stryc hninum
- strych ninum
- strychn inum
- strychni num
- strychnin um
- strychninu m
Etymology of STRYCHNINUM
The word "strychninum" is derived from the Latin word "strychnos" and the Greek word "strychnon". The Latin word "strychnos" refers to the genus of plants commonly known as strychnine. These plants belong to the Loganiaceae family and are native to Asia and Australia. The Greek word "strychnon", on the other hand, translates to "nightshade" or "poisonous plant". The term "strychninum" fuses these elements, reflecting the nature of the plant and its deadly poison, strychnine.
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