STRYCHNIA Meaning and
Definition
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Strychnia is a term often used to refer to the chemical compound strychnine, which is a highly toxic alkaloid derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. This compound is characterized by its bitter taste and strong toxicity.
Strychnia has been widely used historically as a poison due to its powerful effects on the nervous system. Ingesting or inhaling strychnine can lead to severe poisoning symptoms, affecting both humans and animals. The compound acts as a neurotoxin by blocking receptors for the neurotransmitter glycine in the central nervous system, causing an overload of signals between nerve cells. This results in uncontrolled muscular contractions, leading to stiffness and violent spasms in the skeletal muscles, including those involved in breathing. These symptoms can progress rapidly, leading to convulsions, respiratory failure, and ultimately death if not treated promptly.
While strychnine is highly toxic, it has also found limited use in medicine. Historically, it has been used in small amounts as a stimulant for the central nervous system, particularly in cases of depression or paralysis. However, due to its extremely narrow therapeutic index and potential for fatal toxicity, its medical use has declined significantly over the years.
In summary, strychnia refers to the chemical compound strychnine, which is a toxic alkaloid derived from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. It is a potent neurotoxin that can cause severe poisoning symptoms, with historical use both as a poison and a limited medical stimulant.
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A vegetable alkaloid, being the active principle of mix vomica, St Ignatius's beans, and snakewood, a deadly poison, but in minute quantities a most valuable medicine.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for STRYCHNIA
- strychnine
- atrychnia
- ztrychnia
- xtrychnia
- dtrychnia
- etrychnia
- wtrychnia
- srrychnia
- sfrychnia
- sgrychnia
- syrychnia
- s6rychnia
- s5rychnia
- steychnia
- stdychnia
- stfychnia
- sttychnia
- st5ychnia
- st4ychnia
- strtchnia
Etymology of STRYCHNIA
The word "strychnia" is derived from the botanical name of the plant Strychnos nux-vomica, which is native to Southeast Asia. The plant is known for producing seeds that contain the poisonous alkaloid strychnine. The term "strychnia" is an alternative form of "strychnine" and is often used to refer to the pure crystalline form of the alkaloid. The etymology of "strychnos" is Greek, coming from the word "strychnos" meaning nightshade or deadly nightshade.
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