Single Herb Glossary
Mǎ Qián Zǐ 馬錢子
| Pharmaceutical name | Strychni Semen nux-vomica seeds "horse money seeds" |
| Category | Obsolete and Prohibited Substances |
| Key Properties | Toxic, Unblocks The Collaterals, Stops Pain Disperses Clumping, Reduces Swelling |
| Properties | Bitter Cold Toxic |
| Tropism | LV, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Unblocks Channels, Disperses Clumps, Reduce Swelling, & Alleviate Pain 2) Unblicks Collaterals, Disperses Clumps, & Stops Pain |
| Dosages | 0.3-0.6g (pills and powders); use with caution externally, as toxin is absorbed through skin |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy or in weak patients. Very toxic; for internal use, should be dry-fried or deep-fried in sesame oil to reduce toxicity |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Strychnine, brucine, isobrucine, α-colubrine, β-colubrine, pseudostrychnine, strychnine N -oxide, brucine N-oxide, novacine, icajine, vomicine, protostrychnine, 15-hydroxystrychnine, loganin, chlorogenic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • CNS stimulant: strychnine has strong stimulating effect on CNS; effect characterized by increase in spinal reflexes and sensory centers of cerebral cortex • Respiratory: oral administration of isobrucine at 50 mg/kg demonstrated marked antitussive and expectorant, and mild antiasthmatic effects; expectorant effect similar to ammonium chloride • Gastrointestinal: stimulating effect on gastrointestinal system to increase secretion of gastric acid and improve appetite; has no effect on smooth muscle of intestines |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.