strychnine

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strychnine

strychnine , bitter alkaloid drug derived from the seeds of a tree, Strychnos nux-vomica, native to Sri Lanka, Australia, and India. It has been used as a rat poison for five centuries, and rat biscuits still remain a cause of accidental poisoning in humans. Strychnine is a potent stimulant of the spinal cord; it also increases the secretion of gastric juices and heightens sensory awareness. Strychnine poisoning is characterized by violent convulsions. It is treated by keeping the victim absolutely quiet and administering barbiturate sedatives and artificial respiration. See first aid .

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strychnine

A Dictionary of Biology | 2004 | Â© A Dictionary of Biology 2004, originally published by Oxford University Press 2004. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

strychnine A colourless poisonous crystalline alkaloid found in certain plants.

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World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

strychnine Poisonous alkaloid obtained from the plant Strychnos nux-vomica. In the past, it was believed to have therapeutic value in small doses as a tonic. Strychnine poisoning causes symptoms similar to those of tetanus, with death occurring due to spasm of the breathing muscles.

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	A History of Strychnine.(Book review) Magazine article from: Contemporary Review; 9/22/2008
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	Poisoning by an illegally imported Chinese rodenticide containing tetramethylenedisulfotetramine -- New York City, 2002. Newspaper article from: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report; 3/14/2003

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