Poison nut Tree

The scientific name of Poison Nut Tree: Strychnos nux-vomica

Name of Poison Nut Tree in different languages:-

English: Semen Strychnos, Nux vomica, Quaker buttons.

Sanskrit: Vishadruma, Vishamushty

Hindi: Visha

Malayalam: Kanjiram കാഞ്ഞിരം

Plant description:

It is a deciduous medium-sized tree found in open areas. Its leaves are dark green, hard, oppositely arranges, ovate and 10 cm in long and 7.5 cm wide, flowers are small, pale green colored and funnel shaped, fruits are hard shelled, green and it became orange when ripe, a jelly like fruit contain 5 seeds inside which are dark, flat and disk-shaped.

Useful plant parts:

Bark, seed

Leaf Arrangement

Shape-Cordate	Margin-Entire	Venation-Arcuate

Medicinal uses:

The poison nut tree, often referred to as *Aleurites molucanna* or the tung oil tree, is notable for its seeds, which are rich in tung oil. This oil is primarily used for its industrial applications, such as in paints and varnishes, but the plant also has some medicinal uses, particularly in traditional medicine. Here are some medicinal uses and properties associated with the poison nut tree:

1. Traditional Remedies: In some traditional practices, various parts of the poison nut tree have been used to treat different ailments. For instance, the seeds may be used in folk medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory properties.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Some research suggests that compounds derived from the poison nut tree may have anti-inflammatory effects. This means they could potentially help with conditions characterized by inflammation, though more research is needed to fully understand these effects and their clinical relevance.

3. Antimicrobial Activity: There is some evidence that extracts from the poison nut tree might possess antimicrobial properties, which could help in treating infections. Again, this is an area where further research is needed.

4. Skin Conditions: In traditional medicine, extracts or preparations from the tree might be used for treating skin conditions. This could be related to its potential anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties.

It’s important to note that while the poison nut tree has some interesting properties, it also has toxic components. The seeds contain substances that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, so caution is necessary. Always consult with a healthcare provider or a knowledgeable herbalist before using any plant-based remedy, especially one with known toxic properties.

Chemical contents:

Highly poisonous (Nut, bark), it contains alkaloids like strychnine and brucine