STRYCHNIA, STRYCHNINE
\stɹˈɪt͡ʃniə], \stɹˈɪtʃniə], \s_t_ɹ_ˈɪ_tʃ_n_i__ə]\
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A vegetable alkaloid, the sole active principle of Strychnos Tieute, the most active of the Java poisons, and one of the active principles of S. Ignatii. S. nux-vomica, S. colubrina, etc. It is usually obtained from the seeds of S. nux-vomica. It is colorless, inodorous, crystalline, unalterable by exposure to the air, and extremely bitter. It is very insoluble, requiring 7000 parts of water for solution. It dissolves in hot alcohol, although sparingly, if the alcohol be pure and not diluted. It forms crystallizable salts, which are intensely bitter. Strychnine and its salts, especially the latter from their solubility, are most energetic poisons. They produce lock-jaw and other tetanic affections, and are used in very small doses as remedies in paralysis..
By Daniel Lyons
Word of the day
Dopamine Acetyltransferase
- An enzyme that catalyzes the of groups from acetyl-CoA to arylamines. They have wide specificity for aromatic amines, particularly serotonin, and can also catalyze acetyl transfer between arylamines without CoA. EC 2.3.1.5.