A Comprehensive Review on Therapeutic Utilities and Purificatory Procedures of Strychnos nux-vomicaLinn. (Kupeelu) as Described in Indian Systems of Medicine

Abstract

Strychnosnux-vomica Linn. (Loganiaceae), known as Kupeelu in Ayurveda, has been commonly employed in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia since long. It is a deciduous tree widely distributed in India and found throughout topical India and additionally in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. In this review, an endeavour has been made to explore the therapeutic utilities of Strychnosnuxvomica and to put emphasis on especially different methods of purificatoryproceduresas mentioned in Ayurveda. It is observed that seeds of Strychnosnux-vomica are used as an ingredient of compound formulations of Ayurvedic system of medicine indicated for nervous debility, paralysis and weakness of limbs, sexual weakness, dyspepsia, dysentery and chronic rheumatism. Additionally, it is employed in the treatment of anemia, asthma, bronchitis, colic, intermittent fever, hysteria, etc., in a specific therapeutic dose. In higher doses, it produces tetanic convulsions ultimately resulting in death. Kupeelu has been described as a toxic plant in Ayurveda and certain purificatoryprocedures (Shodhana) of the seeds are considered mandatory before its administration.