Strychnine is still used today but mainly in rat poison although strychnine is also used in some street drugs.
The use of strychnine is in pesticide which is most commonly used to kill rats.
And strychnine is also found in street drugs like cocaine, heroin and LSD.
In 1988, Page 2 2 above-ground uses of strychnine were prohibited by a U.S. Court injunction and strychnine products with those uses remain temporarily cancelled.
In addition to the unnecessary pain the poison inflicts on its intended targets, it is known to recklessly kill hundreds of non-target animals each year, including companion dogs, birds of prey and endangered species.
Strychnine is a pesticide that typically causes toxicosis in companion and production animals by accidental ingestion or malicious poisoning. Onset of toxicosis is rapid and results in agitation, stiff gait, tremors, and seizures, leading to respiratory arrest and death.
In the late 19th century, serial killer Thomas Neill Cream used strychnine to murder several prostitutes on the streets of London.
Walter Horsford was hanged in 1898 for murdering his cousin with strychnine, to whom he'd sent it on the pretence it was an otherwise harmless abortifacient.
Strychnine is a white, odorless, bitter crystalline powder that can be taken by mouth, inhaled (breathed in), or mixed in a solution and given intravenously (injected directly into a vein). Strychnine is a strong poison; only a small amount is needed to produce severe effects in people.
Strychnos nux-vomica, the strychnine tree, also known as nux vomica, poison nut, semen strychnos, and quaker buttons, is a deciduous tree native to India, and southeast Asia.
It is a medium-sized tree in the family Loganiaceae that grows in open habitats.
Successful treatment of strychnine poisoning in humans requires aggressive airway control and treatment of seizures with benzodiazepines or barbiturates.
Neuromuscular blockade may be required.
Gastrointestinal decontamination is usually indicated in recent acute ingestions but may precipitate convulsions.