Strychnine

Strychnine

Strychnine ( /ˈstrɪkniːn/; also /ˈstrɪknaɪn/ or /ˈstrɪknɪn/) is a highly toxic (LD50 = 0.16 mg/kg in rats, 1–2 mg/kg orally in humans), colorless crystalline alkaloid used as a pesticide, particularly for killing small vertebrates such as birds and rodents. Strychnine causes muscular convulsions and eventually death through asphyxia. The most common source is from the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree.

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Famous quotes containing the word strychnine:

    “They put arsenic in his meat
    And stared aghast to watch him eat;
    They poured strychnine in his cup
    And shook to see him drink it up:”
    —A.E. (Alfred Edward)