Herb's Introduction
Strychnos minor Dennst. is a species of climbing shrub belonging to the Loganiaceae family. It is also known by the English common name Snake wood tree (though this name is applied to other species in the genus as well). Like many species in the genus Strychnos, it is known to contain powerful alkaloids in various parts, particularly the seeds, which can be poisonous (such as strychnine and congeners). Despite its toxic potential, various parts of the plant, including the bark, roots, and wood, have been historically utilized in traditional medicine across its native range for specific ailments.
Name in Different Countries
The herb is known by various local names across the countries where it is indigenous: Scientific Name/Synonym: Strychnos minor Dennst. (Synonym: Strychnos lenticellata Hill) English: Snake wood tree Telugu (India): Naagamushti Malayalam (India): Cherukanjiravally Indonesia: ipu tanah, ranosandang, wale ammelaum Malaysia: lengkoyan, semiyo akar Philippines: bugahin, bukuan, pamulaklakin Thailand: tum kaa daeng, tum kaa khao Vietnam: kim lu[oo]ng, thu[oor]c m[oj]i
Terminology
Scientific Name: Strychnos minor Dennst. Family: Loganiaceae - A family of flowering plants, many of which contain alkaloids. Synonym: Strychnos lenticellata Hill - An alternative scientific name used historically. Habit: Climbing shrub or Liana - A woody vine that climbs up other plants. Phytochemicals: Alkaloids (e.g., strychnine, brucine) - Nitrogen-containing organic compounds often found in plants, which can have potent physiological effects and are responsible for both the medicinal and poisonous properties of many Strychnos species. The specific alkaloid Minorine has been noted in the species.
Availability
Strychnos minor is native to a broad region of Tropical Asia extending to the Santa Cruz Islands, growing primarily in the wet tropical biome. Geographical Distribution: Its native range includes: Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, India (including Kerala, Maharashtra, Puducherry, and the Nicobar Islands), Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Queensland (Australia), Santa Cruz Islands, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Thailand, and Vietnam. Habitat: It grows in forests and thickets within these tropical regions.
External Look
Strychnos minor is physically described as a climbing shrub: Stem and Bark: It is a climbing shrub with potential vine stem diameters recorded up to 7 cm. The bark is typically pale brown, and the dead bark, when cut, may appear a mustard-colour. Tendrils: A distinctive feature is the presence of 2-branched tendrils that are thick and heavy, often resembling ram's horns. Leaves: The leaves are ovate or elliptic-ovate, measuring about 5.5−14 cm by 2.8−5.4 cm. They are coriaceous (leathery texture), with an obtuse or rounded base and an acute or acuminate apex. They typically exhibit 3-ribs starting from slightly above the base. Flowers: The flowers are white and arranged in cymes (a type of inflorescence) up to 3 cm long. The corolla tube is about 2 mm long with a wooly throat. Fruit (Berry): The fruit is a woody berry, globose (spherical) in shape, measuring about 2−2.5 cm across. When ripe, it is typically orange. Seeds: The fruit contains 1−3 orbicular (circular) or flat seeds, which are hard.
Healing Properties
The healing properties of S. minor are primarily known through its traditional and ethnomedicinal uses, often linked to the potent alkaloids present in the Strychnos genus. Antidote/Anti-toxin: The wood, roots, and/or bark of the related Strychnos species (like S. colubrina) are highly valued as a traditional remedy for snake bites (especially cobra, or Naga), which is one reason for the common name "Snake wood tree." This is applied both externally and given internally. Anti-rheumatic: Traditionally used to treat rheumatism, often by taking an extract of the roots orally. Uterine Health: Used in some cultures, such as by the Negritos in the Philippines, where chewing the bark is used to treat prolapse of the uterus. Emmenagogue: A decoction of the bark is used to stimulate or increase menstrual flow. Anti-Infective/Wormicide: Historically used as a wormicide (anthelminthic) and in the treatment of eye infections. CNS/Gastro-Intestinal Effect: The entire genus is known for alkaloids that, in small doses, can act as a stimulant for the central nervous system (CNS), and other species have been used for dyspepsia, chronic dysentery, and as a vermifuge (expel worms).
Advantages
The main advantage of Strychnos minor lies in its potent traditional efficacy for specific conditions, though caution is required due to its toxicity: Potent Alkaloid Source: The presence of powerful alkaloids, while dangerous in overdose, confers significant bioactive properties that are effective in traditional treatment against specific parasites, CNS disorders (in related species), and as an antidote for snake venom (in traditional practice). Traditional Remedy for Specific Ailments: It holds specific value in folk medicine for conditions like throat trouble (Philippines use) and rheumatism, suggesting targeted therapeutic potential. Availability: As a wild-growing liana in a vast tropical region, it is locally abundant and accessible to traditional healers and communities where it is part of the ethnomedicinal tradition.
Uses
The plant parts used and their corresponding traditional applications include: Plant Part Traditional Use Location/Condition Bark Decoction used as an emmenagogue (to induce menstruation). General traditional use. Bark Chewed to treat prolapse of the uterus. Negritos, Philippines. Bark/Wood/Roots Decoction/Substance used as an antidote to snake bites. Traditional use (often linked to related Strychnos species like S. colubrina). Roots Extract taken orally for rheumatism. Puducherry, India. Plant (General) Decoction used to treat throat trouble. Philippines. Plant (General) Used as a wormicide (expel worms) and for eye infections. General traditional use. Seeds/Fruit Pulp Used in the preparation of poisons (e.g., arrow poison, rodent poison) due to high strychnine content. General use of the genus. Export to Sheets
Using Way
Due to the inherent toxicity of the Strychnos genus (containing strychnine and related alkaloids), the traditional usage is highly specific and should not be replicated without expert guidance. Decoction: The bark or roots are typically boiled in water to create a liquid extract (decoction) for internal consumption (e.g., emmenagogue, for throat trouble) or external application. Chewing: The bark is sometimes chewed for direct medicinal effect (e.g., for uterine prolapse). External Application: The wood of the root, often ground or rubbed down, is applied topically to the site of a snake bite while simultaneously being given internally. Dosage Control: Traditional use often relies on minute, carefully controlled doses, as an overdose of any part, particularly the seeds, can cause tremors, vomiting, convulsions, and death due to CNS toxicity.
Conclusion
Strychnos minor, or the Snake wood tree, is a potent climbing shrub of the Loganiaceae family, widely distributed across Tropical Asia. It is a classic example of a medicinal plant with dual potential, possessing powerful indole alkaloids that are both the source of its traditional medicinal efficacy (e.g., as an emmenagogue, anti-rheumatic, and famed snakebite antidote) and its profound toxicity. Its usage in traditional medicine systems across countries like India and the Philippines highlights its cultural and historical significance for specific treatments such as prolapse of the uterus and throat ailments. However, given the high toxicity associated with the Strychnos genus, any use of S. minor must be approached with extreme caution and is typically limited to experienced traditional practitioners. Further modern pharmacological research is warranted to validate the traditional uses and safely isolate the beneficial compounds.
