Ignatia, also known as Strychnos ignatii and Ignatius bean, is a shrub originating in the Philippines. The plant was later introduced into China where it is still used medicinally. The web site Botica warns that Strychnos ignatii is a very potent poison. Use of this herb is not recommended.
History
Strychnine, a poisonous alkaloid, was originally isolated from the Ignatius bean in 1818 by French scientists Joseph-Bienaime Caenoiu and Pierre-Joseph Pelletier. The bean is still used as a commercial source for strychnine, although another member of the species, Strychnos nux vomica, is a more cost-effective source.
Chemical Composition
According to Ethnobotanical Leaflets, Ignatius beans contain from 1.5 to 2 percent strychnine. Other substances in the beans include bassorin, oil, resin, gum and small amounts of brucine, another poisonous alkaloid .
Medicinal Uses
Ethnobotanical Leaflets indicates that ignatia has been used to treat some types of cardiac illness and as a tonic and appetite stimulant. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat fever, malaria, cholera, abdominal swelling, asthma and rheumatism. Healthline says ignatia also has been used for anxiety, depression, headaches, menstrual disorders and coughs. Do not use this herb. Poisoning is possible due to its high strychnine content.
Effects
Ignatia's effects are directly due to the herb's strychnine and brucine content, with strychnine being the principal agent. Strychnine directly affects nerve transmissions to the muscles. Ethnobotanical Leaflets says that strychnine stimulates the muscular activity of the intestine and the production of gastric juices. Eventually, strychnine affects the central nervous system, causing deeper respirations, stimulating the vagal nerve and decreasing the volume of blood moved by the heart. Strychnine raises blood pressure. The central nervous system stimulation of the substance causes heightened senses as various parts of the brain are stimulated. Ignatia also increases release of epinephrine in the body. RX List says that muscular pain, stiffness, twitching, restlessness and renal failure may occur.
Toxicity
The Agroforestry Tree Data Base indicates that intoxication can result from strychnine ingestion. Convulsions may occur when the motor and sensory nerves of the spine are stimulated. Noise and light sensitivity also are seen with toxicity. Asphyxiation from severe spasms of the diaphragm is possible and may result in death.
Warning
The use of Ignatius beans is not recommended due to the potency of the poisonous alkaloid strychnine in the herb. While Healthline says that the homeopathic use of the herb may be safe, the dried beans, leaves, roots and other portions of the plant should not be used due to the possibility of poisoning. If you are considering using ignatia, seek advice from your health care professional about whether this potent herb should be added to your daily regimen. Do not use this supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding because of the chance of transmitting the strychnine to the fetus or infant.
The safety and effectiveness of ignatia has not been established in humans.
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