Definition

1. Noun:
   • Strychnine tree: A tropical tree (genus Strychnos), the seeds of which are used to produce strychnine, a powerful and toxic alkaloid.
   • Strychnine seed / Nux vomica: Specifically refers to the dried, ripe seeds of the strychnine tree, which are highly poisonous but have been used in very small, controlled doses in traditional medicine.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Hạt mã tiền chứa chất độc rất mạnh. (Strychnine seeds contain a very potent poison.)
  • Mã tiền được dùng làm thuốc trong y học cổ truyền với liều lượng cực kỳ nhỏ. (Strychnine is used as medicine in traditional medicine with extremely small doses.)

Advanced Usage

• In pharmacology and toxicology, "mã tiền" is a key source for the alkaloids strychnine and brucine. Its use is strictly controlled due to its high toxicity.

Variants and Related Words

• Cây mã tiền: The strychnine tree.

  • Cây mã tiền thường mọc ở vùng nhiệt đới. (The strychnine tree often grows in tropical regions.)

• Hạt mã tiền: Strychnine seed, nux vomica.

  • Hạt mã tiền phải được bào chế cẩn thận. (Strychnine seeds must be processed carefully.)

Synonyms

• Strychnos: The botanical genus name.
• Nux vomica: The common pharmaceutical name for the prepared seeds.
• Vomiquier: The French term for the tree.

Important Note

• Mã tiền and its derivatives are highly dangerous. They are not for self-medication and are strictly regulated substances due to their lethal potential.