Picrotoxin

Abstract

Picrotoxin is extracted from the seeds of Radix Cocculi Trilobi. The pharmacological effects of picrotoxin are focused on the central nervous system and GABA receptor. Picrotoxin also showed direct effects on the heart, including inhibiting cardiac-specific conduction system and decreasing heart rate and cardiac contractility, as well as cardiac action potential. As a GABA receptor antagonist, picrotoxin is extensively studied for its strong effects on the mesencephalon and oblongata. Its application in serious barbital poisoning patients achieves satisfactory results. However, picrotoxin overdose may cause cramp, respiratory center inhibition, and vomiting. Thus, the clinical symptoms of the patients should be watched closely, and their respiration, pulse, and blood pressure should be monitored when using picrotoxin.