Aconite

Scientific Name(s): Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux, Aconitum kusnezoffii Rchb., Aconitum napellus L.
Common Name(s): Aconite, Aconite tuber, Blue rocket, Bushi, Caowu, Chuanwu, Devil's helmet, Friar's cap, Futzu, Helmet flower, Leopard's bane, Monkshood, Soldier's cap, Wolfsbane, Wutou

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 9, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Aconite extracts have been used homeopathically in Europe and Asia (orally and externally), but rarely in the United States. Use is not recommended because of its toxicity.

Dosing

Extreme caution is required. Fresh aconite is extremely toxic, and safe dosage is dependent on processing. Many species are used medicinally in China only after processing. Traditional Western texts recommended 60 mg of the root per dose.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Documented adverse effects. In addition to oral administration, external application is reported to cause toxic symptoms. Avoid use.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

No data.

Toxicology

Aconitine is highly toxic. As little as 2 mg of pure aconite or 1 g of plant may cause death from paralysis of the respiratory center or cardiac muscle. Clinically important toxicity may develop following percutaneous absorption; even slight contact with the flowers can cause fingers to become numb.

Scientific Family

• Ranunculaceae

Botany

Aconitine is an alkaloid derived from various species of Aconitum. At least 350 species exist throughout the world; about 170 species exist in ChinaFatovich 1992 and more than 100 species are found throughout the temperate zones of the United States and Canada. The plants are also found throughout many parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe.Lampe 1985 A. napellus is the most common species in Europe, and has been naturalized in the eastern United States; A. carmichaelii and A. kusnezoffii are the most common species used in traditional Chinese medicine. Aconitum species are erect perennial plants growing to a height of 0.6 to 1.5 m (2 to 6 feet). In general, they resemble delphiniums. The characteristic helmet-shaped blue or purple flowers grow in a raceme at the top of the stalk in summer or fall. Occasionally, the flowers may be white, pink, peach, or yellow. The seed pods contain numerous tiny seeds.Lampe 1985

History

Various species of Aconitum have been used for centuries both as poisons and medicines. Some are still being used in traditional medicines of India, China, and Japan.Pullela 2008 The root is the most toxic, although all parts of the plant are considered to be toxic. The toxicity of the extracts follow the same order as the alkaloid content: roots, flowers, leaves, and stems.Fatovich 1992

Extracts of the Aconitum species have been used orally in traditional medicine to reduce fever associated with colds, pneumonia, laryngitis, croup, and asthma; and for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, diuretic, diaphoretic (cause sweating), cardiac depressant (slow heart rate), and sedative properties.Murayama 1991, Spoerke 1980 In traditional Asian medicine, root extracts are typically mixed with other ingredients, such as licorice or ginger. Extracts also have been used as arrow poisons.

Historically, aconite was most commonly used in Western cultures as a tincture. It was applied topically as a counter irritant liniment for neuralgia, rheumatism, and sciatica.Fatovich 1992

In homeopat...