Rheumatism aconite

Aconites, commonly called wolfsbane or monkshood, are species of Aconitum (Ranunculaceae), valued ornamental herbaceous plants, grown for their showy blue or purple flowers, which are shaped like a monk s cowl. Their alkaloid content, mainly in the roots, makes them some of the most toxic plants commonly encountered. The dried roots of Aconitum napellus were once used, mainly externally for relief of pain, e.g. in rheumatism. The toxic alkaloids (0.3-1.5%) are complex diterpene-derived esters. Aconitine (Figure 6.124) is the principal component (about 30%) and is a diester of aconine with acetic and benzoic acids. Hydrolysis products benzoylaconine and aconine are also present in dried plant material. These alkaloids appear to behave as neurotoxins by acting on sodium channels. All species of Aconitum and Delphinium are potentially toxic to man and animals and must be treated with caution. 

Ext, Aconitl Fuldum (fluldextract of aconite root) Used In treating rheumatism, gout, and neuralgia. Also used as a basis for other aconite preparations (abstracts, plasters, extracts, liniments, etc.)... 

Feraconitine occurs in the tubers of Indian aconite (bish or Aconitum ferox), found in India and Nepal. It is used in arrow poisoning for hunting. Clinically, it is used in treating rheumatism. 

Aconitine an extremely poisonous ester and alkaloid (see Terpene alkaloids) from the roots of aconite (Aconitum napellus) and other Aconitum and Delphinium species. Between 1 and 2 mg A. causes death in adult humans by paralysing the heart and respiration. In spite of useful physiological properties, A. is rarely used clinically, due to its toxidty. A. is sometimes used internally as a tincture for rheumatism and neuralgias, and externally as a pain-killing salve. In antiquity, aconite preparations were used as arrow poisons by the Greeks and (East) Indians. Its hydrolysis products are only slightly toxic. 

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