Aconite Herb
Aconite is the dried tuberous root of Aconitum napellus. The root contains many alkaloids, with aconitin being the most pharmacologically active; other alkaloids include hypaconitin and mesaconitin. Aconitin increases membrane permeability for sodium ions and slows repolarization. Initially, aconitin is stimulating but later causes paralysis in the central nervous system. In small doses, aconitin causes bradycardia and hypotension; in higher doses, it has an initial positive inotropic effect, then causes tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. The other alkaloids have comparable effects, with hypaconitin being the strongest.
Benefits And Uses of Aconite
Liniments made from aconite are used to treat neuralgia, sciatica, and rheumatism. Aconite is used as a cardiac depressant and as a component in some cough mixtures.
In homeopathic preparations, aconite is used as an analgesic, antipyretic, and antihypertensive.
Administration
For external use, the average dose of aconite tincture is 0.1 to 0.2 g, applied topically with a brush. Maximum daily dose is 0.6 g.
Side Effects of Aconite
Aconite may cause heart failure, arrhythmias, paralysis of cardiac muscle, paralysis of the respiratory center, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and paresthesias.
Oral use of aconite isn’t recommended, and even aconite-containing liniments absorbed through the skin may produce serious poisoning. Liniments containing aconite should never be applied to wounds or abrasions because of the potential for enhanced absorption, which could cause systemic toxicity. There are no reported interactions with aconite.
Clinical considerations
- Warn patient that use of this herb isn’t recommended because it may have fatal toxic effects.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement he is taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
Literature on aconite mentions several fatal poisonings and numerous nonfatal toxic effects, perhaps because the herb’s therapeutic index is narrow and its potency varies. Even as little as one tea spoon of the root may cause paralysis of the respiratory center and cardiac muscle, leading to death.
Tagged under:aconite alkaloids cardiac arrhythmias cause heart failure cough mixtures Herbs hypotension inotropic effect liniments membrane permeability muscle paralysis paresthesias sciatica Posted by editor on June 21st, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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