Aconitine is a plant toxin found in species of wolfsbane (Aconitum genus). It is a neurotoxin previously used as an antipyretic and analgesic, and still has some limited application in herbal medicine. (1). The toxic effects of Aconitine have been tested in a variety of different test animals, including mammals (dog, cat, guinea pig, mouse, rat and rabbit), frogs and pigeons. Depending on the route of exposure, the observed toxic effects were: local anesthetic effect, diarrhea, convulsions, arrhythmias or death. According to a review of different reports of aconite poisoning in humans the following clinical features were observed: Neurological, Cardiovascular, Ventricular arrhythmias, Gastrointestinal.
belongs to the class of organic compounds known as aconitane-type diterpenoid alkaloids. These are alkaloid diterpenoids with a structure based on the hexacyclic aconitane skeleton. These compounds have no oxygen functionality at the C7 atom.
No indication of carcinogenicity to humans (not listed by IARC).
Uses/Sources
Aconitine is a plant toxin found in species of wolfsbane (Aconitum genus). It is a neurotoxin previously used as an antipyretic and analgesic, and still has some limited application in herbal medicine. (1)
Minimum Risk Level
Not Available
Health Effects
Aconitine may cause death from respiratory paralysis and cardiac arrest. (1)
Symptoms
Symptoms of acontine poisoning include paresthesia of the whole body, starting from the extremities, anesthesia, sweating and cooling of the body, nausea, and vomiting. Sometimes there is strong pain, accompanied by cramps, or diarrhea. (1)
Treatment
As there is no antidote to acontine, treatment is symptomatic and may include administering atropine, strychnine or barakol. (1)
