Tsumura-shuchi-bushi-matsu (TJ-3021) is a processed Aconiti tuber which has a potent antinociceptive action. The present study was undertaken to study the analgesic mechanism produced by TJ-3021. RCS (repeated cold stress) rats in hyperalgesia were markedly suppressed by oral administration of TJ-3021. Intrathecal and intraperitoneal administration of a selective alpha 2-adrenoreceptor antagonist, idazoxan (IDA), reduced significantly the analgesic effect of TJ-3021 in RCS rats. Methysergide (METH), a 5-HT receptor antagonist, demonstrated a similar effect, while intraperitoneal administration of opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, did not produce the effect. Both oral and intracisternal administration of mesaconitine (MA) which is one of the main potent alkaloids contained in TJ-3021 produced analgesic effect in non-RCS rats.

The anti-nociceptive effect of processed aconiti tuber (TJ-3021), one of the traditional oriental herbal medicines (Kampo), was investigated by utilizing various methods including repeated cold stress and adjuvant articular inflammation in rats and mice. Analgesic potency was compared with that of mesaconitine, a potent component of aconitine alkaloids, and other analgesic agents. It was found that mesaconitine was more potent than morphine, and a processed aconiti tuber [(TJ-3021), Tsumura-shuchi-bushi-matsu] showed some analgesic effect, although it was weaker than those of dichlofenac, aminopyrine and indomethacine.

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