A review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology studies of Aconitum

Abstract

Objectives A number of species belonging to herbal genus Aconitum are wellknown and popular for their medicinal benefits in Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Tibetan and Chinese systems of medicine. It is a valuable drug as well as an unpredictable toxic material. It is therefore imperative to understand and control the toxic potential of herbs from this genus. In this review, the ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry, pharmacology, structure activity relationship and toxicology studies of Aconitum were presented to add to knowledge for their safe application. Key findings A total of about 76 of all aconite species growing in China and surrounding far-east and Asian countries are used for various medical purposes. The main ingredients of aconite species are alkaloids, flavonoids, free fatty acids and polysaccharides. The tuberous roots of genus Aconitum are commonly applied for various diseases such as rheumatic fever, painful joints and some endocrinal disorders. It stimulates the tip of sensory nerve fibres. These tubers of Aconitum are used in the herbal medicines only after processing. There remain high toxicological risks of the improper medicinal applications of Aconitum. The cardio and neurotoxicities of this herb are potentially lethal. Many analytical methods have been reported for quantitatively and qualitatively characterization of Aconitum. Summary Aconitum is a plant of great importance both in traditional medicine in general and in TCM in particular. Much attention should be put on Aconitum because of its narrow therapeutic range. However, Aconitum's toxicity can be reduced using different techniques and then benefit from its pharmacological activities. New methods, approaches and techniques should be developed for chemical and toxicological analysis to improve its quality and safety.

Clinical Aspects of Aconitum Preparations

“…Hai-Ha Ni in the USA, BuTao Chang (1942-2012) in Taiwan, Chin-An Zheng (1824Zheng ( -1911 in China, and other prominent TCM physicians introduced different therapeutic regimens containing Fuzi. Aconitum was prescribed for its cardiotonic, antiarrhythmic, analgesic, anti-epileptiform, anticancer and antimicrobial activities [3]. In order to maximize the clinical effects, some followers of Chin-An Zheng recommended the use of raw or processed Fuzi in a dose as high as 60-120 g, which was 4-8 times the dosage recommended by previous practitioners.…”

“…Aconitum was first introduced in Shennong Ben Cao Jing, which is the earliest Chinese herbs book and might be written around the era of Qin to Western Han Dynasties (221-200 BC) [24,25]. Aconitum preparations, including Fuzi (aconiti radix lateralis praeparata), Wutou (chuan wu, aconiti radix praeparata), and Caowu (A. kusnezoffii), have been recommended for cold limbs, painful knees, walking difficulties, chronic wounds, poor circulation, spasms, and different tumors [3]. The applications of Aconitum were advocated in Shang Han Lun, which was written by Zhang Zhongjing, one of the most respected TCM physicians in history.…”

Medicinal Potentials and Toxicity Concerns of Bioactive Principles

“…that have been isolated from Chinese herbal medicine, the tubers and roots of Aconitum (Ranunculaceae) and Aconitum napellus are particularly rich in β-3, 4-dihydroxyphenethyl β-glucopyranoside [74].…”

“…Moreover, recent review showed that certain alkaloids are medicinally applied as local anesthetic [70], stimulants -(caffeine, nicotine, threobromine, methylated derivatives of xanthine, methylated uric acids such as theacrine, methylliberine and libertine [7]), psychedelics, analgesics -(morphine [72,73], codeine [41], N-methyl-N-deethylaconitine [74]), bactericidal-(piperidine [75], harmandiamines A-C [76]), anti-cancer drugs -(camptothecin, vinblastine, vincristine [7,77]), anti-hypertensive agents -(serpentine [78][79][80][81]), cholinomimerics -(aceclidine [41]), spasmolysis agents - [82], vasodilators -(rutaecarpine [83]), anti-arrhythmia, anti-asthma [41], anti-malarials (quinine and artemisinin [7]) etc.…”

Use of Traditional Drugs in Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: A Review of Associated Adverse Drug Reactions

“…Development of ventricular tachyarrhythmia and heart arrest will result in death. No specific therapy exists for Aconitum poisoning, so it should not be used in pregnancy 10,15 Acorus calamus L., Bach: In view of toxic property of betaasaron associated with Calamus, it should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation. It has emmenagogue and genotoxic activity 11,16 Adhatoda zeylanica, Adusa / Vasaka: Abortifacient and hence should not be used during pregnancy, Uterotonic activity, Root bark powder decoction 50-100 ml.…”