How toxic is aconitine?
Toxicity. Consuming as little as 2 milligrams of pure aconitine or 1 gram of the plant itself may cause death by paralyzing respiratory or heart functions. Toxicity may occur through the skin; even touching the flowers can numb finger tips.
What is aconitine used for?
In homeopathy, aconite is used to treat fear, anxiety, and restlessness; acute sudden fever; symptoms from exposure to dry, cold weather or very hot weather; tingling, coldness, and numbness; influenza or colds with congestion; and heavy, pulsating headaches.
Where is aconitine found?
These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia; growing in the moisture-retentive but well-draining soils of mountain meadows.
Is aconite poisonous to humans?
All species of the plant and products containing it are dangerous. Aconite contains a strong, fast-acting poison that causes severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, breathing problems, heart problems, and death. When applied to the skin: Aconite is unsafe.
How do you extract aconite?
The method comprises extraction of aconite powder first with ammoniacal ether and then with methanol (x 3 each), chromatography of the resultant extract over neutral alumina and elution with ethyl acetate-methanol (7:3) prior to HPLC.
What happens if you touch aconite?
So, what happens if you touch monkshood? It can ultimately lead to death. If you must handle it, wear gloves before breaking the plant into pieces; wash your hands immediately after handling any part of this plant.
What are the benefits of aconite?
Aconite is also used as a disinfectant, to treat wounds, and to promote sweating. Some people apply aconite to the skin in liniment as a “counterirritant” for treating facial pain, joint pain, and leg pain (sciatica).
Which part of aconite is poisonous?
roots
All parts of monkshood are poisonous, especially the roots and seeds, and the flowers if eaten.
How much aconite is lethal?
2 mg
The approximate fatal dose is 2 mg of pure aconitine, 5 mL of aconite tincture, and 1 g of the plant material [6]. Consumption of a decoction made from 10 to 16 g of processed aconite roots were fatal [17].