Aconitine (Diterpene Alkaloid · Na+ Channel Activator · Monkshood Toxin · Atish Extract)
| Compound | Aconitine |
| Chemical class | Alkaloid — Diterpene Alkaloid (C19-diterpenoid alkaloid; ester alkaloid) |
| CAS | 302-27-2 |
| Primary source | Aconitum napellus (monkshood / wolfsbane, roots), Aconitum carmichaelii (fu zi, TCM) |
| Key applications | Pharmaceutical analgesic (traditional TCM / Ayurvedic detoxified); voltage-gated sodium channel activator; cardiac toxin; informational reference; related Atish extract available |
| Claim strength | Moderate (traditional detoxified preparation); Toxicological reference (crude aconitine) |
| Typical form | Detoxified Aconitum preparations (TCM: zhi fu zi; Ayurvedic: Vatsnabh shodhita); Atish (A. heterophyllum) root extract available from Herbuno |
| Buy from Herbuno |
Atish Root Liquid Extract (Water Soluble) - Aconitum heterophyllum → Atish (Ativisha) Root Extract Powder - Aconitum heterophyllum → |
Name origin: From Aconitum (the genus; origin debated — possibly from Greek akon = dart, as in poisoned darts, or from Acona, a coastal place in Black Sea mythology). Aconitine is the primary diterpene alkaloid of Aconitum napellus (monkshood, wolfsbane) — one of the most toxic plants in European flora. It is a complex C19-diterpenoid ester alkaloid with acetyl and benzoyl ester groups that confer the extreme toxicity. Hydrolysis of the ester groups (by heating/processing) removes the ester functions and dramatically reduces toxicity — the basis for the traditional detoxification of Aconitum preparations. Pharmacology — voltage-gated sodium channel activator: Aconitine is a potent activator of voltage-gated sodium channels (specifically site 2 of Na+ channels) — it causes the channels to open at resting membrane potential and prevents normal inactivation, producing persistent membrane depolarisation. In the heart, this causes deadly ventricular arrhythmias. In peripheral nerves, it initially causes intense tingling and burning, then loss of sensation. The cardiovascular toxicity (ventricular fibrillation) is the primary cause of death in aconitine poisoning. The lethal dose in humans is estimated at 3–6 mg. Traditional Ayurvedic use (Vatsnabh — detoxified aconite): Aconitum species have been used in Ayurvedic medicine as Vatsnabh for millennia, subject to rigorous detoxification (shodhana) that involves milk soaking or herbal decoction processing to reduce ester alkaloid content by 70–90%. Detoxified preparations are used for neurological pain, fever, and as a cardiac tonic at carefully calibrated doses. Atish (A. heterophyllum) context: Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum) extract is available from Herbuno — a less toxic Aconitum species used in Ayurveda where the primary alkaloid is atisine (not aconitine), with different and less severe toxicity. Atish is categorised separately from the toxic A. napellus / A. carmichaelii species in Ayurvedic formularies. Supplement/regulatory status: Aconitine (from A. napellus) is not a supplement ingredient. Traditional Ayurvedic/TCM processed aconite preparations require expert supervision. Herbuno Atish extract (A. heterophyllum) is a distinct, less toxic Aconitum source for Ayurvedic formulations.
Aconitine — Pharmacological and Traditional Context
Voltage-gated Na+ channel activation — mechanism: Aconitine binds Site 2 of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSCi), causing persistent channel opening at rest and preventing normal inactivation. The resulting sustained inward Na+ current depolarises excitable membranes permanently, initially causing intense burning/tingling sensations (activation of sensory nerves), then paralysis of conduction (depolarisation block). In the heart, the same persistent depolarisation triggers ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. Paradoxically, the same mechanism that makes aconitine extremely toxic at high doses produces local anaesthetic-like effects at very low doses (the initial nerve depolarisation followed by depolarisation block). This explains traditional use for neurological pain — at sub-toxic doses, the depolarisation block produces counter-irritant and then anaesthetic-like effects. Pharmacological reference.
TCM zhi fu zi (processed aconite) — clinical use: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, processed aconite root (zhi fu zi from Aconitum carmichaelii) is a Yang-tonifying herb used for heart failure, hypothermia, and pain — the processing (baking, soaking in brine/vinegar) hydrolyses ester alkaloids reducing aconitine to benzoylaconine and aconine (far less toxic). Multiple clinical studies from China support processed fu zi for heart failure (positive inotropic effect via residual VGSC activity). This represents a genuine pharmacological rationale for traditional use when properly processed. Claim strength: Moderate (traditional; processed form).
Atish (Aconitum heterophyllum) — Herbuno extract: Atish is the Ayurvedic name for Aconitum heterophyllum (Indian aconite) — a Himalayan species with different alkaloid content from toxic A. napellus. The primary alkaloids of A. heterophyllum are atisine and heteratisine (non-ester diterpenoid alkaloids, far less toxic than aconitine). Atish is used in Ayurvedic medicine for fever, digestive disorders, and respiratory conditions at doses appropriate for its lower toxicity profile. The Herbuno Atish extract is appropriate for traditional Ayurvedic formulation contexts. Traditional botanical reference.
Atish Root Liquid Extract (Water Soluble) - Aconitum heterophyllum →
Atish (Ativisha) Root Extract Powder - Aconitum heterophyllum →
Browse Standardised Extract Powders →
Frequently Asked Questions — Aconitine
Why is monkshood considered one of Europe’s most dangerous plants?
Aconitum napellus (monkshood, wolfsbane, helmet flower) is attractive as a garden plant — deep purple flowers, distinctive helmet shape. This ornamental appeal combined with extreme alkaloid content has caused many gardening poisonings — aconitine is absorbed through intact skin when handling plants without gloves. Even brief skin contact with crushed plant material can produce paresthesiae. Ingestion of a single root or leaf can be fatal in adults. The onset of cardiac arrhythmia may be rapid (30–60 minutes after significant ingestion), requiring immediate emergency management. There is no specific antidote for aconitine poisoning.
What is the difference between aconitine and the Ayurvedic Vatsnabh?
Vatsnabh is the Ayurvedic name for Aconitum species roots — including both A. napellus and related Indian species. Shodhana (detoxification) of Vatsnabh involves specific preparation methods designed to reduce ester alkaloid content to sub-toxic levels while retaining presumed therapeutic activity. This is analogous to TCM’s zhi fu zi processing. The crucial point: unprocessed Vatsnabh is extremely toxic; shodhita (processed) Vatsnabh is the medicinal form. These preparations require expert Ayurvedic supervision and analytical verification of alkaloid content.
How is aconitine poisoning treated?
There is no specific antidote for aconitine poisoning. Management is supportive: (1) decontamination (activated charcoal if early presentation); (2) cardiac monitoring (continuous ECG — ventricular arrhythmia is the primary risk); (3) antiarrhythmic treatment for ventricular tachycardia (amiodarone, flecainide have been used; avoid agents that further inhibit Na+ channels); (4) Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to recovery in severe cases. Aconitine toxicity can be prolonged (half-life ~4–8 hours) and patients may remain at arrhythmic risk for 12–24 hours after ingestion.
Is Atish from Herbuno safe for internal use?
Aconitum heterophyllum (Atish) has significantly lower toxicity than A. napellus or A. carmichaelii because its primary alkaloids (atisine, heteratisine) are non-ester diterpenoid alkaloids without aconitine’s extreme cardiotoxicity. Traditional Ayurvedic use of Atish at prescribed doses has a different risk profile from toxic aconite species. However, all Aconitum preparations should be used with appropriate caution, alkaloid profile verification, and within traditional prescriber guidance. The Herbuno Atish extract CoA should specify alkaloid content (atisine vs aconitine-type alkaloids) to confirm it is within the less-toxic atisine-primary profile of A. heterophyllum.
Related compounds: Strychnine, Coniine, Colchicine, Brucine
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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