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Aconitum is a perennial herbaceous plant with either twining or erect stems, reaching heights of 70 to 200 centimeters. It belongs to the group of angiosperms (flowering plants). The roots are cord-like and sometimes dense with a netted, fused structure.
The leaves of Aconitum are thick, leathery, and large, ranging from 10–20 cm in length and 20–40 cm in width. The leaf blades are palmately lobed with broad lanceolate or nearly triangular segments. The flowers are dull violet or yellowish-gray in color. The inflorescence is very dense and branched, with a strong main stem. The floral formula for Aconitum is ↑K5C(2),2A∞G(3). The plant begins to bear fruit only in its third year of growth.
Harvesting of Raw Materials
All parts of the Aconitum plant are used for medicinal purposes. The aerial parts are harvested in June and July, at which time the bright flowers—also possessing healing properties—are collected.
The tubers are harvested in October and November. The roots must be sorted carefully: old, blackened roots are discarded, while young, fresh ones are kept for replanting. Remaining roots are separated from fine rootlets, washed under running water, and laid out for drying.
Drying takes place over one to two weeks in a well-ventilated area. The raw material should be periodically loosened and turned during this time. To avoid poisoning, it is best to wear gloves during both harvesting and drying.
Spending more than two hours in a room where Aconitum is drying is prohibited, as the plant’s aroma may cause poisoning.
Chemical Composition
All parts of the Aconitum plant contain alkaloids, which are toxic substances harmful to human health. The highest concentration of alkaloids is found in the roots during the fruiting period, while the stems and leaves contain the greatest amounts at the beginning and during flowering.
The roots and rhizomes contain 0.9% to 4.9% alkaloids of various groups, including aksinatine, aksine, lappaconitine, mesaconitine, and excelsaline, as well as coumarins, tannins, and flavonoids.
The leaves and stems are rich in various trace elements and vitamin C.
Pharmacological Properties
Aconitum is actively researched for its potential in treating oncological diseases. Alkaloids from this plant affect human cells by blocking the nourishment of specific areas, allowing targeted influence on disease foci. When used correctly, the plant’s toxic effects can help prevent tumor growth and metastasis development. Most drugs of this type are still considered experimental, but future technologies may enable more effective treatments.
Substances found in Aconitum leaves act as immunomodulators, stimulating the body’s own defense mechanisms by activating immune cells. This is relevant for many diseases, and thus Aconitum belousovii is increasingly included in various pharmaceutical preparations. A mild toxic effect can be beneficial by engaging hidden reserves of the body when used in appropriate proportions. Such treatments must be administered strictly under professional supervision.
Aconitum also has analgesic properties. In traditional medicine, it is used to relieve bone and joint pain, but it is crucial to follow exact preparation and dosage guidelines. Typically, the solution is applied topically rather than taken orally.
Tibetan physicians use Aconitum during colds to help ease breathing, remove phlegm, and reduce inflammation. However, it is important to note that alkaloid content varies by region, and excessive amounts can cause poisoning.
Use in Traditional Medicine
Aconitum is used in traditional medicine with great caution. Overdose can be fatal, so properly prepared infusions are applied only externally as rubs or compresses. It is commonly used to treat joint and spinal diseases. Regular application of tinctures as compresses or topical rubs often shows results within a few weeks.
Making medicines with Aconitum on your own is very dangerous. If necessary, it is important to consult a healthcare professional who can determine the correct proportions for treatment.
To relieve radiculitis, take 2 tablespoons of crushed Aconitum root and mix it with 0.5 liters of vodka. Let the solution infuse for 2 weeks in a sterile glass container kept in a dark place. The infusion can be used by taking 2 drops twice a day until signs of recovery appear. The infusion can also be added to body creams and applied to the affected area.