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Other common
name(s): monkshood, wolfsbane, fu-tzu
Scientific/medical
name(s): Aconitum
napellus
Description
Aconite is an herb related to the buttercup family
(Ranunculaceae), native to Asia and common to the Alps and other areas
of Europe. Some varieties grow in the United States, although they are
rare.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support the use of
aconite to prevent or treat cancer or other health problems. It is
extremely toxic and can cause irregular heartbeat, heart failure, and
death. For this reason, few sources promote the use of this herb for
medicinal purposes.
How is it promoted for use?
When used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic (Indian)
medicine, aconite is first processed to reduce its toxicity, and small
doses are used to treat pain related to arthritis, cancer, gout,
inflammation, migraine headaches, neuralgia, rheumatism, and sciatica.
What does it involve?
Certain ingredients are extracted from the leaves, flowers,
and roots of the plant. It is available as a tincture, tea, ointment,
or highly diluted into a homeopathic remedy (see "Homeopathy").
Although it can be purchased online, it is not commercially prepared in
the United States.
What is the history behind it?
Aconite has been used since ancient times in traditional Asian
(Chinese, Japanese, and Indian/Ayurvedic) medicine, as well as in
ancient Greek and Roman medicine. Aconite was also used in Western
medicine until it was replaced by safer and more effective treatments
in the mid-1900s. In addition to its medical uses, aconite has been
used as an arrow poisoning in hunting. Also known as wolfsbane, aconite
has been considered variably in folklore as a causative agent in
transforming a person into a werewolf or as a treatment for werewolves.
References in mythology and literature extend from the ancient Greeks
(in an attempt to poison Theseus) to modern literature (as treatment
for a werewolf in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series).
What is the evidence?
Although there have been some modern laboratory and animal
studies, as well as a few clinical trials of various chemical compounds
from aconite for use as anesthetics and as treatments for circulatory
and neurological conditions, none of these uses are recommended in
conventional medical practice. A few preclinical studies have tested
chemicals from aconite as anticancer drugs, but none of the chemicals
have been evaluated in clinical trials.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Because it is extremely toxic and can cause irregular
heartbeat, heart failure, and death, few sources promote the use of
this herb for medicinal purposes. It is dangerous even when used as an
ointment because it can be absorbed through the skin. Handling the
plant can cause allergic reactions and rashes.
Aconite is on the German Commission E's list of unapproved
herbs. This means that it is not recommended for use because it has not
been proven to be safe or effective. This herb should be avoided,
especially by women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Aconitum. Wikipedia Web site.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aconitum. Accessed June 6, 2008.
Blumenthal M, ed. The
Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal
Medicines. Austin, TX: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Cantrell FL. Look what I found! Poison hunting on eBay. Clin Toxicol (Phila).
2005;43:375-379.
Dasyukevich OI, Solyanik GI. Comparative study of anticancer
efficacy of aonitine-containing agent BC1 against ascite and solid
forms of Ehrlich's carcinoma. Exp
Oncol. 2007;29:317-319.
Gruenwald J. PDR
for Herbal Medicines. 3rd ed. Montvale, NJ: Thomson PDR;
2004.
Kadyrova MM, Sobol' IuS, Sokolov SF, Ageev FT, Smetnev AS.
[Effect of a new anti-arrhythmia drug allapinin on hemodynamics in
patients with a persistent form of atrial fibrillation before and after
restoration of sinus rhythm]. [Russian]. Kardiologiia.
1990;30:87-91.
Lowe L, Matteucci MJ, Schneir AB. Herbal aconite tea and
refractory ventricular tachycardia. N Engl J Med.
2005;353:1532.
Poon WT, Lai CK, Ching CK, Tse KY, et al. Aconite poisoning in
camouflage. Hong Kong
Med J. 2006;12:456-459.
Sun K, Yang J, Shen DK. [Clinical observation on treatment of
primary knee osteoarthritis of liver and kidney deficiency type with
Aconite cake-separated moxibustion]. [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu.
2008;28:87-90.
Wang CF, Gerner P, Wang SY, Wang GK. Bulleyaconitine A
isolated from aconitum plant displays long-acting local anesthetic
properties in vitro and in vivo. Anesthesiology.
2007;107:82-90.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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