1. Drugs acting on Nervous system
Aconite

2. In the last class we learnt about
Recap
In the last class we learnt about
The monograph of the CNS plant drug
BELLADONNA

3. Objectives On completion of this class you would be able to
learn about
The monograph of the CNS Drug
ACONITE

4. Recap In the last class we learnt about Belladonna its cultivation
Macroscopic characters
Active constituents, uses etc

5. ACONITE Syn : Monkshood Biological Source :
Nabhi (Telugu)
Biological Source :
It consists of dried roots of
Aconitum napellus
Family : Ranunculaceae
Geographical Source :
Wild plant in Germany,
Switzerland and France
Cultivated in England
Fig.31.1

6. Morphological Characters
ROOT
Shape : Parent root and daughter roots are obconical and tapering below
Size : cm long, 1-3cm in diameter
Surface : Slightly twisted and longitudinally wrinkled, shows rootlets or the scars The parent roots are more shriveled than daughter roots which show apical buds
Fig.31.2
Fig.31.3

7. Morphological Characters
ROOT
Fracture : Short and horny
Odour : Slight
Taste : At first slightly sweet,
later causing tingling
sensation and finally
producing numbness
of the tongue
Fig.31.4

8. Chemical Constituents
Terpene ester alkaloids:
hydrolysis Benzoyl aconine
Aconitine
Acetic acid
Alkaloids found in combination with Aconitic acid
Alkaloids Picroaconitine and Aconine are less toxic than Aconitine

9. Chemical Constituents
Other alkaloids:
Hypaconitine
Neopelline
Nepelline
Neoline
Mesaconitine
Ephedrine

10. Chemical Constituents
Minor constituents:
Aconitic acid
Vitamin C
Abundant Starch

11. Uses Respiratory, Antipyretic and Cardiac depressant actions
Mainly used externally in Neuralgia, Rheumatism and
Gout

12. Aconite Poisoning
High doses or repeated doses produce Aconite poisoning – toxic symptoms are developed
Milk is prescribed as antidote in Aconite poisoning
Stomach should be washed out using emetics
Artificial respiration and stimulants (such as strychnine, atropine and digitalis) are useful and the patient should be kept warm

13. Summary In this class we discussed about the CNS Plant drug – ACONITE
Aconite contains mainly Terpene ester alkaloids
Mainly used for its Respiratory, antipyretic and cardiac depressant actions

14. Quiz 1. Aconite belongs to the family a) Apocyanaceae b) Loganiaceae
c) Ranunculaceae
d) Solanaceae

15. Quiz 2. The plant part that is useful in Aconite is a) Leaves
b) Flowers
c) Roots
d) None of the above

16. Frequently Asked Questions
1. Mention the source and macroscopy of Aconite
Write the botanical source and chemical
constituents of Aconite
3. Mention the uses of Aconite