The efficacy and function of Aconitum kusnezoffii

Aconitum carmichaelii is a traditional Chinese medicine. In addition to the effects we know in daily life, Aconitum carmichaelii actually has many other effects and functions. Let’s take a look at them right away.

[Other names] Viola (Zhuangzi), Aconitum (Erya), Aconitum, Aconitum beak, Xi poison (Benjing), Chicken poison (Huainanzi), Ranunculaceae, Qianqiu, Dugong, Guofu, Gengzi, Emperor Qiu (Wu Pu Materia Medica), Monoclad grass (Continued Hanshu), Tufuzi (Rihuazi Materia Medica), Aconitum (Shengji Zonglu), Bamboo-jointed Aconitum, Golden Crow (Compendium of Materia Medica), Gelsemium elegans (Xinjiang Medicinal Materials).

[Source] It is the tuberous root of Aconitum (wild species), Aconitum napellus or many other plants of the same genus in the Ranunculaceae family. Dig it up in autumn when the stems and leaves wither, remove the remaining stems and soil, and dry it in the sun or in an oven.

【Original form】 ① Aconitum, see the entry for "Sichuan Aconitum".

[Habitat distribution] It is produced in most parts of the country. It is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Liaoning and other places.

[Properties] The dried tuberous root is generally conical with a curved tip, shaped like a crow's head, about 3 to 7 cm long and 1 to 3 cm in diameter. The top is flat and round, with the stem base or traces of the stem base often remaining in the center. The surface is dark brown or gray-brown, the outer skin is wrinkled and uneven, and sometimes has short and pointed lateral roots, commonly known as "nail horns". It is hard and difficult to break. The cross section is grayish white and powdery with zigzag ring marks and small vein spots. Odorless, spicy and tongue-numbing taste. Be especially careful when tasting and do not swallow. The best ones are those that are big, plump, solid, powdery, and have few residual stems and fibrous roots.

[Chemical composition] All parts of Aconitum contain biological alkaloids, the main one of which is aconitine. Aconitine is hydrolyzed to produce aconitine, acetic acid and benzoic acid. The leaves also contain inositol and tannins.

[Pharmacological action] Aconitum kusnezoffii (unidentified species) has a strong analgesic effect using the hot plate method in mice. If it is used in combination with Gentiana macrophylla, their analgesic effects can enhance each other. After being processed with licorice and black beans, the toxicity of Aconitum kusnezoffii is reduced without affecting its analgesic effect. Licorice and honey have a detoxifying effect on Aconitum kusnezoffii. The effects of Aconitum kusnezoffii and Aconitum carmichaelii are basically the same, with the former containing 0.425% bioalkaloids and the latter 0.5991%.

[Preparation] Prepare Aconitum kusnezoffii: Clean Aconitum kusnezoffii and soak it in cold water. Change the water 2 to 3 times a day. Take it out when it is only slightly spicy. Add water to it and cook it with licorice and black beans until it is cooked through and there is no white core left. Then remove the licorice and black beans, dry it in the sun until it is 60% dry, steam it until it is moist, slice it, and dry it in the sun. (For every 100 catties of Aconitum, use 5 catties of Licorice and 10 catties of Black Beans)

【Nature and flavor】Pungent, hot, toxic.

[entry into meridians] Enters the liver, spleen and lung meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Expel wind and dampness, dispel cold and relieve pain, eliminate phlegm and reduce swelling. It is used to treat wind-cold-dampness arthralgia, paralysis caused by stroke, tetanus, headache, cold pain in the abdomen, phlegm, gas lumps, cold dysentery, throat paralysis, carbuncle, furuncle, and scrofula.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.5-2 qian; or make into pills or powder. For external use: Use raw, grind into powder and apply with vinegar or wine.

[Note] People with weak constitution, pregnant women, and those suffering from yin deficiency, hyperactivity of fire, or pain due to heat syndrome should not take this medicine. The living should take it with caution.

[Additional prescription] ① Treat all kinds of paralysis: Aconitum carmichaelii (raw, not peeled) and Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Raw), equal parts. Grind into powder and add water to make pills as big as marbles. For patients under 40 years old, take one pill, divided into six doses. For severe illness, take one pill, divided into two doses. Grind it with mint wine and take it with water until you feel a slight numbness. (Black God Pill from "Benshi Fang")

【Discussions by various scholars】 ①《Medicinal Properties》: "Black beak, its Qi is sharp, it can open up the meridians, benefit the joints, find the path and reach the diseased area directly."

【Clinical application】 ①Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

[Remarks] In addition, there are several other plants of the genus Aconitum that are also used as Aconitum kusnezoffii.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

【Source】 From "Pharmacopoeia".

The above is an introduction to some relevant knowledge about Aconitum carmichaelii. Do you have a better understanding of it? I hope everyone can apply Aconitum carmichaelii to their lives and serve our health.