ACONITE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Aconite is a plant in the Aconitum genus that grows in rocky areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Despite containing poisonous chemicals, it's used as medicine.

Aconite root contains chemicals that might improve circulation and decrease pain, but it also contains chemicals that can seriously harm the heart, muscles, and nerves.

People use aconite for heart failure, asthma, hair loss, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. It is also unsafe.

Don't confuse aconite with Dimethylhexylamine (DMHA), which is sometimes incorrectly called "Aconitum kusnezoffi" or "aconite extract." These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for ACONITE overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Aconite is unsafe. All species of the plant and products containing it are dangerous. Aconite contains a strong, fast-acting poison that causes severe side effects such as nausea, vomiting, breathing problems, heart problems, and death.

When applied to the skin: Aconite is unsafe. Some people use aconite in a cream or lotion, but this is dangerous. The poisons in aconite can be absorbed through the skin, causing severe side effects.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Aconite is unsafe. Do not take aconite by mouth or apply it to your skin if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It can cause serious side effects, including death.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with ACONITE
Aconite might slow blood clotting. Taking aconite along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
STIMULANT DRUGS interacts with ACONITE
Stimulant drugs speed up the nervous system. By speeding up the nervous system they can make you feel jittery and speed up your heartbeat. Aconite might also speed up the nervous system. Taking aconite along with stimulant drugs might cause serious problems including increased heart rate and high blood pressure.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of aconite might be. Aconite might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Suzuki T, Miyamoto K, Yokoyama N, Sugi M, Kagioka A, Kitao Y, Adachi T, Ohsawa M, Mizukami H, Makino T. Processed aconite root and its active ingredient neoline may alleviate oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic pain. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Jun 20;186:44-52. View abstract.

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Xing Z, Yang C, He J, et al. Cardioprotective Effects of Aconite in Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats. Oxid Med Cell Longev 2022;2022:1090893. View abstract.

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Yeih DF, Chiang FT, Huang SKS. Successful treatment of aconitine induced life threatening ventricular tachyarrhythmia with amiodarone. Heart 2000;84:E8. View abstract.

Yoshioka N, Gonmori K, Tagashira A, et al. A case of aconitine poisoning with analysis of aconitine alkaloids by GC/SIM. Forensic Sci Int. 1996 Aug 15;81(2-3):117-23. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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