Debx., family Ranuncu laceae. Surface grey-white, with small tubercular lateral roots or scars. Acrid and bitter in taste, hot in nature, and toxic, attributive to liver, heart and spleen channels. Low dosage induces respiratory acceleration, cutaneous vasodilation, lowering of body termperature and salivation.
High dosage leads to hyperactivity, convulsion and respiratory paralysis.
Aconitine may act on the vagus nerve or directly on the heart, slowing heart rate and altering the metabolism and excitability of myocardium. The toxic manifestations are nausea, vomiting, dizziness, arrhythmia, dyskinesia, and numbness of lips and limbs. For info on dosage and usage of Chinese herbal concentrates click here . Caution Aconitine is a poison which can be detoxified by high temperature.