acetylaconitine

Acetylaconitine is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound found in certain species of the Aconitum (monkshood) plant, particularly Aconitum carmichaelii and related species. It belongs to the class of diterpenoid alkaloids known as aconitines. Acetylaconitine is structurally related to aconitine, featuring an acetyl group substitution. Like other aconitines, it acts primarily as a potent neurotoxin and cardiotoxin by modifying sodium channel function in excitable tissues such as nerves and cardiac muscle. This leads to persistent activation of sodium channels, resulting in increased neuronal excitability and potentially fatal arrhythmias or paralysis at high doses. Acetylaconitine has no approved pharmaceutical use; its presence is mainly relevant in toxicological contexts or traditional herbal preparations where improper processing can lead to poisoning.

Other names

acetyl-aconitine