aconitum napellus

Aconitum napellus, commonly known as monkshood or wolfsbane, is a highly toxic perennial plant in the Ranunculaceae family. It contains potent diterpenoid alkaloids, primarily aconitine, which acts as a persistent activator of voltage-gated sodium channels, leading to severe cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Historically, it has been used in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda (following detoxification processes known as shodhana) and in folk medicine for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, and gout. In modern contexts, it is most frequently encountered as a homeopathic remedy in ultra-high dilutions (e.g., for fever) or as a subject of preclinical research for its potential antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties, although some research in neuroprotection has been retracted due to data integrity issues.

Other names

monkshoodwolfsbaneblue monkshoodvoukucAconitum napellus L.