Aconitum coreanum Rapaics: Botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology

Abstract

Abstract The present review summarizes the multifaceted uses and recent findings regarding the phytochemistry, traditional use, pharmacology, and toxicity of the extracts and compounds of Aconitum coreanum Rapaics (Ranunculaceae) for the first time to facilitate further research and exploitation of these types of compounds and the utilization of A. coreanum plants. A. coreanum is one of the most important medicinal Aconitum species and has been traditionally and popularly used in China and other Asian countries for the treatment of headaches and migraines, Bi syndrome induced by wind, cold and dampness, and facial paralysis. Phytochemical studies have led to the isolation of 55 distinct small molecule compounds from A. coreanum, most of which are diterpenoid alkaloids. Related pharmacological studies have focused primarily on the antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticancer activities of A. coreanum and its derived drugs. Alkaloids have been demonstrated to be the main active ingredients in this plant. In particular, hetisine-type DAs, mainly Guan-fu base A and its analogues, which possess prominent antiarrhythmic effects, other effects, and hypotoxicity, could be regarded as the representative constituents of A. coreanum. Polysaccharides from A. coreanum also displayed broad bioactivities, demonstrating great potential for further research and exploitation. However, few of the current studies have examined the main active components in A. coreanum from different regions. In addition, most of the pharmacological studies on A. coreanum polysaccharides were carried out using crude or poorly characterized fractions. Finally, reliable analytical methods and deeper studies on the toxicity of the compounds from A. coreanum are needed to ensure the safe usage of these products.