‘Queen of Poisons’ Aconitum with special reference to Indian Aconite - Vatsanabha

Abstract

Aconitum, the "Queen of Poisons" commonly known as Monkshood or Wolf’s bane, is a genus of perennial plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. In Ayurveda also few species of Aconitum are used for its therapeutic actions and the most potent of them is Aconitum Ferox, also known as Indian aconite or Vatsanabha, and it has the ability to function as both the ultimate poison and an elixir. In Ayurveda, Vatsanabha is considered as Mahavisha included among Sthavara Visha by Acharya Charaka, and in Kanda Visha by Acharya Susrutha. Aconitum Ferox is a highly toxic with the estimated fatal dose of 1g of root powder with a fatal period of 6 hours which contains a potent cardiotoxin and neurotoxin known as Aconitine. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can result in severe symptoms and even death. As a result of the high toxicity of Vatsanabha, prior to any therapeutic use, the roots should under gone proper Sodhana process. Rasayana (rejuvenating), Deepana (improves digestion), Balavardhana (improves strength) Agnimandyahara (relieves indigestion) Pleehodara (useful in splenomegaly), Vataraktahara (useful against gout) Shwasahara (useful respiratory diseases), Kasahara (relieves cough), Gudamayahara (useful in ano-rectal disorders) etc. are just a few of the therapeutic indications of Vatsanabha that have been used successfully to treat a range of medical conditions. Recent Researches have shown that Vatsanabha contains several biologically active compounds that may have numerous potential therapeutic properties. The pharmacological potential of Aconitum Ferox still justifies vast research possibilities.