The plant was later identified as Aconitum napellus. They had both eaten a salad containing what they thought was ground elder from their private garden. An 81-year-old couple was brought to an ER. Keep all plants out of the reach of children.Ĭase 1.Never eat any plant found in a wilderness setting.Let your healthcare provider know about all medications you are taking, including herbals.Also, check our list of selected poisonous and non-poisonous plants to learn more.Ĭertified Specialist in Poison Information Immediately check the web POISONCONTROL ® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-80. If you think someone has swallowed Acotinum napellus, do not make the person vomit. Plasma concentrations of aconitine supported poisoning by A. In an ER, his heart rate was very slow at 43 beats per minute, and he had an abnormal heart rhythm. It was believed that early symptoms went unnoticed because he was asleep. Five hours later he awoke with generalized numbness, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, and defective color vision (he was seeing purple). In order to increase the effects one evening, he swallowed 3 capsules and went to sleep. He then took 1 capsule daily for several months to treat his anxiety. He ground up the roots of the plants and filled capsules with the dried material. A 21-year-old man acquired Aconitum napellus plants after reading a book on herbal medicine. napellus they grow for themselves because of its claimed therapeutic effects. There are cases of poisoning in which people intentionally swallow A. After 4 hours of treatment with drugs and electrical shocks to her heart, a normal heart rhythm was restored. In an ER, she was found to have an abnormal heart rhythm. This was rapidly followed by nausea, weakness, and chest pressure.

About 90 minutes after drinking the tea she developed numbness of her face, arms, and legs. She was instructed to make a tea with it to treat her osteoarthritis. For example, a 66-year-old woman with no known heart disease obtained some from an herbalist. There is a very low margin of safety between therapeutic and toxic doses of aconitine. The treatment is symptomatic and supportive there is no specific antidote. Respiratory paralysis and heart rhythm abnormalities can lead to death. Other symptoms can include numbness and tingling, slow or fast heart rate, and gastrointestinal manifestations such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The severity of aconitine poisoning is related to the rapid onset of life-threatening heart rhythm changes. In poisonings, the onset of symptoms occurs within minutes to a few hours after swallowing. Other claimed uses include reduction of fevers and cold symptoms. As a tincture applied to the skin, it is claimed to slow the heart rate in cardiac patients. napellus include treatment of joint and muscle pain. While the source of aconitine, especially in China, is usually Aconitum carmichaeli (chuanwu) or Aconitum kuznezoffii (caowu), the toxicity is similar to A. In Hong Kong, aconitine is responsible for the majority of serious poisonings from Chinese herbal preparations. napellus, aconitine poisoning could occur more frequently.Īconitine poisoning is most common in Asia due to the widespread use of herbal medications. However, with the increasing popularity and availability of herbal medicines containing A. When it does occur, it is generally due to confusion with an edible plant or unintentional ingestion by children. Aconitine poisoning is rare in North America. napellus is native to western and central Europe where it is considered one of the most poisonous plants. Ancient Romans used it as a method of execution.Ī. As wolfsbane, it was believed to repel werewolves (and real wolves!). napellus has been used since ancient times as a poison used on spears and arrows for hunting and battle. Raw aconite plants are very poisonous.They are used as herbs only after processing by boiling or steaming to reduce their toxicity.Ī. It is most noted as a heart poison but is also a potent nerve poison. Aconitine is the most dangerous of these toxins. All parts of the plant, especially the roots, contain toxins.

napellus, also known as monkshood or wolfsbane) is a perennial herb often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive blue to dark purple flowers.

Wolfsbane flower poison