Synonym : Moukhood , Aconite root .
Biological source : It consist of dried root of Aconitum napelus
Withamia somnifera
Scientific name : Aconitum napelus
Family : Ranunculaceae .
Geographical distribution : It is found in North – Europe , Inland , Germany
, and
Organoleptic/ Morphological evaluation :
i) Colour - Dark-brown .
ii) Odour - Slight .
iii) Taste - Slight .
iv) Size - Usually4 to 10 cm in length and 1 to 3.5 cm
in width . It
is broad towards the crown and tapering towards the
distal end .
v)
Shape - Conical and tapering
vi) Fracture - Short .
vii) Extra feature -
It is slightly twisted and deeply wrinkled . The border
end
of the root shows numerous rootlets and scars .
Chemical Constituents :
( I ) Terpin Ester alkaloids – Aconite on hydrolysis it
produces Benzoyl aiconine and
acetic acid . The alkaloids are founding in combination with
aconite acid . The alkaloid , picraconitine and aconine are
less toxic than aconitine . The other alkaloids are neoline ,
neopeline ,
hypaconitine etc .
( II ) Minor
constituents – Aconitic acid , Vitamin -
C and Strach .
Therapeutic Uses :
i)
It is used externally in the treatment of Rheumatism
and Inflammation .
ii)
It is used as Analgesic and Cardiac Depressant .
iii)
It is highly potent and quick acting poison which is
rarely used internally except in homeopathic dosage .
No comments:
Post a Comment