Aconitum alkaloid content and the high toxicity of aconite tincture

Forensic Sci Int. 2012 Oct 10;222(1-3):1-3. doi: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2012.02.026. Epub 2012 Apr 1.

Abstract

Although proprietary medicines and decoction of processed aconite roots are the most widely used, tincture accounts for the great majority of aconite poisoning cases in China, indicating that it is much more toxic than other formulations. Aconite tincture is often self-prepared at home and raw aconite plants or roots are often used. Even if processed aconite roots were used to make the tincture, the amount of Aconitum alkaloids is highly variable, depending on the adequacy of processing and quality control. Aconitum alkaloids dissolve efficiently in alcohol. For these reasons, tincture contains very high concentrations of Aconitum alkaloids. Despite its high intrinsic toxicity, overdose of aconite tincture by the users has been common. Severe aconite poisoning can be complicated by fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias and asystole. The public should be repeatedly warned of the danger of taking aconite tincture by mouth.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aconitum / chemistry*
  • Aconitum / poisoning*
  • Alkaloids / analysis*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / chemistry*
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / poisoning
  • Plant Roots / chemistry
  • Plant Roots / poisoning

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • Plant Extracts