Homeopathic Pharmacology of Aconitum Napellus

 

        Aconitum napellus is the Monkshood or Wolfsbane belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to Western and Central Europe. It is extremely poisonous both in ingestion and on body contact. All parts of the plants are toxic but the toxicity is greater in its roots and lesser and stems. It contains alkaloids such as Aconitine, Mesacotine, Hypaconitine, Jesaconitine, etc. 

        The chief alkaloid Aconitine is found in the largest quantity in the root. The primary toxin is grayanotoxin I which is located in leaves and nectar. Grayanotoxin I is a voltage-gated sodium channel activator. The minimum lethal dose for humans is 3 to 6 mg. One gram of Aconitum napellus contains 2 to 20 mg of Aconitine. Aconitum napellus is used as homeopathic medicine for the treatment of various diseases.

        Let's learn about the physiological action of Aconitum napellus which should be learned by every homeopath. Learning about physiological action helps in the study of homeopathic materia medica interesting and easier.

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Cardiovascular System:

        Aconitum napellus directly paralyzes the nervous ganglia of the heart, producing at first a reduction in the number of pulsations, then an increase in the number of pulsations with evident loss of power, and finally irregular systolic movements with very long intervening pauses, ending in diastolic paralysis. This slowing of the pulse during the early stage is due to the stimulation of inhibitory centers in the medulla oblongata. It also acts directly on the musculature of the heart. Aconite affects all the structures of the heart; first, its ganglia, next its nerves, and last its muscular structure.

        On the arterial capillary vessels, we have paralysis with its attendant congestion and all the symptoms of inflammation. It acts through the vasomotor nerves.

Cerebro-Spinal Nervous System:

        Aconitum napellus first irritates and then paralyzes the peripheral sensory nerves and the posterior roots of the spinal nerves. In an experiment, the loss of sensation occurs in the frog’s legs simultaneously with, or even before the respiratory disturbances and long before the motor power is lost; and even when reflex activity is intact. This sensory paralysis occurs first in the hind legs of the frog poisoned with Aconite. It induces sensory loss by paralyzing first the perceptive centers, second the peripheral nerves, and thirdly the nerve trunks. It produces a sensation of coldness and numbness with pricking and tingling in extremities and finally complete anesthesia.

        On brain, it produces intense hyperemia due to paralysis of capillary blood vessels.

Respiratory Center:

        Aconitum napellus is a direct depressant and paralyzant. It does not act by stimulation of inhibitory fibers of the vagus. It acts directly upon the respiratory center in the medulla. The respiration becomes slower and deeper until the respiratory center is completely exhausted. Then we have violent dyspnea, inflammation, and death.

Serous Membranes and Mucous Membranes:

        Aconitum napellus affects the capillaries of the serous membranes and produces paralysis and congestion, through its direct action upon the vasomotor nerves supplied to them. But as soon as effusion occurs in serous membranes, the usefulness of Aconite ceases, and some other remedy must be chosen.

        On mucous membranes, it produces inflammation of the nose, mouth, and fauces. There is increased salivation and vomiting, accompanied by violent pains in the stomach. The results of autopsies with aconite poisoning show congestion of mouth and fauces; the lips and mucous membranes of mouth and throat are devoid of the epithelium; the hyperemia extending to the stomach and small intestines with small patches of inflammation here and there.

Tendons and Fibrous Tissues:

        Aconitum napellus produces rheumatic inflammation. It acts best on acute inflammation of the joints, especially if used locally as an ointment as well as internally.

Body Temperature:

        Aconitum napellus first produces chilliness, especially down the spine and sides, followed by burning heat and elevation of temperature. This is followed by copious perspiration. In acute inflammation with high temperature, no remedy will reduce the temperature with such certainty and rapidity other than Aconite.

        Aconite in larger doses dilates the arterioles, significantly increasing the capacity of the vascular system and by this, it drains away the blood from the inflammation. As the vessels are already paralyzed, Aconite does not augment the supply of blood to it. But in medicinal doses, it stimulates the dilated arterioles and causes them to return to their normal state of semi-contraction.

        As Aconitum napellus slows and weakens the heart, the circulation becomes less rapid, and diminished oxidation leading to diminished heat production. The heat is also diminished by radiation and copious perspiration. It fails to produce perspiration in children but the temperature is quickly reduced.

Skin:

        On contact with the plant, Aconitum napellus produces tingling at the point of contact and extending up the arm. This tingling will be followed by unpleasant numbness. Handling the plant without gloves has been reported to result in multi-organ failure and death.