Logo image
Back
A Narrative Review of Aconite Poisoning and Management
Journal article   Peer reviewed

A Narrative Review of Aconite Poisoning and Management

Christine Lawson, Daniel J McCabe and Ryan Feldman
Journal of intensive care medicine, Vol.40(8), pp.811-817
08/2025
DOI: 10.1177/08850666241245703
PMID: 38613376

View Online

Abstract

Aconite poisoning refers to toxicity resulting from plants belonging to the Aconitum genus, which comprises over 350 different species of perennial flowering plants that grow in temperate mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere (North America, Europe, Asia). These plants contain a group of toxins known as aconite alkaloids, which encompass numerous closely related toxic compounds. Conventional teaching from toxicology textbooks has broadly classified these alkaloids based on their mechanism of action, often simplifying them as substances that prevent sodium channel inactivation. However, this is an oversimplified and sometimes inaccurate description, as some aconite alkaloids can act as sodium channel blockers. Aconite alkaloids have a long history of use as poisonous substances and have been historically employed for hunting, assassinations, traditional medicine, and self-inflicted harm. Toxicity can occur due to the consumption of traditional medicines derived from aconitum plants or the ingestion of aconite plants and their derivatives. The clinical manifestations of aconite poisoning may encompass gastrointestinal symptoms, sensory alterations, seizures, and life-threatening dysrhythmias that may not respond to standard treatments. Treatment is primarily supportive however evaluation and management of these patients should be personalized and carried out in collaboration with a toxicologist.
 Toxicology aconitum plant toxins aconite aconitine

Details

Metrics

23 Record Views
7 Times Cited - Web of Science
Logo image