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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Aconitum Napellus Whole is a complex botanical substance utilized primarily as a non-standardized plant allergenic extract for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It belongs to a diverse pharmacological group including allergenic extracts and muscarinic antagonists.
Name
Aconitum Napellus Whole
Raw Name
ACONITUM NAPELLUS WHOLE
Category
Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
138
Variant Count
148
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Aconitum Napellus Whole
Aconitum Napellus Whole is a complex botanical substance utilized primarily as a non-standardized plant allergenic extract for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It belongs to a diverse pharmacological group including allergenic extracts and muscarinic antagonists.
Detailed information about Aconitum Napellus Whole
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Aconitum Napellus Whole.
Aconitum Napellus Whole, commonly known as monkshood, wolfsbane, or aconite, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. In the context of modern clinical pharmacology and the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class (EPC) system, Aconitum Napellus Whole is primarily classified as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]. This classification indicates its use in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic sensitivities. However, the botanical profile of Aconitum napellus is exceptionally complex, containing potent alkaloids such as aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine. Due to these constituents, it is also associated with several other pharmacological classes, including Anticholinergic [EPC], Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonist [EPC], and even Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug [EPC] activities in specific research or historical contexts.
Historically, Aconitum has been used in various traditional medicine systems, but its high toxicity profile necessitates extreme caution. As an allergenic extract, it is used by specialists to identify patients who may have hypersensitivity reactions to the plant's proteins or pollen. The FDA regulates these extracts under the Biologics Control Act, ensuring that while they are "non-standardized" (meaning they do not have a uniform potency across all batches like a synthetic pill), they meet specific safety and purity standards for clinical use. It is important to note that Aconitum Napellus Whole is not a standard first-line treatment for common ailments and is typically managed by allergists or immunologists.
The mechanism of action of Aconitum Napellus Whole is multifaceted, depending on the concentration and the specific alkaloids present. At the molecular level, the primary active alkaloid, aconitine, is a potent neurotoxin. It works by binding with high affinity to the voltage-gated sodium channels (specifically the site 2 receptor) in nerve and muscle tissues. This binding prevents the channels from closing, leading to a prolonged influx of sodium ions into the cell. This causes persistent depolarization, making the cells unable to reset and fire again, which results in the characteristic numbness, tingling, and eventual paralysis associated with aconite exposure.
In its role as a Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonist [MoA], components of Aconitum can block the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. This leads to anticholinergic effects such as decreased secretions and altered heart rate. Conversely, certain concentrations have shown Adrenergic alpha-Agonist [MoA] and Adrenergic beta-Agonist [MoA] activities, which can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. As an allergenic extract, the mechanism involves the presentation of plant-specific antigens to the patient's immune system. If the patient is sensitized, IgE antibodies on the surface of mast cells and basophils recognize these antigens, triggering the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which is the basis for diagnostic skin testing.
The pharmacokinetics of Aconitum Napellus Whole are complex due to its nature as a whole-plant extract containing multiple bioactive compounds.
The primary clinical use of Aconitum Napellus Whole in modern medicine is as a diagnostic tool in allergy clinics.
Aconitum Napellus Whole is available in several specialized forms, primarily for clinical or research use:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Aconitum Napellus Whole is right for your specific condition. Due to its inherent toxicity, it should never be harvested or used in a raw state.
Dosage for Aconitum Napellus Whole varies significantly based on the intended use and the specific formulation.
Aconitum Napellus Whole allergenic extracts are generally not recommended for infants. In older children, allergy testing may be performed under strict specialist supervision.
No specific dosage adjustments are provided for allergenic extracts, as systemic absorption is minimal. However, in cases of systemic exposure, renal impairment may slow the clearance of toxic alkaloids, necessitating extreme caution.
Patients with significant liver disease may have reduced ability to metabolize the alkaloids found in Aconitum. While diagnostic testing is generally safe, systemic immunotherapy should be approached with caution.
Elderly patients may have increased sensitivity to the cardiovascular and anticholinergic effects of Aconitum. Dosing should be conservative, and monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias during allergy testing is advised.
In the context of allergy immunotherapy, a missed dose can disrupt the desensitization process. If a dose is missed, contact your allergist immediately. Do not double the next dose. If the gap between doses is too long, the physician may need to reduce the dose for safety.
An overdose of Aconitum Napellus Whole is a medical emergency. Signs of toxicity include:
Emergency Measures: Call 911 or your local emergency services immediately. Treatment is supportive and may include activated charcoal (if ingested recently), anti-arrhythmic medications (like amiodarone or lidocaine), and respiratory support. There is no specific antidote for aconitine poisoning.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance.
When used as an allergenic extract for diagnostic testing, the most common side effects are localized to the site of administration:
These reactions are actually the intended outcome of a diagnostic test and usually resolve within a few hours without treatment.
> Warning: Stop taking Aconitum Napellus Whole and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
There is limited data on the long-term effects of repeated exposure to Aconitum Napellus Whole extracts. In the context of immunotherapy, the goal is long-term immune modulation. However, chronic exposure to the alkaloids (if present in the extract) could theoretically lead to cumulative cardiotoxicity or peripheral neuropathy. Patients undergoing long-term treatment should be monitored for any emerging neurological or cardiac symptoms.
While Aconitum Napellus Whole itself may not have a specific individual black box warning, all Allergenic Extracts as a class carry a significant warning regarding the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Summary of Warning: Allergenic extracts can cause severe life-threatening systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Patients must be observed for at least 30 minutes after administration in a medical facility. These extracts should only be administered by physicians who are exceptionally experienced in the treatment of anaphylaxis and have immediate access to emergency equipment and medications like epinephrine.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.
Aconitum Napellus Whole is one of the most toxic plants known to man. While clinical extracts are prepared to be as safe as possible, the inherent risks of the plant's alkaloids and its potential as an allergen require strict adherence to safety protocols. It should never be used by individuals without professional medical training. Patients with a history of severe asthma or unstable cardiovascular disease are at a significantly higher risk for complications.
No FDA black box warnings specifically for Aconitum Napellus Whole exist as a unique entity, but it falls under the general Black Box Warning for Non-Standardized Allergenic Extracts. This warning emphasizes that these products are not interchangeable with other extracts and carry a high risk of anaphylaxis. The warning mandates that the product be administered only by healthcare professionals in settings equipped to manage life-threatening allergic emergencies.
Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for at least 1-2 hours after receiving an injection, as systemic reactions or the stress of the procedure can cause dizziness or impaired concentration.
Alcohol should be avoided on the day of treatment. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, which may increase the rate of absorption of the extract and potentially mask or worsen the symptoms of an allergic reaction or toxicity.
If a patient experiences a systemic reaction (anaphylaxis or generalized hives), the use of the extract must be immediately discontinued. A thorough risk-benefit analysis must be performed before considering a restart at a much lower concentration.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Aconitum Napellus Whole.
For each major interaction, the mechanism usually involves either direct pharmacodynamic synergy at the sodium channel or interference with the body's compensatory mechanisms (like the adrenergic response). Management involves avoiding the combination or performing allergy testing in a highly controlled hospital setting.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients who are allergic to other members of the Ranunculaceae family (such as Delphinium/Larkspur or Buttercups) may show cross-reactivity with Aconitum Napellus Whole. Healthcare providers should be aware of these botanical relationships when performing diagnostic tests.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Aconitum Napellus Whole.
Aconitum Napellus Whole is generally classified as Category C (or equivalent). There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Animal studies have shown that aconitine can cross the placental barrier and may have embryotoxic effects. Furthermore, the risk of maternal anaphylaxis poses a severe threat to the fetus (hypoxia). Immunotherapy should generally not be initiated during pregnancy, though maintenance doses may sometimes be continued if the benefit clearly outweighs the risk.
It is unknown whether the alkaloids or antigens from Aconitum Napellus Whole are excreted in human milk. Because many plant alkaloids are excreted in milk and can be toxic to infants, caution is advised. If the mother requires diagnostic testing, breastfeeding should ideally be paused for 24 hours to allow for any systemically absorbed components to clear.
The safety and efficacy of Aconitum Napellus Whole allergenic extracts in children under the age of 5 have not been established. In older children, the extract is used for diagnosis, but the physician must be particularly vigilant for signs of systemic reactions, which children may describe as a "funny feeling" in the throat or chest. Growth effects have not been studied but are unlikely with diagnostic use.
Clinical studies of allergenic extracts generally do not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine if they respond differently than younger subjects. However, geriatric patients often have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and reduced renal function. This increases the risk of severe complications if a systemic reaction or alkaloid toxicity occurs. Monitoring for cardiac rhythm disturbances is essential in this population.
In patients with renal impairment, the excretion of aconitine metabolites may be delayed. While this is unlikely to affect a skin prick test, it could increase the severity and duration of symptoms if a systemic overdose occurs. No specific GFR-based dosing adjustments exist for extracts, but clinical monitoring should be intensified.
Since the liver is the primary site for the detoxification of Aconitum alkaloids, patients with Child-Pugh Class B or C impairment should be treated with extreme caution. Reduced metabolic capacity can lead to higher systemic levels of toxic alkaloids even from small doses.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment.
The pharmacology of Aconitum Napellus Whole is dominated by its diterpene alkaloids. The primary mechanism is the activation of voltage-sensitive sodium channels. Aconitine binds to the S6 segment of domain IV of the alpha-subunit of the sodium channel. This binding keeps the channel in an open state, preventing inactivation. This leads to a massive influx of sodium, causing a prolonged excitatory postsynaptic potential. In cardiac tissue, this results in triggered activity and delayed afterdepolarizations, which manifest as arrhythmias. Additionally, the extract acts as a Cholinergic Muscarinic Antagonist, blocking M2 receptors in the heart, which can further contribute to tachycardia.
The pharmacodynamic response to Aconitum is rapid. Following systemic absorption, the "tingling" sensation (paresthesia) occurs within minutes. The dose-response curve for Aconitum is exceptionally steep; the difference between a therapeutic/diagnostic dose and a toxic dose is very narrow. Tolerance does not typically develop to the toxic effects; in fact, cumulative exposure may increase the risk of cardiac sensitization.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | High (Oral/Mucosal), Low (Intradermal) |
| Protein Binding | Approximately 25-30% (Aconitine) |
| Half-life | 3 - 5 hours |
| Tmax | 1 - 2 hours (Oral) |
| Metabolism | Hepatic (CYP3A4 involvement) |
| Excretion | Renal (Primary), Fecal (Secondary) |
Aconitum Napellus Whole is classified as a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract. It shares this class with other botanical extracts like Rhus toxicodendron (Poison Ivy) and various pollen extracts. Due to its chemical constituents, it is also pharmacologically grouped with sodium channel activators and muscarinic antagonists.
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Common questions about Aconitum Napellus Whole
Aconitum Napellus Whole is primarily used in modern medicine as a non-standardized plant allergenic extract for diagnostic purposes. Specialists use it in skin prick tests to determine if a patient has a specific allergy to the Aconitum plant or its pollen. In some cases, highly diluted versions are used in allergen immunotherapy to help desensitize the immune system. It is also a well-known substance in homeopathy, where it is used in extremely high dilutions for conditions like sudden fever or acute anxiety. However, it is never used in its raw or concentrated form due to its extreme toxicity. Always consult an allergist for its proper clinical application.
The most common side effects occur at the site of administration during allergy testing. These include redness, itching, and the formation of a 'wheal' or raised bump, which are typical signs of a positive allergic reaction. Some patients may also experience mild swelling or a transient headache. If used in immunotherapy shots, patients might feel fatigued for a short period afterward. Because it is an allergen, there is always a small risk of a more widespread reaction like hives. Most local reactions resolve within a few hours without any medical intervention.
It is strongly advised to avoid alcohol on the days you receive Aconitum Napellus Whole extracts, such as during allergy testing or immunotherapy. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels, which might increase the speed at which the extract is absorbed into your bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of a systemic reaction. Furthermore, alcohol can mask the early warning signs of an allergic reaction or toxicity, such as dizziness or flushing. Alcohol may also interact with the cardiac effects of the plant's alkaloids. Always wait at least 24 hours after your treatment before consuming alcohol. Discuss your lifestyle habits with your doctor before starting any extract-based therapy.
Aconitum Napellus Whole is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefit significantly outweighs the risks. The primary concern is the risk of a systemic allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure and oxygen levels for both the mother and the fetus. Additionally, the alkaloids found in the plant are known to cross the placenta and could theoretically interfere with fetal development. Most allergists will not start a new course of immunotherapy or perform extensive skin testing while a patient is pregnant. If you are already on a maintenance dose of immunotherapy and become pregnant, your doctor will perform a careful risk assessment. Always inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
When used for diagnostic allergy testing, Aconitum Napellus Whole works very quickly. A skin prick test typically shows a reaction within 15 to 20 minutes. If the patient is allergic, the 'wheal and flare' reaction will be clearly visible during this timeframe. For those undergoing allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots), the 'work' of the drug is a long-term process of immune modulation. It can take several months of weekly injections to reach a maintenance dose and up to a year or more to notice a significant reduction in allergy symptoms. The onset of toxic effects from accidental ingestion, however, is almost immediate, often starting within 10 to 30 minutes.
If you are using Aconitum Napellus Whole in the form of allergy shots (immunotherapy), you can technically stop at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. However, stopping suddenly will halt the desensitization process, and your allergies will likely return to their previous severity. If you miss multiple doses, you cannot simply resume at the same level; your doctor will need to lower the dose to ensure safety. If you are using homeopathic preparations, there is no risk in stopping suddenly. You should always discuss your treatment plan with your allergist before making changes to your schedule. Stopping due to a side effect should always be reported to your doctor immediately.
If you miss a scheduled dose of Aconitum Napellus Whole immunotherapy, contact your allergy clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not attempt to 'make up' the dose by taking more later or using any other form of the substance. The timing of allergen extracts is carefully calibrated to keep your immune system in a state of desensitization without triggering a reaction. If too much time passes between doses, your sensitivity may increase, making the next injection more dangerous. Your physician will determine if you can continue at your current dose or if a temporary dose reduction is necessary. Consistency is key to the success of this treatment.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Aconitum Napellus Whole causes weight gain. As an allergenic extract used in very small amounts, it does not have the metabolic or hormonal effects typically associated with weight changes, such as those seen with corticosteroids or certain antidepressants. If you experience unexplained weight gain while undergoing allergy treatment, it is likely due to other factors or medications. Always discuss significant changes in your weight with your primary care physician. It is important to monitor your overall health and report any unusual symptoms to your medical team.
Aconitum Napellus Whole can interact with several types of medications, and it is vital that your doctor knows your full medication list. Of particular concern are beta-blockers, which can make it difficult to treat a severe allergic reaction if one occurs. Other heart medications, like digoxin or anti-arrhythmics, can interact with the plant's natural alkaloids, potentially causing heart rhythm problems. Anticholinergic drugs may also have additive effects with Aconitum. Even herbal supplements like St. John's Wort can influence how your body processes the components of the extract. Always provide a complete list of prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements to your allergist.
Aconitum Napellus Whole is a biological product rather than a standard chemical drug, so the term 'generic' does not apply in the traditional sense. Instead, it is available as a 'non-standardized extract' from various specialized biological laboratories. While different manufacturers may produce Aconitum extracts, they are not considered exactly identical or interchangeable because the exact concentration of proteins and alkaloids can vary between batches. Your allergist will typically stick with one manufacturer's product for the duration of your treatment to ensure consistency. It is not available as an over-the-counter generic medication for self-administration.