aconite

aconite /ac·o·nite/ (ak´o-nīt) a poisonous substance from the dried tuberous root of Aconitum napellus, which contains aconitine and related alkaloids and causes potentially fatal ventricular fibrillation and respiratory paralysis. It is used in Chinese herbal medicine and homeopathy as an analgesic, antiinflammatory, and cardiac tonic.

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ac·o·nite (k-nt)

n.

The dried leaves and roots of various herbs of the genus Aconitum, especially Aconitum napellus, containing aconitine. It is used externally as an analgesic and was formerly used internally as a sedative. Also called monkshood.

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aconite [ak´ah-nīt]

an extremely toxic substance from the dried root of Aconitum napellus (monkshood or wolfsbane), containing several closely related alkaloids, principally aconitine. It has variable effects on the heart leading to heart failure and it also affects the central nervous system; poisoning can be fatal, and with large doses death may be instantaneous. It was formerly used as an antipyretic and cardiac and respiratory depressant and topically as a counterirritant and local anesthetic.

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aconite (aˑ·k·nīt),

n 1. Latin names:
Aconitum napellus, Aconitum columbianum, Aconitum chinense, Aconitum carmichaeli; parts used: leaves, roots; uses: fever, arthritis, rheumatism, poor digestion; precautions: extremely toxic; cardiotoxic. Also called
blue rocket, bushi, friar's
cap, helmet flower, monkshood, soldier's cap, or
wolfsbane. 2. a homeopathic preparation of
Aconitum napellus, used to treat colds, inflammatory conditions, and fevers accompanied with anxiety and restlessness.

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aconite

see aconitum.