Aconitum fortunei Hemsl.; Ranunculaceae-Therapeutic uses

Botanical Name: Aconitum fortunei Hemsl.

Local names: Ô đầu, củ ấu tàu

Description:

Perennial herbaceous plant, 0.6-1 m. high. Roots paired, tuberous, conical with mother-tuber and daughter-tuber. Stem erect, cylindrical, glabrous. Leaves of two kinds: the lower cordate, crenated; the upper 3- palmatipartite, sharply denticulate. Inflorescence in terminal raceme; flowers blue. Follicles: 5, sessile, oblong, divergent. Seeds winged.

Aconitum fortunei Hemsl.;Family Ranunculaceae

Flowering period: October - November.

Distribution: Grows wild in the high mountains.

Parts used: The tuberous roots are collected in autumn before the plant flowers, and sun-dried.

Chemical composition: The tuberous roots contain the alkaloid aconitine.

Therapeutic uses:

The tuberous roots are used in treating rheumatism, paresis, arthralgia, luxation, sprains and contusions. Their tincture is used as liniment. It must not be taken by mouth, because of its high toxicity.

Indications & Combinations:

1. Collapsing of yang syndrome manifested as cold extremities, spontaneous cold sweating and fading pulse. Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Dried ginger (Can Khuong) and Licorice root (Cam thao) in the formula Sini Tang.

2. Collapsing of yang qi syndrome manifested as profuse sweating, shortness of breath and asthma. Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Ginseng (Sinh khuong) in the formula Sinh Phu thang.

3. Deficiency of kidney yang and declined kidney fire manifested as chills, cold limbs, soreness and weakness of lumbar region, impotence and frequent urination. Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Cinnamon bark (Que nhuc), Dogwood fruit (Shanzhuyu) and Prepared rehmannia root (Sinh dia).

4. Weakness of spleen yang manifested as cold in the epigastric and abdominal regions and diarrhea. Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Ginseng (Sinh khuong), White atractylodes (Bach truat) and Dried ginger (Can khuong) in the formula Phu tu ly trung thang.

5. Heart yang deficiency manifested as palpitations, shortness of breath and stifling sensation and pain in the chest. Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Ginseng (Sinh khuong) and Cinnamon twigs (Que chi).

6. Deficient yang in the spleen and kidneys manifested as dysuria and general edema.Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with White atractylodes (Bach truat) and Poria (Phuc linh).

7. Weakness of defensive yang manifested as spontaneous sweating. Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Astragalus root (Hoang ky) and Cinnamon twigs (Que chi).

8. Invasion by wind and cold in a person with deficient yang. Prepared aconite root (Fuzi) is used with Ephedra (Ma hoang) and Asarum herb (Te tab) in the formula Ma hoang Phu tu Te tan Thang.

9. Cold-damp obstruction syndrome manifested as general joint pain and chills.Prepared aconite root (Phu tu) is used with Cinnamon twigs (Que chi) and White atractylodes (Bach truat).

Dosage: 3-15 g, decocted in water for an oral dose; 1–2 g, if used in powder.

Cautions & Contraindications:

1. Due to toxicity, Radix Aconiti must be decocted in water 30–60 minutes before the other herbs.

2. It is contraindicated for use during pregnancy.

3. It is incompatible with Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban ha), Fructus Trichosanthis (Qua lau), Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae (Xuyen Boi Mau), and Rhizoma Bletillae Striatae (Bach cap).

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