Wolfsbane: Uses, risks, and admonitions
“The wolfsbane I should dread;
Nor will I dreary rosemarye,
That always mourns the dead;
But I will woo the dainty rose,
With her cheeks of tender red.” …Thomas Hood
Wolfsbane (Aconitum napellus, aconite, monkshood) is sometimes included in herbal remedies to treat inflammation, pain, musculoskeletal problems (eg arthritis), and heart problems.
Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman, in her book, The 5-Minute Herb and Dietary Supplement Consult, says it’s “an extremely toxic herb [that] can result in poisoning even from small amounts found in traditional Chinese or Indian herbal medicines.”
Dr. Fugh-Berman states there are no clinical studies that support any of its uses. More common, are reports of toxicity.
Four patients who experienced Wolfsbane toxicity are described in the PDF file linked to this abstract. Each had numbness and weakness shortly after taking a liquid herbal preparation. Interestingly, none of their prescriptions stated that they contained aconite herbs. Yet, aconitum alkaloids were detected in the patients’ urine specimens and in leftover herbal broths.
The author, WT Poon explains, “the fresh aconitum rootstocks are extremely toxic and must be processed before use. The level of toxicity decreases after prolonged boiling, which is a standard [procedure when preparing these] herbs. Naturally this particular procedure will not be carried out if the presence of an aconite herb is not intended. ‘Hidden’ aconite poisoning, hence, is far more dangerous then intentional use of aconite.”
The bottom line?
If you use herbal mixtures be aware of the signs and symptoms of toxicity.
If you’re a healthcare professional, it’s important to recognize the clinical features of wolfsbane poisoning. These patients usually present with tingling, numbness in the mouth and limbs, weakness, and a slow heart rate. Ventricular arrhythmia and refractory cardiovascular collapse occur in severe poisoning.
The Classic Encyclopedia describes its uses and the progressive signs and symptoms of toxicity.
5/13/07 13:59 JR
