{"hq_id":"hq-c-org-000165","name":"Aconitine","context":"human_adult","risk_level":"extreme","schema":"legacy","note":"Synthesis unavailable: compound lacks vectorizable regulatory classifications. Raw safety data returned.","data":{"risk_level":"extreme","summary":"Aconitine is the primary diterpenoid alkaloid of Aconitum species (monkshood, wolfsbane, aconite — A. napellus, A. carmichaelii, A. kusnezoffii), among the most acutely toxic plants in temperate regions. Aconitine activates voltage-gated sodium channels and holds them in the open state, causing persistent membrane depolarization — producing rapid-onset neurotoxicity (paresthesia, weakness, ataxia) and cardiotoxicity (ventricular arrhythmias, AV block, ventricular fibrillation). The estimated lethal dose for humans is 2–6 mg of pure aconitine; this can be delivered by ingestion of small amounts of plant material — the root being most concentrated, with aconitine content up to 0.3–2% by weight. Onset of severe symptoms is rapid (15–30 minutes after ingestion); progression to cardiac arrhythmias and death can occur within 3–6 hours. Aconite poisoning is well-documented in Hong Kong and China from use of processed aconite in traditional medicine preparations that were inadequately detoxified. In Europe and North America, cases arise from forager misidentification of aconite for edible plants. There is no antidote; treatment is intensive cardiac support with antiarrhythmics (lidocaine, amiodarone) or, in refractory ventricular fibrillation, cardiopulmonary bypass.","source_refs":["ncpc_aconitine_poisoning","aspca_aconitum_monkshood"]},"meta":{"synthesis_version":"n/a","timestamp":"2026-06-17T22:00:27.793Z"},"_notice":"ALETHEIA output is reference data, not professional advice. Not a substitute for primary agency sources or qualified professionals. See https://aletheia.holisticquality.io/disclaimer.","_disclaimer_url":"https://aletheia.holisticquality.io/disclaimer"}