Evaluation of the Toxicity and the Pharmacology of Aconitum Herbs

• Main Authors: Mei-Chou Lai, 賴美州
• Other Authors: 張永勳
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/24563700762097769752

博士 === 中國醫藥大學 === 中國藥學暨中藥資源學系博士班 === 99 === The Aconitum is a perennial plant that belongs to the Ranunculaceae family. It is a poisonous plant. It should be prepared to reduce it toxicity for curative effects and clinical safety. Aconitum plant is commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine—herbs like Chuan Wu, Cao Wu, Tian Syong and Fu Zih. In China and Japan, for example, preparations of Aconitum carmichaeli (Aconitum roots) are employed for their analgestic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemia and neurological properties. The results have shown that the commonly used Aconitum herbs significantly inhibit acetic acid-induced writhing response. Chuan Wu, Cao Wu, Tian Syong and Fu Zih can significantly inhibit the formalin-induced licking time during the early phase and late phase, meanwhile, shown on central and peripheral analgesic effect. Their analgestic effects and suppressive arachidonic acid metabolism are related to the reduction of the prostaglandin synthesis. In the anti-inflammation experiments, Chuan Wu, Cao Wu, Tian Syong, and Fu Zih can also significantly inhibit the λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema. Mechanism of anti-inflammation may increase significantly antioxidant activities and can be conducive to the elimination of free radicals. In addition, the mechanism can reduce the MDA level in paw content and subsequently the lipid peroxidaton. TNF-α activities are accordingly suppressed and the prostaglandin production reduced; however, the anti-inflammation can be achieved. By means of promoting the anti-oxidation enzyme in livers, In terms of the scavenging of free radicals and Trolox equivalent capacity (TEAC), Cao Wu has the best anti-oxidation effects in experiment; Chuan Wu comes in second. However, Tian Syong and Fu Zih have the least anti-oxidation effects. In terms of total polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols tests, Cao Wu ranges the highest in containing the three elements tested, followed by Chuan Wu, Tian Syong and Fu Zih.In terms of reducing blood sugar, the commonly used Aconitum herbs (Chuan Wu, Cao Wu, Tian Syong and Fu Zih) are all very effective. Type 1 and Type 2 rats with STZ-induced diabetic and DIO-induced diabetic Fu Zih and Tian Syong are most effective in this respect.In acute toxicity tests, the toxicity of the Aconitum herbs is reduced after preparation. In chronic toxicity tests, rats who have received repeated oral treatment at medium dose (600 mg/kg/day) and high dose (3000 mg/kg/day) for three months is tested with serious renal damage. Those rats having received the highest dose (3000 mg/kg/day) suffer from the most renal damage and the most enhanced degree of mesangial expansion and higher expression of TGF-ß1. In contrast, Tian Syong causes the most minor effect on renal damage.Aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine are the three key indicators in the component analysis. The highest concentration of alkaloids in Aconitum herbs is found in Cao Wu, followed by Chuan Wu, Tian Syong and Fu Zih. Results obtained from the analysis have shown that Tian Syong with low toxicity but better drug efficacy can be applied into commonly prepared medicines, such as Bawei Dihuang pills, Liuwei Dihuang pills, Tian Syong pills and cinnamon pills. We apply these pills into the testing of Type 2 rats with diabetes. We find that both Bawei Dihuang pills and Liuwei Dihuang pills are effective in reducing blood sugar, blood fats and boosting kidney functions. However, Tian Syong pills and cinnamon pills, when applied in the same rats respectively or jointly, produce harmful results to the rats’ kidney functions. In addition, the ointment made of the Aconitum herbs, Chuan Wu ointment has the best degree of wound healing.In summary, aconitum herbs show significant antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and hypocemia effects. They have great potentials for further development of auxiliary drugs in clinical uses.