Aconitum heterophyllum-An Overview

Abstract

Aconitum heterophyllum also known as aruna, family Ranunculaceae is used in ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of diarrhoea, hepatic issues etc. The phytochemicals in this plant consists of alkaloids, proteins, carbohydrates, saponins, amino acids, quinones, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, etc. In the present paper, not only are the various therapeutic properties of this plant has been discussed but the profiling of its toxicological studies done on rats have also been elaborated upon. Unlike other species of Aconitum, Aconitum heterophyllum has shown beneficial activity on a rat model of toxicity. Firstly, the ethanolic extract of the plant was evaluated for its oral toxicity but it came out be safe. The ethanolic extract of the plant reversed the activity of castor oil. Moreover, this plant has shown good anti-bacterial activity. After summing up of all the pharmaceutical features of this plant, it could turn out to be valuable source of knowledge for the academia, practioners of traditional medicines & for the pharma industry.