aconitine and Wounds-and-Injuries

Regeneratory activities of Baikal aconite alkaloids were studied on the excision skin wound model. Manifest wound healing effects of songorine, napelline, and hypaconitine were detected. The therapeutic efficiency was based on activation of residual mesenchymal progenitor elements. The development of this phenomenon was explained by the direct effects of alkaloids on precursors and by higher production of growth factors by the skin stromal cells. Songorine exhibited the most pronounced specific activity due to more significant stimulation of progenitor cell differentiation associated with maximum activation of the secretory function of the microenvironment cells.

Topics: Aconitine; Aconitum; Alkaloids; Animals; Animals, Outbred Strains; Cell Differentiation; Cellular Microenvironment; Diterpenes; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Male; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Mice; Regeneration; Skin; Stromal Cells; Wound Healing; Wounds and Injuries

We define the potential sources, clinical manifestations, and treatment of aconitine poisoning.. The database of the National Poison Center in Taiwan was retrospectively searched for the diagnosis of aconitine poisoning for 1990 to 1999. The reasons for taking the aconite roots, the clinical features, management, and possible predisposing factors were noted.. A total of 17 cases occurred and consisted of 9 men and 8 women aged 30 to 70 years. Thirteen patients ingested aconite roots as treatment for rheumatism and wounds. Two patients volunteered to test the effects of aconite roots in a drug study. Two patients accidentally ingested the aconite roots. After a latent period of 10 to 90 minutes, patients developed a combination of neurologic (n=17), cardiovascular (n=14), gastrointestinal (n=9), and other (n=5) features typical of aconitine poisoning. Four patients developed ventricular tachycardia. All patients received supportive treatment. Patients with ventricular tachycardia were also treated with charcoal hemoperfusion. All patients made a complete recovery.. Life-threatening ventricular tachycardia can occur after the consumption of aconite roots. The risk is higher with inadequately processed aconite roots, large doses, or tincture preparations. With increasing popularity of herbal medicines, herb-induced aconitine poisoning may also be seen in Western countries.

Topics: Aconitine; Aconitum; Adult; Aged; Bradycardia; Electrocardiography; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Retrospective Studies; Rheumatic Diseases; Tachycardia, Ventricular; Ventricular Premature Complexes; Wounds and Injuries