Aconitum anthora
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| Aconitum anthora L. |
Aconitum anthora, variously known as Anthora, Yellow Monkshood, or Healing Wolfsbane, is a flowering species of the genus Aconite
It is widespread, mainly in European mountains, such as the Alps and the Carpathians, and the northern parts of Asia. Like all Aconitum species, it has a great variability, probably due to hybridisation. Through this polymorphism, Aconitum anthora is included in the Aconitum vulparia-group. It flowers from July to September.
Historically, its root, which is tuberous, was reputed a good antidote, and a certain counterpoision to the thora, whence its denomination anthora. This plant is extremely toxic. Even small doses can be deadly.
The root contains a great deal of volatile salt and essential oil, while the aerial parts contain diterpenoid alkaloids. It has been used externally against rheumatism and deep pain, but it can irritate the skin. Internally, it has been used against weak pulse, vegetable poisons (shoot), feverish colds, pneumonia, croup, heart conditions, and cardiac arrest.
It is considered[citation needed] a threatened plant in the Czech Republic.
[edit] Synonyms
- Aconitum pseudanthora Blocki ex Pacz.
- Aconitum eulophum Rchb.
- Aconitum jacquinii Rchb.
- Aconitum nemorosum M.Bieb.
[edit] References
- Aconitum anthora. Herbal Harmony's Directory. Retrieved on 2006-01-16.
- This article incorporates content from the 1728 Cyclopaedia, a publication in the public domain.
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