Snow Mountain Artemisia, is both a Chinese medicine and a poisonous herb, so it must be used with caution to avoid inevitable harm. So why does Snow Mountain Artemisia cause poisoning?
Snow Mountain Artemisia
Main components of Snow Mountain Artemisia
Aconitine: English name Aconitine
Also known as: Fuzi Jing
Molecular formula: C34H47NO11
Molecular weight: 645.74
A type of diterpenoid alkaloid. It exists in various plants such as Aconitum carmichaelii, Aconitum heterophyllum, Aconitum kusnezoffii, and Aconitum fortunei.
Colorless transparent crystals with a melting point of 204°C and specific rotation +19° (chloroform).
Soluble in chloroform, benzene, ethanol, etc.
Aconitine has analgesic effects on various neuralgia and gout, but due to its high toxicity, it is no longer used as a clinical medication.
In traditional Chinese medicine and folk medicine, various Aconitum species are widely used to relieve fever and pain, and treat rheumatism. However, caution must be taken due to the presence of aconitine in Aconitum species.
What to pay attention to when using Snow Mountain Artemisia
Snow Mountain Artemisia
From the above description, you may understand why Snow Mountain Artemisia can cause poisoning, because it contains a component called aconitine.
How to reduce toxicity
Aconitine is an ester compound that is easily hydrolyzed to lose one molecule of acetic acid, thereby reducing its toxicity.
Further hydrolysis removes one molecule of benzoic acid to produce aconine, which is only 1/2000 to 1/4000 as toxic as aconitine.
Processing with traditional Chinese medicine Fuzi (a lateral root of Aconitum) can reduce toxicity, which may be related to the property of reduced toxicity after hydrolysis of aconitine.
How to detoxify
In traditional Chinese medicine, mung beans or honeysuckle are used to detoxify.
Dosage
Poisoning dose of aconitine (oral) is 0.2 milligrams, and lethal dose is 2.5 milligrams.
Functions and indications of Snow Mountain Artemisia
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, dispel wind, eliminate dampness
① Treatment of bruises, rheumatism, toothache: Take 0.25 gram of Snow Mountain Artemisia orally (about the size of a rice grain).
② Treatment of bruises, snake bites, insect bites: Soak 50 grams of Snow Mountain Artemisia in one kilogram of alcohol for ten days, then apply externally (do not ingest).
