A review on toxicity effects on Aconitum carmichaelii Debx (Chuan wu and Fuzi) and TCM processing approach ‘Pao zhi’ in reducing/ eliminating toxicity

Abstract

Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Chuan wu & Fuzi) is one of the most widely used Chinese traditional medicinal herbs and is listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It has been used for the treatment of various conditions rheumatism being among them. However, the high toxicity risks and narrow therapeutic ranges limited the medicinal application on a larger scope, due to the poisonous aconitine alkaloids present in it. Therefore, this review article mainly focuses on the principle components causing toxicity effects, and the main Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) processing method (Pao zhi) & its mechanisms in reducing or eliminating the toxicity associated with rootstocks of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx.