What is wolfsbane

Wolfsbane aconitum napellus is a wild plant, also commonly known as monkshood, conite, leopard's bane, women's bane, Devil's helmet or blue rocket.

The most dangerous of these toxins is aconitine, which is known as a heart poison as well as potent nerve poison, says the U. Poisoning can occur even simply by picking its leaves without wearing gloves, as aconitine toxin is easily absorbed through the skin, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry AACC explains. Wolfsbane has been used on spears and arrows for hunting and in battle since ancient times. It was believed to "repel werewolves" and real wolves, while Ancient Romans used it as a method of execution, according to the NCPC.

Wolves and criminals were previously poisoned with an extract from the European species of wolfsbane acontium lycoctonum , while in China Aconitum poisons were also used in warfare and hunting, according to the AACC. The herb has also been used for its alleged therapeutic benefits, but the NCPC warns: "There is a very low margin of safety between therapeutic and toxic doses of aconitine. Some of the alleged therapeutic uses of wolfsbane include the treatment of joint and muscle pain.

It has also been claimed that applying it to the skin slows the heart rate in cardiac patients, while it is also alleged that the plant can reduce fevers and cold symptoms.

Raw aconite plants are highly poisonous and are used in medication only after their toxicity has been reduced by boiling or steaming, according to the NCPC. A study published in Clinical Toxicology , a peer-review medical journal, explained: "Soaking and boiling during processing or decoction preparation will hydrolyze aconite alkaloids into less toxic and non-toxic derivatives. Aconitum lycoctonum Ranunculaceae [Internet][cited Jan 17]. Elpel TJ. Roberts MF, Wink M. Alkaloids: Biochemistry, Ecology, and Medicinal applications.

Plenum press NY. Steger RE. Native Plants Poisonous to Humans. Journal of Range management ,25 1 : Stewart A. Alkaloids , Ranunculaceae. Search for:. Wolfsbane: fictitous plant contains very real dangers.

By: Jean-Pol Grandmont. Why does this plant pack such a bite? Tashina Author archive. January 31, Alkaloids , Ranunculaceae. Previous post Next post. Chemical Class open all close all. Plant Family open all close all. Others, however, believed that having contact with wolfsbane on a full moon could actually cause shape-shifting. Patients who suffered from lycanthropy the delusion of being a wolf were prescribed regular—and often lethal—doses of wolfsbane by their medieval doctors.

For gardeners, it is important to remember to always wear gloves while handling a deadly plant such as wolfsbane. Find wolfsbane at the Garden with our Plantfinder or on the GardenGuide app. Happy Halloween! Skip to main content. Monsters, Magic, and Monkshood Wolfsbane is a beautiful—and poisonous—fall-blooming perennial.

Lamarck monkshood Aconitum lamarckii. October 31,