Plant Checklist of Sanjay gandhi National park

Aconitum nagarum Stapf

Description: It is a perennial herbaceous plant, growing from tuberous rootstock (caudex). Stems are erect, 50–70 cm tall, sometimes reaching up to 1 m, simple or branched, glabrous below and pubescent above. Plant arises from a carrot-shaped or subterete tuberous rootstock. This underground part is presumed to be the primary medicinal component, similar to other Aconitum species. Leaves: Basal leaves are petiolate with blades often pentagonal-reniform in shape, 3-sect or deeply lobed, occasionally to the base. Cauline (stem) leaves are smaller, similar in shape, and fewer in number. Flowers: Inflorescence is a narrow, long raceme, 12–30 cm, bearing 6–25 flowers. Flowers are large, blue to purple, with hooded (“helmet-shaped”) upper sepals. Sepals are pubescent outside. Inner petals glabrous; carpels 5, densely white pubescent. Flowering period is typically around October.

Distribution (World & India): Global / General: Native to the Eastern Himalayas and parts of South-Central China. Also reported in Myanmar. Altitude range: Generally between ~1,800 m to ~3,800 m above sea level. In India: Found in Arunachal Pradesh particularly in high-altitude temperate zones. Grows along forest margins, shrubby slopes, and open meadows.

IUCN Status / Conservation: Aconitum nagarum is considered Near Threatened (NT) under general assessments of Himalayan Aconitum species. It faces threats such as habitat degradation, overharvesting for medicinal use, overgrazing, and low natural regeneration. Although not as severely threatened as Aconitum heterophyllum, its habitat is shrinking, and regional assessments may vary. Sustainable harvesting and conservation efforts are needed to prevent further decline.

Medicinal Properties & Traditional Uses (in India): Traditional knowledge on Aconitum nagarum is limited compared to more prominent species like A. heterophyllum. However, based on genus-level properties, it is used in some regional medicinal systems.

Chemical Constituents: Likely contains diterpenoid alkaloids similar to other Aconitum species: aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, and related compounds. Non-alkaloid components may include flavonoids, glycosides, and sterols.

Pharmacological / Therapeutic Effects:

Use	Details / Mode of Use
Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory	Used traditionally for rheumatic pain, joint inflammation.
Fever / Antipyretic	May be used for reducing fever and related symptoms.
Digestive disorders	Sometimes used for stomach ache, though usage is less documented.
Respiratory complaints	Reported traditional use for cold, cough, throat irritation.
Neurological or sedative effects	Like other Aconitum species, may have sedative or calming effect.
Caution: High toxicity	Alkaloids in raw root are highly toxic; improper use may cause cardiac or neural toxicity.

How it’s Used (Preparation, Parts, Varieties): Part used: Tuberous root (caudex).
Preparation: Roots require detoxification before use (e.g. boiling, soaking) to reduce toxicity. No detailed traditional method found specifically for A. nagarum. Varieties: No well-documented varieties; morphological variation may exist, but not clearly categorized in traditional sources. Taste / Potency: Presumed similar to other Aconitum species: bitter, pungent, with strong potency; energetic property (‘virya’) likely heating, but caution is advised. Dose / caution: Very small doses only after detoxification. Raw or unprocessed root is highly toxic. Traditional usage requires expert supervision.

Uses in India (Examples): Not widely referenced in classical Ayurvedic texts, but regional use (especially in Northeast India) may exist in traditional or tribal systems. Possible uses include: Rheumatic pain, fever, Respiratory ailments (cough, cold), Nerve pain or sedation
Mostly used in polyherbal preparations or cautiously as powdered root extract. Largely used based on knowledge of related Aconitum species.

Status & Conservation: Aconitum nagarum is Near Threatened but at risk due to overcollection and habitat loss. Though not as critically endangered as some congeners, its natural populations are under pressure.

Conservation priorities include: In situ protection (habitat conservation); Ex situ cultivation efforts; Regulation of harvest and trade; Substitution research for sustainable use.