Aconitum coreanum

Aconitum koreanum

Aconitum coreanum is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. It is commonly known as Korean monkshood. This plant is native to East Asia, particularly found in regions of Korea, China, and Japan.

Description

Aconitum coreanum is a perennial herbaceous plant that typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1.5 meters. The plant has dark green, deeply lobed leaves and produces striking blue to purple flowers that resemble a monk's hood, hence the common name. The flowers are arranged in a dense, terminal raceme.

Toxicity

All parts of Aconitum coreanum are highly toxic due to the presence of alkaloids such as aconitine. Ingestion of the plant can lead to severe poisoning, characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest. Handling the plant can also cause skin irritation.

Uses

Despite its toxicity, Aconitum coreanum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Korean medicine for its purported therapeutic properties. It is often used in small, controlled doses to treat conditions such as pain, inflammation, and certain heart conditions. However, due to its high toxicity, its use is highly regulated and should only be administered by qualified practitioners.

Cultivation

Aconitum coreanum prefers moist, well-drained soils and can be grown in partial to full shade. It is often cultivated in gardens for its ornamental value, but caution is advised due to its toxic nature.

Related Species

Aconitum coreanum is closely related to other species in the genus Aconitum, such as Aconitum napellus (common monkshood) and Aconitum carmichaelii (Chinese monkshood).

See Also

• Aconitum
• Ranunculaceae
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Korean medicine