Pharmacological Studies of Ignavine, an Aconitum Alkaloid

Abstract

Pharmacological properties, especially, analgesic, antipyretio, antiinflammatory, sedative and antidiuretic activities, of ignavine, one of the main alkaloids in Aconite root, are discussed on the basis of the results of blind screening. Ignavine showed antiinflammatory activity in the acetic acid-induced writhing and carrageenin paw edema tests at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg p.o., which did not produce undesirable effects such as sedation, motor incoordination, muscle relaxation, hypothermia, ulceration or antidiuresis. Pharmacological properties of mesaconitine are also discussed; mesaconitine showed antiinflammatory, antipyretic and weak sedative activities.