Abstract

Aconitum is a genus of flowering plant belonging to buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Globally, there are over 300 species of Aconitum. In India, the genus is represented by about 24 species mainly distributed in subalpine and alpine zones of Himalayas. Out of these species, Aconitum balfourii Stapf, known as Mitha and Vatsnabh, is a significant species of this genus. It is widespread in Kumaon and Garhwal Himalayas on shady slopes from 3000 to 4200 m altitudes. Tuberous roots of A. balfourii Stapf are rich sources of pseudoaconitine (0.4 to 0.5%) and aconite alkaloids. The value of aconite as a medicine has been fully recognized in modern times, and it now ranks as one of the most useful drugs, particularly in Homeopathy, Ayurveda, and Unani systems of medicine. Due to overexploitation, A. balfourii Stapf is facing severe threat, and the plant has been listed among 37 Himalayan medicinal herbs under priority for in situ and ex situ conservation. This review mainly discussed several aspects, such as: distribution, cultivation, morphological characteristics, basis of origin, and conservation of this important species of the genus Aconitum.

Key words: Aconitum, conservation, evolution, propagation, pseudoaconitine.