Time to revive my favourite thread.
I will be assisting Kyuu in the Tox project so you can also send me any of your queries if Kyuu is unavailable.
ACONITINE
Introduction: Aconitine is an Alkaloid present in the Aconitum species of Plants. Its roots are highly poisonous. Ironically, roots are often used in traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Structure :
Chemical Formula: C34H47NO11
Appearance: Crystals LOAEL: 0.006 mg/kg LD50(GI [assumed]): 0.028 mg/kg
LD50Perspective: 2-3 mg is lethal. LD50(IV mouse): 0.1 mg/kg LD50(IP mouse): 0.1 mg/kg LD50(SC mouse): 0.27 mg/kg LD50(Oral mouse): 0.1 mg/kg Perspective on LD50 of Aconite Toxicity: Aconitine is a fast acting toxin. Although it is seen that pure Aconitine crystals aren’t as toxic as raw aconite products. T1/2: 6-12 hours
ADME
Absorption: Gastrointestinal tract, Intravenous and Intramuscular. Distribution: Through the blood.
Metabolism: Metabolised by CYP P450 enzyme in the Liver. Excretion: Urine.
Mechanism of toxicity (aka: how it kills you): Information on the mechanism from Detective Conan is as follows : Aconitine is a paralytic nerve poison extracted from the leaves and roots of Aconitum species. Verdict: Correct. Technical explanation: The toxin acts on binds on voltage dependant Sodium channels present on the surface of Cardiac muscle, Skeletal Muscles and Neurons. They prolong the opening of Sodium channels, thus causing depolarisation phase to last longer causing an upstroke in the Action potential. As a result, the membrane cannot be repolarized. Translation for lay people: It allows Sodium ions to move inside the cell causing increased Sodium concentration leading to physical manifestations. Notes on accuracy in DC: Although it is true that Aconitine has neurotoxic properties, it only causes generalised muscular weakness. Its most adverse toxic effect is seen in the Heart. Death is often due to Ventricular Arrhythmia.
Final note: I won’t be delving much into the treatment part but if by any 0.1% chance someone accidentally encounters such a situation, drinking strong coffee can actually hamper the progression of the poisoning. That DOES NOT mean you don’t need to go to a hospital.
Something interesting: In numerous lab experiments, it has been observed that Tetrodotoxin is able to act as an antidote in Aconite poisoning since they both show mutual antagonistic effect towards each other. Of course, we don’t administer Tetrodotoxin as it is super lethal and there are way better drugs out there. But still, a poison used to kill another poison and acting like an antidote is pretty cool though :3
