Question

_________ are used as an official part in Aconitum heterophyllum?

• A. Flowers
• B. Seeds
• C. Tubers
• D. Leaves

Hint:

Unlike many other species of the genus Aconitum which are highly toxic due to the presence of aconitine, Aconitum heterophyllum is non-toxic because it lacks aconitine, making its tubers safe for direct therapeutic use without extensive detoxification processes.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Aconitum heterophyllum, commonly known as Atis, Atees, or Indian Atees, is an endangered medicinal herb belonging to the family Ranunculaceae.
It is native to the sub-alpine and alpine regions of the Himalayas, growing at altitudes between 2,500 meters and 4,000 meters.
In classical Ayurvedic pharmacopoeias, the selection of the specific plant part containing the highest concentration of active therapeutic compounds is critical.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The primary bioactive chemical constituents of Aconitum heterophyllum are non-toxic diterpene alkaloids, mainly atisine, heteratisine, histisine, and benzoylheteratisine.
These alkaloids are predominantly biosynthesized and stored in the specialized storage roots or biennial tubers of the plant.
Therefore, the paired tuberous roots are designated as the official part of the plant used for Ayurvedic and pharmacological preparations.
These tubers are commercially harvested, dried, and used to treat severe gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, and chronic fevers.
While other organs such as leaves, flowers, and seeds are present, they contain negligible amounts of atisine and are not recognized as official drug components.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the tubers are used as the official part in Aconitum heterophyllum.