Loading...
Loading...
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC] primarily utilized in diagnostic allergy testing and specific immunotherapy protocols for sensitized individuals.
Name
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root
Raw Name
ACONITUM CARMICHAELI LATERAL ROOT
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
5
Variant Count
5
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC] primarily utilized in diagnostic allergy testing and specific immunotherapy protocols for sensitized individuals.
Detailed information about Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root, derived from the plant Aconitum carmichaeli Debx. (commonly known as Carmichael's Monkshood or Wolfsbane), is classified pharmacologically as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. While the plant itself is notorious in toxicology for its potent alkaloids, its clinical application within the United States is primarily restricted to the field of allergology. In this context, the extract is used by healthcare providers to diagnose or treat hypersensitivity reactions in individuals who may have been exposed to the plant material through dietary or environmental means.
This substance belongs to a class of drugs called Allergenic Extracts, which are biological products used for the diagnosis of antibody-mediated (IgE) allergies and for immunotherapy (allergy shots). Unlike standardized extracts, which have a known potency measured in Bioequivalent Allergy Units (BAU), non-standardized extracts like Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root are prepared according to traditional methods where the exact potency may vary between batches. The FDA has historically regulated these extracts under biological licensing, ensuring they meet specific purity and identity standards, even if their exact biological activity is not quantified in standardized units.
The mechanism of action for Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root depends on its clinical application. When used for diagnostic testing (such as a skin prick test), the extract is introduced into the skin's epidermal layer. If the patient is sensitized, specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies bound to mast cells recognize the proteins in the extract. This recognition triggers mast cell degranulation, releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which results in a localized 'wheal and flare' reaction (a raised bump and surrounding redness). This allows the healthcare provider to confirm an allergy to the substance.
When used for immunotherapy, the extract works by gradually desensitizing the patient's immune system. Repeated, escalating doses of the allergen shift the immune response from a Th2-dominated profile (associated with allergy and IgE production) to a Th1-dominated profile. This process stimulates the production of 'blocking antibodies' (IgG4), which compete with IgE for the allergen, and increases the activity of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that suppress the allergic cascade. Over time, this reduces the severity of symptoms upon subsequent exposure to the allergen.
Because allergenic extracts are typically administered via the epicutaneous (skin prick) or subcutaneous (injection) routes, their pharmacokinetic profile differs significantly from oral medications.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root extract is indicated for:
This extract is typically available in the following forms:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is right for your specific condition. Due to the high toxicity of the raw plant material, this extract must only be handled by trained medical professionals in a clinical setting equipped for emergency resuscitation.
Dosage for Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergist or immunologist. There is no standard 'one-size-fits-all' dose.
Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been extensively established for non-standardized extracts of Aconitum. If used, the dosage must be adjusted based on the child's sensitivity and weight, under the strict supervision of a pediatric allergist. Many clinicians defer immunotherapy in very young children (under age 5) due to the difficulty in communicating early symptoms of systemic reactions.
No specific dose adjustments are typically required for renal impairment, as the proteins are metabolized proteolytically. However, patients with severe renal disease may be at higher risk if emergency medications (like epinephrine) are required.
No specific dose adjustments are provided for hepatic impairment. The clearance of allergenic proteins is not primarily dependent on liver function.
Caution is advised in elderly patients, particularly those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The ability of an elderly patient to tolerate the physiological stress of a systemic reaction or the effects of emergency epinephrine must be considered before starting treatment.
If a dose is missed during the build-up phase, the next dose may need to be reduced to ensure safety. If a maintenance dose is missed for an extended period (e.g., more than 4-6 weeks), the allergist will typically restart the build-up phase at a lower concentration. Never attempt to 'double up' on doses to make up for a missed appointment.
An overdose of an allergenic extract is a medical emergency. Signs of overdose include:
In the event of an overdose, immediate administration of epinephrine is required, followed by emergency medical transport.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose without medical guidance. Always inform your doctor if you feel unwell on the day of your scheduled injection.
Most patients receiving Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root will experience some form of local reaction. These are generally not dangerous but should be monitored.
> Warning: Stop taking Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these.
Long-term use of allergenic extracts for immunotherapy is generally well-tolerated over the 3 to 5 years typically required for treatment. There is no evidence that long-term immunotherapy causes autoimmune disease or chronic organ damage. However, the primary long-term risk is the cumulative possibility of a systemic reaction occurring during the course of treatment.
Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider. Even a mild reaction after one injection can predict a more severe reaction after the next.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is a potent biological substance. It is only intended for use in patients with a clearly documented allergy. It is not a general health supplement and should never be confused with 'Fuzi' used in traditional herbal medicine, which is often processed differently and taken orally.
No FDA black box warnings are specifically listed for the 'Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract' class as a whole in the same way as some high-risk pharmaceuticals, but the Standardized Class Warning for Anaphylaxis applies to all allergenic extracts. This includes the requirement for administration in a clinical setting and the availability of emergency resuscitation equipment.
Most patients can drive after the 30-minute observation period. However, if a systemic reaction occurs or if the patient feels dizzy or fatigued, they should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until symptoms have completely resolved.
Alcohol should be avoided for several hours before and after an injection. Alcohol can increase blood flow to the skin and potentially speed up the absorption of the allergen, increasing the risk of a systemic reaction.
Immunotherapy is typically discontinued if:
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions with your healthcare provider before starting Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root.
For each major interaction, the primary concern is the management of anaphylaxis. If a patient is on a medication that makes epinephrine less effective, the risk-benefit ratio of using an allergenic extract shifts significantly toward risk.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
Patients allergic to Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root may also react to other members of the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup) family, including:
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root.
Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root in pregnant women. The primary risk during pregnancy is not the extract itself, but the potential for anaphylaxis. If a pregnant woman experiences anaphylaxis, the resulting drop in blood pressure and oxygen levels can cause severe harm to the fetus (fetal hypoxia). Most allergists recommend continuing maintenance therapy if the patient is already stable, but they will not increase the dose or start new therapy during pregnancy.
It is not known whether the components of allergenic extracts are excreted in human milk. Because these are large proteins that are likely broken down in the mother's digestive system if ingested, the risk to a nursing infant is considered low. However, caution should be exercised, and the mother should be monitored for any systemic reactions that could affect her ability to care for the infant.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is not commonly used in children. When it is, the same safety precautions apply as in adults. Children may have more difficulty reporting early symptoms of a reaction (e.g., 'itchy throat' or 'feeling of doom'), so observation must be exceptionally vigilant. The safety of non-standardized extracts in children under age 5 has not been established.
Elderly patients (over 65) are more likely to have co-morbidities such as hypertension or coronary artery disease. They are also more likely to be taking medications like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors. The risk of a severe reaction must be weighed against the potential benefit. Dose escalation should be done more conservatively in this population.
While renal impairment does not significantly change the metabolism of allergenic proteins, it can complicate the management of systemic reactions. Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may have altered cardiovascular responses to emergency medications.
No specific adjustments are required for hepatic impairment, though general health status should be considered before beginning a course of immunotherapy.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment. Always inform your specialist of any changes in your health status, including pregnancy.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root acts as an immunomodulator. In a sensitized individual, the immune system incorrectly identifies the proteins in the root as a threat, producing IgE antibodies. The extract works by presenting these antigens to the immune system in a controlled manner.
At the molecular level, the extract interacts with Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs), such as dendritic cells. These cells process the proteins and present them to T-lymphocytes. In immunotherapy, this presentation leads to the induction of T-regulatory (Treg) cells, which secrete IL-10 and TGF-beta. These cytokines suppress the allergic Th2 response and encourage B-cells to switch production from IgE to IgG4, which acts as a 'decoy' or 'blocking' antibody.
The pharmacodynamic effect of the extract is delayed. While a skin test reaction occurs within 20 minutes, the therapeutic desensitization from immunotherapy takes months to develop. The duration of effect can last for years after a successful 3-to-5-year course of treatment. Tolerance is developed through the gradual exhaustion of the immediate hypersensitivity response and the strengthening of the IgG-mediated suppression.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Low (Systemic) / High (Local) |
| Protein Binding | Not Applicable (Biological Protein) |
| Half-life | 2-6 hours (Alkaloid components) |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (Local reaction) |
| Metabolism | Proteolytic degradation |
| Excretion | Renal (Metabolites) |
The extract contains a complex mixture of proteins, glycoproteins, and alkaloids. The primary toxic alkaloids associated with the lateral root are Aconitine, Mesaconitine, and Hypaconitine. The molecular formula for Aconitine is C34H47NO11, with a molecular weight of 645.7 g/mol. In a clinical allergenic extract, the protein fraction is the intended active ingredient, while the alkaloid content is minimized through processing to ensure safety.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]. It is related to other botanical allergenic extracts such as Ragweed, Timothy Grass, and various nut extracts, though it is used much less frequently in standard clinical practice.
Medications containing this ingredient
Common questions about Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root extract is primarily used in the field of allergy and immunology for diagnostic purposes and treatment. Doctors use it in skin prick tests to determine if a patient has a specific allergy to the Aconitum plant or its components. It can also be used in allergen immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, to help desensitize a patient's immune system over time. This treatment is intended for individuals who have confirmed allergies that cannot be managed by other means. It is important to note that this clinical extract is different from herbal preparations used in traditional medicine.
The most common side effects are localized to the area where the extract was applied or injected. Patients frequently experience redness, itching, and minor swelling (a wheal) at the site of the skin test or injection. These reactions are usually mild and resolve within a few hours to a day. Some patients may also experience a 'late-phase' reaction where swelling increases several hours later. While these local effects are common, they are generally not dangerous. However, any reaction that spreads beyond the injection site should be reported to a doctor immediately.
It is generally advised to avoid alcohol consumption on the day of your allergy testing or immunotherapy injection. Alcohol can cause vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels, potentially increasing the speed at which the allergen is absorbed into your bloodstream. This increased absorption rate can raise the risk of a systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis. Furthermore, alcohol can sometimes mask the early symptoms of a reaction, making it harder for you or your doctor to identify a problem. For your safety, wait at least 24 hours after an injection before consuming alcohol.
The use of Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root during pregnancy requires a very careful evaluation by an allergist. While the extract itself is not known to be a teratogen (substance that causes birth defects), the risk of anaphylaxis is a major concern. If a pregnant woman has a severe allergic reaction to the injection, it can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and oxygen, which can harm the developing fetus. Most doctors will not start a new course of immunotherapy during pregnancy. If a woman is already on a stable maintenance dose, the doctor may choose to continue the treatment without increasing the dosage.
The timeline for Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root depends on whether it is being used for testing or treatment. For diagnostic skin testing, the results are visible within 15 to 20 minutes. For immunotherapy treatment, the process is much slower and requires significant patience. Most patients begin to feel a reduction in their allergy symptoms after reaching their 'maintenance dose,' which typically takes 3 to 6 months of weekly injections. A full course of treatment usually lasts between 3 and 5 years to provide long-lasting or permanent relief from allergies.
Yes, you can stop immunotherapy injections suddenly without experiencing 'withdrawal' symptoms like those seen with some other medications. However, stopping treatment prematurely will likely result in the return of your allergy symptoms, as your immune system has not been fully desensitized. If you need to stop treatment due to side effects or a change in your health, you should discuss this with your allergist. They can help you determine if a dose adjustment or a different treatment approach might be more appropriate for your situation.
If you miss a scheduled immunotherapy injection, you should contact your allergist's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not try to make up for the missed dose by taking a higher dose later. Depending on how long it has been since your last injection, your doctor may need to repeat your previous dose or even reduce the dose for your next visit to ensure your safety. Consistency is key to successful immunotherapy, so try to stick to your schedule as closely as possible to achieve the best results.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root extract causes weight gain. Unlike certain medications like oral steroids (e.g., prednisone), which are known to affect metabolism and appetite, allergenic extracts are biological proteins that work specifically on the immune system. They do not have the systemic metabolic effects associated with weight changes. If you experience unexpected weight gain while undergoing immunotherapy, you should look for other potential causes and discuss them with your primary care physician.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root can interact with several other medications, some of which are very common. The most significant concern is with beta-blockers, often used for heart conditions or high blood pressure, as they can make allergic reactions more severe and harder to treat. Other medications like ACE inhibitors, MAOIs, and even some over-the-counter supplements can also interact with how your body handles an allergic reaction. Always provide your allergist with a complete and updated list of all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid dangerous interactions.
Aconitum Carmichaeli Lateral Root is a specialized biological product rather than a standard pharmaceutical drug, so the concept of 'generic' versions is slightly different. It is produced by various biological laboratories as a non-standardized extract. While different manufacturers may produce the extract, they are not considered interchangeable in the same way generic pills are. Your allergist will typically use a specific brand or preparation they trust for its consistency and safety. If you have concerns about the cost or source of your extract, you should discuss them with your healthcare provider.