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aconite
(akĀ“ә-nīt)
an extremely toxic substance from the dried root of Aconitum napellus (monkshood or wolfsbane), containing several closely related alkaloids, principally aconitine. It has variable effects on
the heart leading to heart failure and it also affects the central nervous system; poisoning can be fatal, and with large
doses death may be instantaneous. It was formerly used as an antipyretic and cardiac and respiratory depressant and topically
as a counterirritant and local anesthetic.

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