Perennial pubescent herb growing 1 to 2 feet high, which are triangular and either not branched, or very sparingly so. It has toothed, bipinnate compound leaves up to 40 cm long and 30 cm broad. The foot-stalks of the leaves are long and arise from the root. The flowers grow in spikes and are of a pure white.The fruit is an oval glossy black berry, 10-11 mm long and 8 mm diameter.
Herb Effects
Emetic and laxative (root); insecticidal (stem, flower and leaf); toxic (fruit oil); against Ehrlich's ascites tumors, nerve sedative.
Trans-aconitic acid (plant and fruit); protoanemonin (fruit).
Chemistry
of Active Ingredients
Name
CAS#
IUPAC Name
Formula
Structure
Protoanemonin
108-28-1
5-methylidenefuran-2 -one
C5H4O2
trans-Aconitic acid
4023-65-8
prop-1-ene-1,2,3-tri carboxylic acid
C6H6O6
Pharmacology
Medicinal Use
Used in snakebite; antispasmodic, cytostatic, emetic, nervine and purgative (root);it is also considered useful in the treatment of nervous disorders and rheumatic fever (Coventry,1923).In India it is used in the treatment of rheumatism, goitre and asthma.
Contraindication
Baneberry contains the poison protoanemonin, and is a violent purgative, irritant, and emetic. Taking as few as two berries can cause severe cramps, headaches, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, and/or dizziness. Severe protoanemonin poisoning can lead to paralysis of the respiratory system and cardiac arrest.
Reference
Chandel et al., Biodiversity in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in India.
Uniyal et al., Medicinal Flora of Garhwal Himalayas. Johnson. T. CRC Ethnobotany Desk Reference (www.herbweb.com/herbage) Coventry. B. O. Wild Flowers of Kashmir Raithby, Lawrence and Co. 1923.
Health Remedies 
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