Question

'Aconite', a drug used for nasal problems and sore throat, is obtained from tuberous roots of:

• A. Ocimum sanctum
• B. Aconitum ferox
• C. Withania somnifera
• D. Azadirachta indica

Hint:

In questions linking a common drug name to a botanical source, often the drug name is derived directly from the genus name of the plant. Here, 'Aconite' is from {Aconitum}. Other examples include 'Digitalin' from {Digitalis} and 'Quinine' from {Cinchona}.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Concept Explanation:
The question identifies the plant source of the drug 'Aconite', a topic within pharmacognosy.
Step 2: Detailed Analysis:
Analyzing the given plant options:

(A) {Ocimum sanctum:} Holy Basil (Tulsi) is used in traditional medicine but is not the origin of Aconite.

(B) {Aconitum ferox:} Indian Aconite (Monkshood) is the source of the drug 'Aconite', derived from the genus {Aconitum}. Its tuberous roots contain potent alkaloids like pseudaconitine and are used in small, processed doses in traditional medicine despite being highly toxic.

(C) {Withania somnifera:} Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng) roots are used as an adaptogen and tonic, but are not the source of Aconite.

(D) {Azadirachta indica:} The Neem tree has medicinal uses (antiseptic, antifungal) but is not the source of Aconite.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Aconite is derived from the tuberous roots of {Aconitum ferox}.