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: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the botanical source of the drug 'Aconite'. This requires knowledge of pharmacognosy or economic botany.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's identify the plants listed:

(A) {Ocimum sanctum:} This is Holy Basil or Tulsi, widely used in traditional medicine, but it is not the source of Aconite.

(B) {Aconitum ferox:} This is a species of Monkshood, also known as Indian Aconite. The name of the drug, 'Aconite', is directly derived from the genus name, {Aconitum}. The tuberous roots of this plant are the source of the drug, which contains potent alkaloids like pseudaconitine. It is highly toxic but used in minute, processed quantities in traditional medicine systems.

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

(D) {Azadirachta indica:} This is the Neem tree. Various parts of the tree have medicinal properties (antiseptic, antifungal), but it is not the source of Aconite.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The drug Aconite is obtained from the tuberous roots of {Aconitum ferox}.