This review summarizes the process of the discovery, research, and development of a cardioactive component, mesaconine, from the lateral roots of Aconitum carmichaelii ("Fu Zi"). To date, pre-clinical showed that mesaconine is a novel type of cardiotonic lead drug with relatively high potency, low toxicity, and a new mechanism.
Keywords: Aconitum carmichaelii; Diterpenoid alkaloid; Fu Zi; Mesaconine.