Abstract: Aconitum episcopale Levl., known as a characteristic Aconitum specie in China, is a perennial herbaceous plant classified into Aconitum L. (Ranunculaceae), which mainly distributes in northwest Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan. As a commonly traditional Chinese medicine, the root of A. episcopale has been used to treat anemofrigid-damp arthralgia, arthralgia, cold hernia and anesthesia analgesia with the effects of expelling wind and removing damness, warming menstruation and relieving pain. It also is used for solving other Aconitums poisoning in folk. In order to obtain more information for research and development of A. episcopale, the chemical components and pharmacological research on A. episcopale were reviewed. It is beneficial for future research, development and utilization of Aconitum and search for traditional herbal resources.

Key words: Aconitum episcopale Levl., diterpenoid alkaloids, bioactivities