Finding pain-relieving compounds in Aconitum plants
Official title: Discovery of analgesic diterpenoid alkaloids from medicinal Aconitum plants using a metabolomic approach
Funded at Herbert H. Lehman College · NIH-11086643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new, safer pain relief options from Aconitum plants, which have been used in traditional medicine, to help people manage pain without the side effects of opioids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Herbert H. Lehman College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $141,982 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149468-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals seeking alternative pain management solutions, particularly those who are sensitive to opioids or have chronic pain conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience pain or those who are not interested in alternative pain relief methods may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on discovering new pain-relieving compounds from Aconitum plants, which have been used in traditional medicine for their analgesic properties. The project aims to analyze the chemical structures of these plants to identify compounds that can relieve pain without the harmful side effects associated with opioids. By using a metabolomic approach, researchers will characterize and quantify the therapeutic components of Aconitum species found in North America, particularly those that do not cause heart toxicity. This work could lead to the development of safer analgesic drugs for patients suffering from pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with new, safer pain relief options that do not rely on opioids.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in discovering effective analgesics from plant sources, indicating that this approach could yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Herbert H. Lehman College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kennelly, Edward James — Herbert H. Lehman College
- Study coordinator: Kennelly, Edward James
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.