[General situation of the study on the toxicity of Cinnabaris].
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) experienced a gradual course in recognition of the toxicity of Cinnabaris from "nontoxic" to "toxic". The ancient doctors of TCM understood both the toxic property and the regularity of increasing toxicity of Cinnabaris. In long-term clinical practice they developed the methods of detoxification guiding the safe use of Cinnabaris. The toxicity of Cinnabaris is produced by mercury existed in it. Improper administration leading to an acute absorption or chronic accumulation was the main cause of clinical adverse effects. Kidney was the main poisoning target organ. On the other hand, improperly combinative application of Cinnabaris with other drugs of TCM or western medicine could increase the toxicity. Therefore, the crucial approach to avoid the poisoning is to use Cinnabaris properly.
Liang
Ai-hua
AH
Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China.
Shang
Min-feng
MF
D000818:Animals; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000266:history / Q000633:toxicity*; D017669:Mercury Compounds / Q000266:history / Q000633:toxicity*; D008630:Mercury Poisoning / Q000209:etiology; D013431:Sulfates / Q000266:history / Q000633:toxicity*
D008419:Materia Medica; D017669:Mercury Compounds; D013431:Sulfates; C028430:mercuric sulfate