Chinese medicine Qingmuxiang is the clinical name for the root of the plant Aristolochia debilis and Aristolochia contorta, which belong to the family Aristolochiaceae. Qingmuxiang has the effects of promoting qi circulation, relieving pain, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and lowering liver pressure. So why has Qingmuxiang been banned?
Image of Qingmuxiang
Why is Qingmuxiang banned?
Qingmuxiang has been banned because it has strong nephrotoxicity. It contains aristolochic acid, which can cause serious toxic side effects such as acute renal failure and acute tubular necrosis.
In fact, as early as 2004, it has attracted high attention from the government. In 2004, the plants "Guangfangji" with high content of aristolochic acid in the Aristolochiaceae family and the roots of Aristolochia debilis and Aristolochia contorta were banned.
In addition, the State Food and Drug Administration officially announced that traditional Chinese medicine preparations containing "Qingmuxiang" have been cancelled their pharmaceutical standards due to their potential adverse reactions such as kidney damage. These drugs have been eliminated from the market of medicinal materials.
Currently, Qingmuxiang in prescriptions is replaced by Guangmuxiang. If Qingmuxiang must be used, it should be under the guidance of a qualified physician, with strict control of dosage and treatment duration. Monitoring of renal tubular and glomerular function should be carried out during treatment. However, it should be used with caution in children and the elderly, and pregnant women, infants, young children, and those with impaired renal function should not take it.
Image of Qingmuxiang
Identification of Qingmuxiang
(1) The root of Aristolochia debilis is cylindrical or slightly flattened, slightly curved, 3-10cm long and 0.5-1.5cm in diameter. The surface is yellow-brown or gray-brown, with longitudinal wrinkles and root marks. It is hard and brittle, and the broken surface forms a faintly visible ring. The cortex is light yellow, the wood rays are wide and milky white, the wood parenchyma bundles are yellow, and the duct holes are obvious. It has a unique fragrance and a bitter taste.
(2) The root of Aristolochia contorta is similar to the root of Aristolochia debilis, but smaller and slightly flattened. The best ones are thick, solid, and have a strong fragrance.
