Is the medicinal value of "Guanmu Tong" (Guanmutong) high? At the same time, its toxicity is also strong. Let me explain in detail the difference between Guanmu Tong and Mu Tong!
Image of Guanmu Tong
Although Guanmu Tong and Mu Tong are only one word different, their medicinal properties are quite different. Guanmu Tong is rich in aristolochic acid, which can damage the kidneys, and its toxicity is high. On the other hand, Mu Tong does not contain aristolochic acid, and the Nine Provinces Detoxification Pill uses Mu Tong as the main ingredient.
Originally, Mu Tong has three different identities. The Mu Tong of the Aristolochiaceae family (anciently called San Ye Mu Tong), the Mu Tong of the Ranunculaceae family (Chuan Mu Tong), and the Guanmu Tong of the Aristolochiaceae family are all collectively referred to as Mu Tong. It is precisely because of these three Mu Tongs that there is a "story" of Mu Tong changing from "non-toxic" to "toxic".
Currently in China, except for people in the Yunnan-Guizhou-Sichuan region, most people use Guanmu Tong as the main ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. However, according to research, "this Mu Tong is not the same as that Mu Tong." The commonly seen and clinically used Guanmu Tong in the market today, although it has the same name as "Mu Tong" recorded in ancient books such as "Shennong Bencao Jing", is not the same thing.
Guanmu Tong belongs to the Aristolochiaceae family, and the aristolochic acid it contains has been proven to cause kidney damage in humans. It is classified as a "toxic" traditional Chinese medicine (the "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" classifies toxic traditional Chinese medicines into three categories: mild toxicity, toxicity, and severe toxicity).
On the other hand, the "Mu Tong" recorded in "Shennong Bencao Jing" belongs to the Mu Tong family and is non-toxic. According to a notice from the Chinese Ministry of Health, traditional Chinese medicine formulations containing Guanmu Tong have been replaced with other varieties before June 30, 2003.
