Guan Mutong is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine with the effect of clearing heat and promoting diuresis. Guan Mutong contains aristolochic acid, which has strong toxicity to the kidneys and can cause renal failure. On the other hand, Mutong itself is non-toxic. Now let's understand the difference between Mutong and Guan Mutong.
Image of Guan Mutong
1. Difference in Family and Genus
Mutong belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae and genus Aristolochia. It is also known as San Ye Mutong, Shan Tong Cao, Ye Mu Gua, Tong Cao, and Fu Zhi. It is a deciduous woody vine, and its stems can be used as medicine. Guan Mutong belongs to the family Aristolochiaceae and genus Asarum, also known as Mutong Madouling, Dongbei Mutong, etc. The medicinal part of Guan Mutong is also the stem. From their family and genus, we can see that they are two different plants, which is the most distinct difference between them.
2. Difference in Appearance
Mutong is a herb with long stems, and the vigorous growth of Mutong can reach a length of 1.5-1.7 meters. Its surface is black-brown or gray-brown, and there are some protruding pores on the surface. After being used as medicine, when sliced, there will be many small holes on the cross section. Guan Mutong's stems are relatively hard and not easy to break. Its surface is yellow-brown and also covered with small holes. These holes make them look similar, but careful identification can still distinguish them.
Image of Mutong
3. Difference in Smell
They are both Chinese medicinal materials, but Mutong has no smell, it is just an ordinary vine. Guan Mutong is different. It has a strong smell and is unpleasant to smell, especially the Guan Mutong grown in the wild, which smells like camphor. It also has a bitter taste when eaten. At first, there is no taste, but after chewing for a long time, the bitterness becomes more and more obvious and lasts for a long time. Therefore, their smell and taste can be used to distinguish them.
4. Difference in Effects
Mutong has the effects of diuresis, clearing the heart and relieving restlessness, and promoting menstruation and lactation. It is mainly used for edema, restlessness and red urine, oral and tongue ulcers, damp-heat arthralgia, and other symptoms. Guan Mutong has the effect of clearing heart fire and promoting urination, but it contains the highly toxic substance aristolochic acid, so its medical qualification has been revoked clinically.
