Chinese herbal medicine "Guangmutong" has the effects of clearing heart fire, promoting urination, relieving menstrual pain, and reducing breast milk. It is a traditional Chinese medicinal material that clears heat and eliminates fire. It is mainly harvested in autumn and winter, and can be used after removing the coarse skin and drying it!
Image of Guangmutong
【Pharmacological effects of Guangmutong】
1. Effects on the heart: Early reports have shown that Guangmutong decoction has a similar effect to digitalis on the hearts of isolated frogs and guinea pigs. Subsequent research has proven that Guangmutong decoction does indeed enhance the contraction of the hearts of warm-blooded animals and cold-blooded animals, but this is due to the calcium content (about 0.12%) and tannic acid content (0.37%) in the decoction, and Guangmutong itself does not have the same cardiotonic effect as digitalis-like cardiac glycosides.
2. Effects on blood pressure: Intravenous injection of Guangmutong decoction at a dosage of 0.5-2g/kg in anesthetized rabbits and dogs can cause an immediate increase in blood pressure, followed by a decrease, and a prolonged decrease in blood pressure. Some rabbits only experience a decrease in blood pressure without an increase.
3. Other effects: Guangmutong decoction has an excitatory effect on the small intestine of isolated mice, and an inhibitory effect on the uterus of non-pregnant and pregnant mice. Oral administration of the decoction in healthy individuals can increase urine output, but the excretion of chloride ions is lower than that of the control group.
However, a decrease in urine output was observed in anesthetized dogs and rabbits after intravenous injection of the decoction, but no diuretic effect was observed.
【Symptoms of Guangmutong poisoning】
Guangmutong contains toxic components such as aristolochic acid. Excessive consumption of Guangmutong can cause acute renal failure and even death.
Poisoning symptoms: discomfort in the upper abdomen, followed by vomiting, headache, chest tightness, abdominal distension and pain, diarrhea, facial swelling, frequent urination, urgency, gradual onset of systemic edema, and confusion.
Causes of poisoning: excessive and prolonged use. Therefore, it must be used strictly according to the prescribed dosage and usage.
Treatment for poisoning: gastric lavage and enema. According to reports, early administration of adrenal cortical hormones can slow down the progression of the disease. Timely hemodialysis can achieve favorable treatment timing and effects.
For patients with significant impairment of renal function and end-stage renal disease, replacement therapy such as kidney transplantation is necessary.
