The traditional Chinese medicine Qingmuxiang, also known as Aristolochia debilis Sieb., is the root of the Aristolochiaceae plant Aristolochia debilis Sieb. and Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom. Qingmuxiang has the effects of promoting qi circulation, relieving pain, detoxifying, reducing swelling, and lowering liver and blood pressure. So why is Qingmuxiang banned for use?
Image of Qingmuxiang
The reason why Qingmuxiang is banned for use is because it has strong nephrotoxicity. Qingmuxiang contains aristolochic acid, which can cause severe 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, and in 2004, the plants "Guangfangji" with high aristolochic acid content from the Aristolochiaceae family and the roots of the plants Aristolochia debilis Sieb. and Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom. were banned.
In addition, the National Medical Products Administration has officially announced that traditional Chinese medicine preparations containing Qingmuxiang have been canceled their medicinal standards due to the potential adverse reactions such as kidney damage. These drugs will be phased out of the market.
Currently, Guangmuxiang is used as a substitute for Qingmuxiang in prescriptions. If Qingmuxiang must be used, it should be used under the guidance of a qualified physician, with strict control of dosage and treatment duration. Monitoring of renal tubular and glomerular function should also be carried out during treatment. However, it should be used with caution in children and the elderly, and pregnant women, infants, individuals with renal insufficiency should not take it.
(1) The root of Aristolochia debilis Sieb. is cylindrical or slightly flattened, slightly curved, 3-10cm long, and 0.5-1.5cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-brown or grey-brown, with longitudinal wrinkles and root marks. It is firm and brittle, and the broken section forms distinct concentric layers. The cortex is pale yellow, the wood rays are wide and milky white, the xylem bundles are yellow and radiate, and the vessel pores are obvious. It has a unique aroma and a bitter taste.
(2) The root of Aristolochia manshuriensis Kom. is similar to the root of Aristolochia debilis Sieb., but smaller and slightly flattened. The best ones are those that are thick, firm, and have a strong aroma.
