Guanmutong is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that has both medicinal and toxic properties. It used to be used in the treatment of many diseases, but after research confirmed its nephrotoxicity, it is rarely used in medicine. Let's now learn about the identification methods for Guanmutong and Mutong!
1. Differences in appearance
Mutong is a relatively long herb, with a length of up to 170 centimeters when it grows vigorously. Its surface is black-brown or gray-brown in color and has some protruding pores.
Guanmutong, on the other hand, is the rhizome of the plant and has a harder texture, making it less likely to break. Its outer appearance is brown-yellow, with numerous small pores covering the surface.
2. Differences in medicinal effects
Guanmutong is mainly harvested in spring and autumn and has a heat-clearing effect. However, it contains a toxic substance called aristolochic acid, which has a high toxicity. Therefore, its medicinal use has been discontinued in clinical practice.
Mutong, on the other hand, does not contain this toxicity and its main effect is to promote diuresis.
3. Differences in odor
Although both Mutong and Guanmutong have medicinal properties, Mutong itself has no odor and is just a long vine.
Guanmutong, on the other hand, has a very unpleasant smell, especially when it grows in the wild. It has a smell similar to camphor and when chewed, it initially has no taste. However, after prolonged chewing, a bitter taste becomes more pronounced and the taste does not dissipate. Therefore, the two herbs can be easily distinguished based on taste alone.
