The efficacy and effects of andrographis and contraindications

Xiong Huang is the ore of the sulfide mineral Xiong Huang, the main component of which is diarsenic disulfide, mainly produced in Hunan, Hubei, Guizhou and other places. It is mainly produced in Hunan, Hubei and Guizhou. After harvesting, it is used by removing impurities. Xiong Huang is warm, pungent and poisonous, and belongs to the liver and large intestine meridians. It has the functions of detoxifying and killing insects, drying dampness and dispelling phlegm, and intercepting malaria.

Detoxifying and killing insects

It can be used internally to treat abdominal pain caused by intestinal parasites and externally to treat snake bites, carbuncles, furuncles and scabies.

Drying dampness, dispelling phlegm and intercepting malaria

Xionghuang can be used internally to dry dampness and dispel phlegm and intercept malaria, and can be used to treat epilepsy, malaria, accumulation of lumps and polyps in the nose, etc. However, due to its toxicity, it is now less commonly used.

Antibacterial

Andrographis can kill Staphylococcus aureus in vitro, and can also kill Escherichia coli by increasing its concentration. 1% of andrographis can inhibit Mycobacterium tuberculosis of human and bovine types; its aqueous infusion has different degrees of inhibitory effect on Corynebacterium corneum and other pathogenic skin fungi. In addition, andrographis can resist bloodsuckers and Plasmodium.

Anti-tumor

Andrographis can exert its anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis of tumor cells, inhibiting cellular DNA synthesis, and enhancing cellular immune function of the body.

Adverse effects of Andrographis paniculata

Andrographis paniculata is toxic due to its arsenic content. Arsenic is a systemic protoplasmic toxicant that can affect the activity of enzymes, thus interfering with cellular metabolism, and can cause damage to blood vessels, liver, kidney, brain, nerves, gastrointestinal and other tissues and organs.

Symptoms of arsenic poisoning

The main symptoms of arsenic poisoning are rapid onset, dry mouth and throat, salivation, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea; in severe cases, blood in the urine, blood-like stools, or bleeding from multiple sites, accompanied by fever and irritability, and in severe cases, liver and kidney failure, or respiratory and circulatory failure and death. Chronic poisoning with andrographis may cause rash, nail loss, numbness, pain, etc. It may also induce tumors and affect fetal development.

Contraindications to the use of Xiong Huang

Xiong Huang is pungent and poisonous, so it should be used with caution internally and should not be used for a long time. Externally, it should not be applied over a large area or for a long period of time to avoid skin absorption and accumulation of poison. Pregnant women and those with Yin deficiency and blood deficiency should not use it.