Medicines can be toxic, so it is important not to misuse them, especially when it comes to certain Chinese herbal medicines that may have toxic properties. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using them indiscriminately. What should we be aware of when using the Chinese herbal medicine Guan Mutong?
Image of Guan Mutong
Medicinal Properties
The dried stem is cylindrical, measuring 30 to 60 centimeters in length and 1.2 to 2.5 centimeters in diameter. The surface is grayish-yellow or brown, with slightly thicker nodes.
The texture is solid and not easily breakable. The cross-section has a yellowish-white and soft bark, while the wood is yellow with small pores, forming a wheel-like pattern with yellow lines. It has no odor and an extremely bitter taste.
Unusual Processing of Guan Mutong
Overdosing on Mutong and Madouling can cause acute renal failure.
According to reports, a postpartum woman purchased approximately 2.2 liang of Mutong and Madouling to make a soup with red beans to promote lactation. After taking the soup, she immediately felt discomfort in the upper abdomen, followed by vomiting, headache, chest tightness, abdominal distension, dull pain, and diarrhea 7 to 8 times a day.
Half a month later, her face began to swell, she experienced frequent and urgent urination, nocturia 7 to 8 times a night, with a small amount of urine each time. There was no fever, but overall swelling gradually appeared, and she could not lie flat. She became semi-comatose with unclear consciousness.
Laboratory tests showed blood urea nitrogen levels of 51 to 112 milligrams percent, carbon dioxide binding capacity of 22.4 volume percent, and two negative phenol red excretion tests in the urine.
Image of Guan Mutong
The same situation occurred when the woman's father consumed red beans cooked with Mutong.
After being admitted to the hospital, both patients were treated for acute renal failure and uremia. After improvement of symptoms, they were discharged automatically.
Contraindications of Guan Mutong
It is contraindicated for patients with renal diseases, pregnant women, and newborns. It is generally not suitable for children and the elderly. This medicine should not be used for a long period of time, and regular kidney function tests should be conducted.
