The efficacy and role of realgar: the all-rounder of traditional Chinese medicine

Realgar is a traditional Chinese medicinal material whose main component is arsenic sulfide.Detoxify and kill insects, dry dampness and eliminate phlegm, intercept malariaIt has other effects and is often used to treat sores, swollen poisons, snake and insect bites, malaria and other diseases. Its mechanism of action is related to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, but attention must be paid to its toxicity and use must be strictly followed the doctor's instructions. This article will focus on the medicinal value, usage taboos and modern research of realgar to help readers scientifically understand this ancient medicinal material.

1. Core functions and historical applications of realgar

Realgar has been recorded in traditional Chinese medicine classics for a long time. "Shen Nong's Materia Medica" lists it as a medium-grade medicine, saying it can "kill sperm, evil spirits, and evil spirits." itsDetoxify and kill insectsIts properties make it a commonly used medicine to treat scabies and carbuncle, and external application can relieve insect and snake bites. In addition, realgar can alsoDry dampness and resolve phlegm, often used in combination with cinnabar in ancient prescriptions for epilepsy, convulsions and other diseases. It should be noted that realgar easily decomposes into highly toxic arsenic trioxide when exposed to heat, so it is strictly prohibited to heat or take excessive amounts internally.

2. Verification of the effects of realgar by modern research

In recent years, studies have found that arsenic sulfide in realgar has an inhibitory effect on certain cancer cells, especially inleukemia treatmentshow potential. Experimental data show that realgar extract can induce tumor cell apoptosis (see table below). However, its toxicity is still a double-edged sword and requires further purification or synthesis of low-toxic derivatives. In addition, the antibacterial effect of realgar is still used in external preparations for dermatology, such as being formulated into a plaster to treat eczema.

3. Contraindications and safe alternatives

The toxicity of realgar limits its widespread application.Pregnant women and those with liver and kidney dysfunctionIt is absolutely prohibited, and healthy people should avoid long-term exposure. Modern medicine recommendsArtemisininInstead of realgar to treat malaria, usesulfur ointmentReplace its insecticidal function. If realgar must be used, the dosage should be controlled (Chinese Pharmacopoeia stipulates that the daily dosage should not exceed 0.1g), and avoid taking it with acidic drugs to prevent increased toxicity.

4. A scientific look at the inheritance and innovation of realgar

Realgar embodies the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine of "fighting poison with poison", but a balance needs to be found between traditional experience and modern science. On the one hand, its unique medicinal value deserves in-depth study; on the other hand, it must be passedNanotechnologyorCompatibility and attenuation(If used together with licorice) improve safety. The folk custom of drinking realgar wine during the Dragon Boat Festival has been gradually eliminated, which is a reflection of the progress of scientific cognition.

Quote sources:

1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition

2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica·Shibu"

3. Zhang Boli "Toxicity Theory and Clinical Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine" 2019