Compatibility of Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets Results in Attenuated Arsenic Bioaccumulation and Consequent Protection against Realgar-Induced Toxicity in Mice

Abstract

Niuhuang Jiedu Tablets (NJT) is a popular over-the-counter traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparation. It is composed of realgar (As2S2) and seven other TCMs. The safety of NJT is of growing concern because arsenic (As) is carcinogenic to humans. The toxicity of realgar in vivo can mainly be attributed to the absorbed and accumulated As. This study investigated the correlation between the detoxification effects of the other TCMs in NJT on realgar and their influences on arsenic accumulation of realgar in mice. Histopathological examination, clinical biochemical test, and metabolic profiling analysis were used to evaluate the toxicity of realgar. The concentration of arsenic in mice whole blood as the hazard indicator was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The compatibility of NJT could decrease arsenic bioaccumulation of realgar in mice whole blood and consequently reduce the toxicity of realgar, which could be considered as one detoxification mechanism to realgar in NJT. The combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Platycodonis Radix, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma exhibited almost the same effects as NJT in regulating the serum biochemical parameters and metabolic profiles disturbed by realgar and in reducing arsenic accumulation of realgar in mice whole blood.

Comparative pharmacokinetics and urinary excretion of arsenic and mercury after oral administration of realgar, cinnabar and AnGongNiuHuang Pill to rats

“…Urinary excretion was not the dominant excretion pathway of arsenic and mercury, and most of them excreted in feces in the form of As 2 S 2 and HgS without metabolic transformation (Wu et al, 2022;Zhao et al, 2022). As reported, realgar-containing TCMs significantly inhibited the absorption of arsenic and promoted its excretion, which was responsible for the toxicity-reducing effect (Xu et al, 2022). More than 90.20 and 82.83% of mercury were excreted in rat feces within 24 h after treatment of cinnabar and AGNHP, respectively (Li et al, 2006).…”

Rapid analysis of the chemical constituents of traditional Tibetan medicine Sbyor‐bzo‐ghi‐wang using ballpoint electrospray ionization technique

“…[3][4][5] Simultaneously, Sbyor-bzo-ghi-wang is also an important component of various traditional Tibetan medicine prescriptions (TTMPs). [6][7][8] Those TTMPs are used to treat central nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other related diseases. Sbyor-bzo-ghi-wang is rare and expensive, leading to counterfeit in the market.…”

“…Current studies indicate that Sbyor‐bzo‐ghi‐wang has many pharmacological effects, as it is useful to treat stroke and prostate cancer, relieves phlegm, possesses anti‐inflammatory properties, and treats dizziness and epilepsy 3–5 . Simultaneously, Sbyor‐bzo‐ghi‐wang is also an important component of various traditional Tibetan medicine prescriptions (TTMPs) 6–8 . Those TTMPs are used to treat central nervous system, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other related diseases.…”