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Jie Liu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a review of Cinnabar hgs and or realgar as4s4 containing traditional medicines
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018Co-Authors: Jie Liu, Jing-zhen Shi, Qi Wang, Lixin Wei, Feng Zhang, George M CherianAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmocological relevance Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. Aim of the review This review uses Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. Materials and methods A literature search on Cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both Cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly Cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. Results Both Cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. Conclusion Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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A review of Cinnabar (HgS) and/or realgar (As4S4)-containing traditional medicines.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2017Co-Authors: Jie Liu, Jing-zhen Shi, Qi Wang, Lixin Wei, Feng Zhang, M. George CherianAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmocological relevance Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. Aim of the review This review uses Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. Materials and methods A literature search on Cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both Cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly Cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. Results Both Cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. Conclusion Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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Role of Cinnabar and realgar of WSHFD in protecting against LPS-induced neurotoxicity.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Feng Zhang, Junwen Yan, Jingshan Shi, Jie LiuAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Wan-Sheng-Hua-Feng-Dan (WSHFD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of neurological disorders. Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As 4 S 4 ) are included in WSHFD. Are they remedies or poisons? Aim of study To investigate the role of Cinnabar and realgar in the protective effects of WSHFD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurotoxicity. Materials and methods Rat primary midbrain neuron-glia cultures were used to explore the effects of WSHFD on LPS-induced dopamine (DA) neurodegeneration. The experiment was randomly divided into control, LPS, LPS + removed (Cinnabar and realgar in WSHFD were removed), LPS + reduced (Cinnabar and realgar in WSHFD were reduced by 65%) and LPS + original (10% Cinnabar and 10% realgar in WSHFD) groups. Dopaminergic neurotoxicity was assessed by [ 3 H]DA uptake assay and the quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. Microglial activation was evaluated using an anti-OX-42 antibody. The release of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. The transcripts and production of pro-inflammatory factors were examined by real-time RT-PCR analysis and ELISA, respectively. Results WSHFD (original) significantly attenuated LPS-induced decrease of DA uptake capacity and TH-positive neuron number, inhibited microglial activation, decreased LPS-induced ROS production, ameliorated LPS-induced elevations of the mRNA expressions of TNFα, iNOS, IL-1β and COX-2 and the subsequent production of TNFα, NO, IL-1β and PGE 2 in neuron-glia cultures. However, WSHFD (removed) and (reduced) failed to protect against LPS-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusion Cinnabar and realgar were active ingredients of WSHFD in producing protective effects against LPS-induced neurotoxicity.
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evaluation of hepatotoxicity potential of Cinnabar containing an gong niu huang wan a patent traditional chinese medicine
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Shixia Liang, Jie Liu, Jingshan Shi, Jiawei MiaoAbstract:An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH) is a patent traditional Chinese medicine for brain disorders. It contains 10% Cinnabar (HgS). Hg is known to produce toxicity to the kidney, brain and liver. Is AGNH safe? Liver is a major organ for drug metabolism, whether the long-term use of AGNH would affect hepatic P450 enzymes is unknown. To address these concerns, mice were given orally Cinnabar (300mg/kg), Cinnabar-containing AGNH daily for 44days, and liver toxicity was examined and compared with that of methylmercury (MeHg, 2.6mg/kg) and mercuric chloride (HgCl(2), 32mg/kg). Serum aminotransferases were increased by MeHg and HgCl(2) only. Histopathology showed more severe liver damage in MeHg- and HgCl(2)-treated mice than in the Cinnabar and AGNH groups. Accumulation of Hg in MeHg- and HgCl(2)-treated mice was 96- and 71-fold higher than controls, respectively, but was only 2-fold after Cinnabar and AGNH administration. Expressions of metallothionein-1 and heme oxygenase-1, biomarkers for Hg toxicity, were increased by MeHg and HgCl(2,) but were not altered in Cinnabar- and AGNH-treated mice. Expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 genes, such as Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1 and Cyp4a10 was increased only after MeHg and HgCl(2), and the expressions of Cyp3a11and Cyp3a25 were increased by all treatments, indicating the potential Hg-drug interactions after long-term use of Cinnabar-containing traditional medicines. Taken together, the results demonstrate that AGNH is much less hepatotoxic than common mercurials, and that the use of total Hg content to evaluate the toxicity of Cinnabar-containing traditional Chinese medicines appears to be inappropriate.
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realgar Cinnabar and an gong niu huang wan are much less chronically nephrotoxic than common arsenicals and mercurials
Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Junwen Yan, Jing-zhen Shi, Jie Liu, Jingshan ShiAbstract:Realgar (As4S4) and Cinnabar (HgS) are frequently included in traditional Chinese medicines and Indian Ayurvedic medicines. Both As and Hg are well known for toxic effects, and their safety is of concern. The aim of this study was to compare chronic nephrotoxicity of An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH), realgar and Cinnabar with common arsenicals and mercurials. Mice were orally administrated with AGNH (3 g/kg, 6-fold of clinical dose), Cinnabar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH) and realgar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH), HgCl2 (0.118 mmol/kg, 1/10 of Cinnabar), MeHg (0.012 mmol/kg, 1/100 of Cinnabar), NaAsO2 (As3+ 0.028 mmol/kg, 1/100 of realgar) or Na2HAsO4 (As5+ 0.056 mmol/kg, 1/50 of realgar), daily for six weeks, and nephrotoxicity was examined. Animal body weights were decreased by MeHg and HgCl2. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were elevated by MeHg. Renal pathology was severe in the MeHg and HgCl2 groups, moderate in the arsenite, arsenate and realgar groups and mild in the Cinnabar and AGNH groups. Renal...
Jingshan Shi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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New insights and rethinking of Cinnabar for chemical and its pharmacological dynamics.
Bioengineered, 2019Co-Authors: Archana Jain, Surendra Sarsaiya, Jingshan ShiAbstract:Cinnabar is an attractive mineral with many different uses. It is reported that Cinnabar is one of the traditional Chinese's medicines extensively use. The main objective of this critical review is to identify the current overview, concept and chemistry of Cinnabar, which includes the process developments, challenges, and diverse options for pharmacology research. It is used as a medicine through probable toxicity, especially when taking overdoes. This review is the first to describe the toxicological effects of Cinnabar and its associated compounds. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) dependent metabolomics could be useful for examination of the pharmaceutical consequence. The analysis indicated that the accurate preparation methods, appropriate doses, disease status, ages with drug combinations are significant factors for impacting the Cinnabar toxicity. Toxicologically, synthetic mercury sulfide or Cinnabar should be notable for mercuric chloride, mercury vapor and methyl mercury for future protection and need several prominent advancements in Cinnabar research.
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Investigation of the differential transport mechanism of Cinnabar and mercury containing compounds.
Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 2018Co-Authors: Yang Wang, Shaoyu Zhou, Jingshan ShiAbstract:Abstract Background Cinnabar has a long history of uses in Chinese traditional medicines as an ingredient in various remedies. However, the detailed mechanism of Cinnabar in medication remains unclear, and the toxicity of Cinnabar has been a debate due to its containing mercury sulfide. This study was designed to investigate the differential transport mechanism of Cinnabar and other Hg-containing compounds HgCl2, MeHg and HgS, and to determine if organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT3 were involved in the differential transport mechanism. Materials and methods The 293T cells were employed to investigate and compare the differential transport mechanism of Cinnabar and HgCl2, MeHg and HgS. Cells were incubated with a low dose (5 μM HgCl2 and MeHg, 200 μM HgS and Cinnabar), medium dose (10 μM HgCl2 and MeHg, 400 μM HgS and Cinnabar), and high dose (20 μM HgCl2 and MeHg, 800 μM HgS and Cinnabar) of HgCl2, MeHg, HgS and Cinnabar for 24 h. Following treatment, the cells were collected and the cell viability was determined by MTT assay. The intracellular mercury content was measured at 1, 4, and 24 h after treatment with 10 μM of the tested agents by an atomic fluorescence spectrophotometer. The effect of these tested agents on mitochondrial respiration was determined in a high-resolution oxygraphyat 24 h following treatment. Furthermore, the effect of modulation of expression of transporters OAT1 and OAT3 on the transport and cytotoxicity of the tested agents was evaluated. The up and down regulation of OAT1 and OAT3 were achieved by overexpression and siRNA transfection, respectively. Results Compared with HgCl2 and MeHg, the cytotoxicity of Cinnabar and HgS was lower, with cell viability at the high dose Cinnabar and HgS being about 65%, while MeHg and HgCl2 were 40% and 20%, respectively. The intracellular mercury accumulation was time-dependent. At 24 h the intracellular concentrations of HgCl2 and MeHg were about 7 and 5 times higher, respectively, than that of Cinnabar. No significant difference was found in the intracellular mercury content in cells treated with Cinnabar compared to HgS. The knockdown and overexpression of the transporter OAT1 resulted in significant reduction and increase, respectively, in mercury accumulation in HgCl2 -treated cells in relative to control cells, while no significant changes were observed in cells treated with Cinnabar, MeHg, and HgS. In addition, the knockdown and overexpression of the transporter OAT3 caused significant reduction and increase, respectively, in mercury accumulation in both HgCl2 and MeHg-treated cells in relative to control cells, while no significant changes were observed in cells treated with Cinnabar and HgS. Furthermore, it was found that cells transfected with siOAT1 caused significant resistance to the cytotoxicity induced by HgCl2, while no noticeable changes in cell viability were observed in cells treated with other tested agents. Additionally, cells transfected with OAT3 did not change cell sensitivity to cytotoxicity induced by all of the four tested agents. Conclusion This study demonstrates that differential transport and accumulation of mercury in 293T cells exists among Cinnabar and the three mercury-containing compounds HgCl2, MeHg and HgS, leading to distinct sensitivity to mercury induced cytotoxicity. The kidney organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT3 are partially involved in the regulation of the transport of HgCl2 and MeHg, but not in the regulation of the transport of Cinnabar.
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Role of Cinnabar and realgar of WSHFD in protecting against LPS-induced neurotoxicity.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Feng Zhang, Junwen Yan, Jingshan Shi, Jie LiuAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Wan-Sheng-Hua-Feng-Dan (WSHFD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of neurological disorders. Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As 4 S 4 ) are included in WSHFD. Are they remedies or poisons? Aim of study To investigate the role of Cinnabar and realgar in the protective effects of WSHFD on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neurotoxicity. Materials and methods Rat primary midbrain neuron-glia cultures were used to explore the effects of WSHFD on LPS-induced dopamine (DA) neurodegeneration. The experiment was randomly divided into control, LPS, LPS + removed (Cinnabar and realgar in WSHFD were removed), LPS + reduced (Cinnabar and realgar in WSHFD were reduced by 65%) and LPS + original (10% Cinnabar and 10% realgar in WSHFD) groups. Dopaminergic neurotoxicity was assessed by [ 3 H]DA uptake assay and the quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. Microglial activation was evaluated using an anti-OX-42 antibody. The release of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified via the DCFH-DA probe. The transcripts and production of pro-inflammatory factors were examined by real-time RT-PCR analysis and ELISA, respectively. Results WSHFD (original) significantly attenuated LPS-induced decrease of DA uptake capacity and TH-positive neuron number, inhibited microglial activation, decreased LPS-induced ROS production, ameliorated LPS-induced elevations of the mRNA expressions of TNFα, iNOS, IL-1β and COX-2 and the subsequent production of TNFα, NO, IL-1β and PGE 2 in neuron-glia cultures. However, WSHFD (removed) and (reduced) failed to protect against LPS-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusion Cinnabar and realgar were active ingredients of WSHFD in producing protective effects against LPS-induced neurotoxicity.
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evaluation of hepatotoxicity potential of Cinnabar containing an gong niu huang wan a patent traditional chinese medicine
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Shixia Liang, Jie Liu, Jingshan Shi, Jiawei MiaoAbstract:An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH) is a patent traditional Chinese medicine for brain disorders. It contains 10% Cinnabar (HgS). Hg is known to produce toxicity to the kidney, brain and liver. Is AGNH safe? Liver is a major organ for drug metabolism, whether the long-term use of AGNH would affect hepatic P450 enzymes is unknown. To address these concerns, mice were given orally Cinnabar (300mg/kg), Cinnabar-containing AGNH daily for 44days, and liver toxicity was examined and compared with that of methylmercury (MeHg, 2.6mg/kg) and mercuric chloride (HgCl(2), 32mg/kg). Serum aminotransferases were increased by MeHg and HgCl(2) only. Histopathology showed more severe liver damage in MeHg- and HgCl(2)-treated mice than in the Cinnabar and AGNH groups. Accumulation of Hg in MeHg- and HgCl(2)-treated mice was 96- and 71-fold higher than controls, respectively, but was only 2-fold after Cinnabar and AGNH administration. Expressions of metallothionein-1 and heme oxygenase-1, biomarkers for Hg toxicity, were increased by MeHg and HgCl(2,) but were not altered in Cinnabar- and AGNH-treated mice. Expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 genes, such as Cyp1a1, Cyp1b1 and Cyp4a10 was increased only after MeHg and HgCl(2), and the expressions of Cyp3a11and Cyp3a25 were increased by all treatments, indicating the potential Hg-drug interactions after long-term use of Cinnabar-containing traditional medicines. Taken together, the results demonstrate that AGNH is much less hepatotoxic than common mercurials, and that the use of total Hg content to evaluate the toxicity of Cinnabar-containing traditional Chinese medicines appears to be inappropriate.
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realgar Cinnabar and an gong niu huang wan are much less chronically nephrotoxic than common arsenicals and mercurials
Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Junwen Yan, Jing-zhen Shi, Jie Liu, Jingshan ShiAbstract:Realgar (As4S4) and Cinnabar (HgS) are frequently included in traditional Chinese medicines and Indian Ayurvedic medicines. Both As and Hg are well known for toxic effects, and their safety is of concern. The aim of this study was to compare chronic nephrotoxicity of An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH), realgar and Cinnabar with common arsenicals and mercurials. Mice were orally administrated with AGNH (3 g/kg, 6-fold of clinical dose), Cinnabar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH) and realgar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH), HgCl2 (0.118 mmol/kg, 1/10 of Cinnabar), MeHg (0.012 mmol/kg, 1/100 of Cinnabar), NaAsO2 (As3+ 0.028 mmol/kg, 1/100 of realgar) or Na2HAsO4 (As5+ 0.056 mmol/kg, 1/50 of realgar), daily for six weeks, and nephrotoxicity was examined. Animal body weights were decreased by MeHg and HgCl2. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were elevated by MeHg. Renal pathology was severe in the MeHg and HgCl2 groups, moderate in the arsenite, arsenate and realgar groups and mild in the Cinnabar and AGNH groups. Renal...
Qi Wang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Different proteomic profiles of Cinnabar upon therapeutic and toxic exposure reveal distinctive biological manifestations
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2020Co-Authors: Mimi Yang, Qi Wang, Li-chao Wang, Tao Zhang, An Zhu, Yuqing Sun, Jingwei Zhao, Dan Liu, Kewu ZengAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Cinnabar, a traditional Chinese mineral medicine with sedative and tranquilizing effects, is known to be toxic to the neural system, but its detailed pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms are still unclear. Aim of the study This study aimed to explore the potential neuropharmacological and neurotoxicological mechanisms of Cinnabar by investigating the differentially expressed proteins in cerebral cortices of mice exposed to therapeutic and toxic doses of Cinnabar. Materials and methods Label-free quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics analysis were used to characterize the proteins, pathways, and potential targets associated with therapeutic (50 mg/kg) and toxic (1000 mg/kg) doses of Cinnabar in cerebral cortices of mice. Proteomic analysis was verified by parallel reaction monitoring. Results A total of 6370 and 6299 proteins were identified in the cerebral cortices of mice after exposure to therapeutic and toxic doses of Cinnabar, among which 130 and 119 proteins were differentially expressed, respectively. Functional/pathway enrichment analysis showed that both exposure doses of Cinnabar could affect transport processes in the cerebral cortex through different proteins. The changes induced by the therapeutic dose included pathways involved in translation and sphingolipid metabolism. Interestingly, for the toxic dose, differentially expressed proteins were enriched for functions and pathways related to RNA splicing, transcription, synaptic plasticity regulation and developmental processes, among which RNA splicing was the most significantly affected function. ATP6V1D and CX3CL1 were shown to be possible key proteins affected by Cinnabar, leading to multiple functional changes in the cerebral cortex at the therapeutic and toxic doses, respectively. Furthermore, Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis predicted LRRK2 to be a potential therapeutic target and FTase to be a potential toxic target for Cinnabar. Conclusion Our results suggest that the pathways and potential targets identified in the mouse cerebral cortex exposed to therapeutic and toxic doses of Cinnabar are different, which provides novel insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological and toxicological effects of Cinnabar.
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a review of Cinnabar hgs and or realgar as4s4 containing traditional medicines
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018Co-Authors: Jie Liu, Jing-zhen Shi, Qi Wang, Lixin Wei, Feng Zhang, George M CherianAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmocological relevance Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. Aim of the review This review uses Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. Materials and methods A literature search on Cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both Cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly Cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. Results Both Cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. Conclusion Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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A review of Cinnabar (HgS) and/or realgar (As4S4)-containing traditional medicines.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2017Co-Authors: Jie Liu, Jing-zhen Shi, Qi Wang, Lixin Wei, Feng Zhang, M. George CherianAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmocological relevance Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. Aim of the review This review uses Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. Materials and methods A literature search on Cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both Cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly Cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. Results Both Cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. Conclusion Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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Cinnabar is different from mercuric chloride in mercury absorption and influence on the brain serotonin level.
Basic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology, 2013Co-Authors: Qi Wang, Xiao-da Yang, Xiu-wei Yang, Baoxu Zhang, Kui WangAbstract:The toxicity of Cinnabar, a naturally occurring mercury sulphide (HgS), has long been referred to soluble mercury chloride (HgCl2). To investigate whether the speciation of mercury plays a role in its disposition and toxicity, we hereby investigated and compared Cinnabar with soluble HgCl2 and pure insoluble HgS in mice on mercury absorption, tissue distribution and in relation to the biological effects. The male C57BL/6J mice were treated by oral administration of various doses of Cinnabar, with 0.01 g/kg of HgCl2 for comparison, or the same dose of Cinnabar or pure HgS (0.1 g/kg), once a day for 10 consecutive days. The total mercury contents in serum and tissue (brain, kidney, liver) were measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometer (AFS). The biological effects investigated involved monoamine neurotransmitters (serotonin, 5-HT) in brain as an indicator of therapeutic function, and serum alanine transaminase (ALT) as a marker of hepatic damage, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine as markers for renal function. The mercury absorption of Cinnabar or HgS was much less than that of HgCl2. The mercury levels in brains of the Cinnabar group were only slightly changed and kept in a steady-state with the dose elevated. Cinnabar or HgS suppressed brain 5-HT levels. HgCl2 could not cause any changes in brain 5-HT although the mercury level increased considerably. The results revealed that Cinnabar or HgS is markedly different from HgCl2 in mercury absorption, tissue distribution and influence on brain 5-HT levels, which suggests that the pharmacological and/or toxicological effects of Cinnabar undertake other pathways from mercuric ions.
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Cinnabar is not converted into methylmercury by human intestinal bacteria
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2011Co-Authors: Xinrui Zhou, Qi Wang, Liming Wang, Xinming Sun, Xiu-wei Yang, Chunying Chen, Xiao-da YangAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Cinnabar (Cin), a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), is a mineral widely used in traditional Chinese medicine throughout history. As for the toxicity of Cinnabar, one important assumption is that Cinnabar may be transformed into highly toxic methylmercury by gastrointestinal flora. There is no evidence in humans to support this assumption. Aim of the study To investigate the biotransformation of Cinnabar (HgS) in the human intestinal bacteria with modern analytical techniques. Materials and methods A gas chromatograph, equipped with electron capture detection (GC-ECD) and mass spectrometry (GC–MS), were used to detect the formation of methylmercury after incubation of Cinnabar with human intestinal bacteria. The content of soluble mercury in the bacteria media was determined by cold vapor-atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). In addition, X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) was used to confirm the possible transformation of Cinnabar in the bacteria media, and under mimetic intestinal condition by measuring the species of sulfur and mercury in the reaction extraction of Cinnabar and Na2S mixture. Results No methylmercury was detected by both GC-ECD and GC–MS, which suggest that Cinnabar (HgS) is not methylated in the human intestine. A small amount of soluble mercury was found to be released in the flora medium of HgS or Cinnabar by CV-AAS. The XANES analyses revealed that polysulfides exist in the flora medium, and the simulated results showed that the products by incubating Cinnabar with Na2S were mercuric polysulfides. Conclusion These results showed that under gut flora conditions Cinnabar would be transformed into mercuric polysulfides rather than methylmercury. Our work provides evidences of nontoxic transformation of Cinnabar in the human intestinal bacteria.
Jing-zhen Shi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a review of Cinnabar hgs and or realgar as4s4 containing traditional medicines
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018Co-Authors: Jie Liu, Jing-zhen Shi, Qi Wang, Lixin Wei, Feng Zhang, George M CherianAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmocological relevance Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. Aim of the review This review uses Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. Materials and methods A literature search on Cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both Cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly Cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. Results Both Cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. Conclusion Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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A review of Cinnabar (HgS) and/or realgar (As4S4)-containing traditional medicines.
Journal of ethnopharmacology, 2017Co-Authors: Jie Liu, Jing-zhen Shi, Qi Wang, Lixin Wei, Feng Zhang, M. George CherianAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmocological relevance Herbo-metallic preparations have a long history in the treatment of diseases, and are still used today for refractory diseases, as adjuncts to standard therapy, or for economic reasons in developing countries. Aim of the review This review uses Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) as mineral examples to discuss their occurrence, therapeutic use, pharmacology, toxicity in traditional medicine mixtures, and research perspectives. Materials and methods A literature search on Cinnabar and realgar from PubMed, Chinese pharmacopeia, Google and other sources was carried out. Traditional medicines containing both Cinnabar and realgar (An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan, Hua-Feng-Dan); mainly Cinnabar (Zhu-Sha-An-Shen Wan; Zuotai and Dangzuo), and mainly realgar (Huang-Dai Pian; Liu-Shen Wan; Niu-Huang-Jie-Du) are discussed. Results Both Cinnabar and realgar used in traditional medicines are subjected to special preparation procedures to remove impurities. Metals in these traditional medicines are in the sulfide forms which are different from environmental mercurials (HgCl2, MeHg) or arsenicals (NaAsO2, NaH2AsO4). Cinnabar and/or realgar are seldom used alone, but rather as mixtures with herbs and/or animal products in traditional medicines. Advanced technologies are now used to characterize these preparations. The bioaccessibility, absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of these herbo-metallic preparations are different from environmental metals. The rationale of including metals in traditional remedies and their interactions with drugs need to be justified. At higher therapeutic doses, balance of the benefits and risks is critical. Surveillance of patients using these herbo-metallic preparations is desired. Conclusion Chemical forms of mercury and arsenic are a major determinant of their disposition, efficacy and toxicity, and the use of total Hg and As alone for risk assessment of metals in traditional medicines is insufficient.
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Safety evaluation of realgar-and Cinnabar-containing traditional Chinese medicine
Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica, 2011Co-Authors: Jing-zhen Shi, Liu JAbstract:Realgar (90% of AS4S4) and Cinnabar (96% of HgS) have been used in traditional Chinese medicines for thousands of years. Both arsenic and mercury are well-known for toxic effects and the safety of realgar-and Cinnabar-containing traditional Chinese medicines is of concern. It is considered that any intentional use of known toxic metals in medicine is an unacceptable risk, while an opposing opinion presumes that realgar and Cinnabar have clear pharmacological action with tolerable side effects. This review summarized the progress of toxicological study on realgar-and cinnbar-containing traditional Chinese medicines.
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realgar Cinnabar and an gong niu huang wan are much less chronically nephrotoxic than common arsenicals and mercurials
Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2011Co-Authors: Junwen Yan, Jing-zhen Shi, Jie Liu, Jingshan ShiAbstract:Realgar (As4S4) and Cinnabar (HgS) are frequently included in traditional Chinese medicines and Indian Ayurvedic medicines. Both As and Hg are well known for toxic effects, and their safety is of concern. The aim of this study was to compare chronic nephrotoxicity of An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH), realgar and Cinnabar with common arsenicals and mercurials. Mice were orally administrated with AGNH (3 g/kg, 6-fold of clinical dose), Cinnabar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH) and realgar (0.3 g/kg, amount in AGNH), HgCl2 (0.118 mmol/kg, 1/10 of Cinnabar), MeHg (0.012 mmol/kg, 1/100 of Cinnabar), NaAsO2 (As3+ 0.028 mmol/kg, 1/100 of realgar) or Na2HAsO4 (As5+ 0.056 mmol/kg, 1/50 of realgar), daily for six weeks, and nephrotoxicity was examined. Animal body weights were decreased by MeHg and HgCl2. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were elevated by MeHg. Renal pathology was severe in the MeHg and HgCl2 groups, moderate in the arsenite, arsenate and realgar groups and mild in the Cinnabar and AGNH groups. Renal...
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realgar and Cinnabar containing an gong niu huang wan agnh is much less acutely toxic than sodium arsenite and mercuric chloride
Chemico-Biological Interactions, 2011Co-Authors: Junwen Yan, Jing-zhen Shi, Jie Liu, Jingshan ShiAbstract:Abstract An-Gong-Niu-Huang Wan (AGNH) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine used for brain trauma, hemorrhage, and coma. AGNH contains 10% realgar (As 4 S 4 ) and 10% Cinnabar (HgS). Both As and Hg are well-known for their toxic effects, and the safety of AGNH is of concern. To address this question, the acute toxicity of AGNH, realgar and Cinnabar were compared to sodium arsenite (NaAsO 2 ) and mercuric chloride (HgCl 2 ). Mice were administrated orally AGNH at 1, 3 and 6 g/kg. AGNH at 3 g/kg contains 2.8 mmol As/kg as realgar and 1.18 mmol Hg/kg as Cinnabar. Realgar, Cinnabar, arsenite (0.28 mmol/kg, 10% of realgar) and HgCl 2 (0.256 mmol/kg, 20% of Cinnabar) were orally given to mice for comparison. Blood and tissues were collected 8 h later for toxicity evaluation. Serum alanine aminotransferase was increased by arsenite and blood urea nitrogen was increased by HgCl 2 . Total As accumulation after arsenite in liver (100-fold) and kidney (13-fold) was much higher than that after realgar. The accumulation of Hg after HgCl 2 in liver was 400-fold higher and kidney 30-fold higher than after Cinnabar. Histopathology showed moderate liver and kidney injuries after arsenite and HgCl 2 , but injuries were mild or absent after AGNH, realgar, and Cinnabar. The expression of metallothionein-1, a biomarker of metal exposure, was increased 4–10-fold by arsenite and HgCl 2 , but was unchanged by AGNH, realgar and Cinnabar. Thus, AGNH, realgar and Cinnabar are much less toxic acutely than arsenite and HgCl 2 . The chemical forms of As and Hg are extremely important factors in determining their disposition and toxicity.
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metabolic profiling analysis of the alleviation effect of treatment with baicalin on Cinnabar induced toxicity in rats urine and serum
Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017Co-Authors: Gang Chen, Haifeng Wang, Yuehu PeiAbstract:Objectives Baicalin is the main bioactive flavonoid constituent isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The mechanisms of protection of liver remain unclear. In this study, 1H NMR-based metabonomics approach has been used to investigate the alleviation effect of Baicalin. Method 1H NMR metabolomics analyses of urine and serum from rats, was performed to illuminate the alleviation effect of Baicalin on mineral medicine (Cinnabar)-induced liver and kidney toxicity. Results The metabolic profiles of groups receiving Baicalin at a dose of 80 mg/kg were remarkably different from Cinnabar, and meanwhile, the level of endogenous metabolites returned to normal compared to group Cinnabar. PLS-DA scores plots demonstrated that the variation tendency of control and Baicalein are apart from Cinnabar. The metabolic profiles of group Baicalein were similar to those of group control. Statistics results were confirmed by the histopathological examination and biochemical assay. Conclusion Baicalin have the detoxification effects to the liver and kidney damage induced by Cinnabar. The Baicalin could regulate endogenous metabolites associated with the energy metabolism, choline metabolism, amino acid metabolism and gut flora.
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1h nmr based metabonomics of the protective effect of curcuma longa and curcumin on Cinnabar induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats
Journal of Functional Foods, 2015Co-Authors: Haifeng Wang, Gang Chen, Jiao Bai, Yuehu PeiAbstract:Abstract Curcuma longa is a perennial herb that is widely cultivated extensively in Asia and Africa. Curcumin is a major constituent of C. longa. A metabonomics approach based on high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the toxicity protective effects of C. longa and curcumin in rats under Cinnabar induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to identify different metabolic profiles of urine and serum from rats. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis were also performed. The significant difference in metabolic profiling of urine and serum of the rats was observed among Cinnabar treated group, control group, co administration of C. longa and Cinnabar, co administration of curcumin and Cinnabar group. The results suggested that C. longa and curcumin have the effective protection function through regulating the energy metabolism, intestinal microflora and amino acid metabolism to the liver and kidney injury induced by Cinnabar.
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a metabolic profiling analysis of the acute hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of zhusha anshen wan compared with Cinnabar in rats using 1h nmr spectroscopy
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2013Co-Authors: Haifeng Wang, Gang Chen, Jiao Bai, Rongwu Xiang, Yuehu PeiAbstract:Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Zhusha Anshen Wan (ZSASW), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription, composed of Cinnabar (Cinnabaris), Coptidis Rhizoma (Coptis chinensis French.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Angelica sinensis (oliv.) Diels), uncooked Rehmanniae Radix (Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch.), honey fried Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), has been widely used for sedative therapy. Cinnabar, the chief component of ZSASW, has been proved to possess the toxicities. Aim of the study In this study, a metabonomics approach based on high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the protective effects of ZSASW on the toxic effects induced by Cinnabar alone. Materials and methods Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, ZSASW group and Cinnabar group. Partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was performed to identify different metabolic profiles of urine and serum from rats. Liver and kidney histopathology examinations and serum clinical chemistry analysis were also performed. Results The significant difference in metabolic profiling of urine and serum of the rats was observed between Cinnabar treated group, control group, and the changes of endogenous metabolites related to the toxicities were identified. The results were also certified by the liver and kidney histopathology examinations and biochemical analysis of blood. Conclusion Our results suggested that the four combined herbal medicines of ZSASW had the effects of protecting from the toxicity induced by Cinnabar alone. This work showed that the NMR-based metabonomics approach might be a promising approach to study detoxification of Chinese medicines and reasonable combination of TCM prescriptions.