Wang et al. 2021 — AGNH protects against cinnabar and realgar toxicity in mice
Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) are mercury and arsenic sulfide minerals used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations. This study investigates whether AGNH (a herbal preparation) can attenuate the hepatorenal toxicity induced by these mineral-based TCM ingredients, measuring Hg and As species in liver and kidney tissue of dosed mice using IC-ICP-MS (ion chromatography coupled to ICP-MS). The paper provides quantitative data on Hg and As tissue concentrations following oral administration of HgS and As4S4, directly relevant to supplement safety assessment.
Key numbers
- Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As4S4) were administered orally to ICR mice.
- Tissue concentrations of Hg, As(III), and As(V) measured in liver and kidney by IC-ICP-MS.
- The hepatorenal toxicity markers (ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine) and oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, MDA, GSH) showed significant elevation in cinnabar/realgar groups vs controls.
- AGNH co-treatment significantly reduced tissue Hg and As accumulation and attenuated organ damage markers.
- Specific tissue concentration values (ppb dry weight) reported for liver and kidney Hg and As(III)/As(V) in treatment groups; cinnabar group showed elevated inorganic Hg; realgar group showed both As(III) and As(V) with As(III) predominant.
Methods (brief)
IC-ICP-MS for Hg and arsenic species (As(III), As(V)) in liver and kidney tissue homogenates; anion exchange chromatography for arsenic speciation. Standard toxicological endpoints: organ index, histopathology (H&E), serum biochemistry (ALT, AST, BUN, Cr), oxidative stress panel (SOD, MDA, GSH-Px, CAT). Oral gavage dosing in ICR mice.
Implications
Certification: Directly relevant to supplement safety. Cinnabar and realgar are intentional TCM ingredients delivering Hg and As; this study quantifies tissue burden and toxicity thresholds. HMT&C assessments of TCM-derived supplements or herbal formulas should screen for these mineral ingredients.
Courses: Illustrates that “natural” minerals in herbal supplements can deliver substantial inorganic Hg and As loads; relevant to training on supplement ingredient risk assessment.
App: TCM supplements containing cinnabar or realgar should be flagged as high-Hg and high-As sources even when marketed as “natural.”