Two Cases of Lead Poisoning due to Herb Medicinal Pills / 소아과

We encountered two children with lead poisoning who were administered herb medicinal pills recommended by their clergyman. These patients presented anemia and severe coliky abdominal pain, but no neurologic symptoms. For this reason, they were initially misdiagnosed with gastrointestinal hemorrhagic disease. However, we got a clue that they took herb medicinal pills. Finally, based on the assay of blood lead level, we made a correct diagnosis of lead poisoning in these patients. These patients underwent chelating therapy. Subsequently, the concentration of blood lead was decreased. Finally, we drew a conclusion that the possibility of lead poisoning must be considered in children who complained of colicky abdominal pain accompanying anemia. Here, we report two pediatric cases of lead poisoning with a review of literature.

Effect of Chinese Medicinal Herbs on Human Scalp Hair Growth in Vitro / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To study the effect of Chinese herbs on human scalp hair growth in vitro. Methods Organ culture of human scalp hair follicles was used to study the effects of extracts of Crataegus cuneata, Ligustrum lucidum, Polyporus umbelatus and Bletilla striata mixture and ginseng saponin on hair growth. Results Low doses of mixture extracts(1.28 ?g/mL and 6.4 ?g/mL) markedly enhanced the hair growth and lengthened the period of hair growth, while high doses of mixture extracts(4 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL) sharply inhibited hair growth and shortened the period of hair growth. High doses of ginseng saponin (40 ?g/mL and 200 ?g/mL) also had an inhibiting effect on hair growth. Conclusion This observation suggests that extracts of Crataegus cuneata, Ligustrum lucidum, Polyporus umbelatus and Bletilla striata mixture can promote hair growth in vitro.