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| Litharge |
Beside of
medicine, it is still used for manufacturing white lead paint, lead soap,
cosolvent in metallurgy, paint driers, ceramic materials, rubber vulcanization
accelerators, pesticides, and so on. Medicinally it is usually used externally.
And pharmacological studies have confirmed that it could kill skin fungus,
reduce inflammation, protect ulcer surface, reduce mucus secretion, etc.
Actually its health benefits on fading dark spots has been discovered for so
long – Tang Ben Cao (Tang Materia Medica) says that it can be used as scar
removing creams and the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing Shu (Commentary on ‘Shen Nong’s
Classic of the Materia Medica) claims that it is good at healing
metal-inflicted wound and removing acne scars from face. Accordingly, today
many ancient beauty recipes still exist. For instance, the formula of Yu Rong
San (fair face powder) alone, there are a few different versions. So to speak,
it is one of the best dark spots removers you can find these days.
Modern pharmacological actions of lead oxide
1. In vitro
2% litharge cream inhibits Trichophyton, Trichophyton violaceum, Trichophyton
rubrum and some spore bacteria;
2. In vitro
4% litharge cream shows inhibition on Epidermophyton floccosum, trichophyton
gypseum, Trichophyton schoenleinii and its Mongolia variant, and so on;
3. Its water
extract (1:3) in vitro has different degrees of inhibition on a variety of skin
fungi;
4. For
external use it can reduce inflammation;
5. 1:3
infusion in vitro shows inhibition on skin fungi like Trichophyton violaceum
and spore bacteria.
Selected litharge formulas on herbal
remedies
According to
Quan Guo Zhong Cao Yao Hui Bian (National Collection of Chinese Herbal Drugs),
it is salty and acrid in flavor and neutral and poisonous in nature. Prime
functions include eliminating dampness, killing parasites, and healing sores.
And primary litharge uses and indications are eczema, scabies, ringworm, armpit
odor, and non-healing burst sores. It is usually used externally only in the
forms of powder or paste.
2. Tuo Seng
San from Dong Tian Ao Zhi (Profound Essence of the Heaven). It is formulated
with Qing Fen (calomel), Shi Gao (Gypsum), and alum to cure athlete’s foot.
3. Shen Xiao
Wan from Yu Ju Shi Xuan Qi Fang (odd-ingredient prescriptions chosen by lay
Buddhist Yu). It is made into pills to consumptive thirst.
4. Tuo Seng
San from Pu Ji Fang (Prescriptions of Universal Relief). It is put together
with Pu Huang (cattail pollen), Huang Bai (Amur Cork Tree), and Gan Cao
(Licorice Root) for the treatment of tongue and mouth sores.
5. Yu Rong
San from Qian Jin Yao Fang (Thousand Golden Essential Prescriptions). It is
used along with Bai Fu Zi (Typhonium Rhizome), Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Fu Ling
(Poria), and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Root) for moistening face and
removing acne scars from face.
Litharge side effects and
contraindications
Litharge is poisonous and oral administration is
allowed only under the supervision of a physician. Long term use of it can
result in lead poisoning. So, caution should be taken when taking it orally and
overdose should be avoided by all means. In addition, it shouldn’t be used in
the weak, pregnant women, and children.
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