Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix

Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix is the dried roots of Euphorbia pekinensis (EP) Rupr., which belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family. Pharmacological investigations demonstrated that its extract exhibited a variety of biological effects, including possess cytotoxic, antivirus, and anti-inflammatory activity. However, it is considered as a toxic herb in Chinese medicine. Glycyrrhizae Radix, the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU) Fisch, or G. glabra L., or G. inflata Bat., Leguminosae, is one of the oldest and most popular herbal medicines in the world, and it is recorded in the pharmacopeias of many Asian and European countries, including China, Japan, and the UK. Extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it appears as a component herb in approximately 60% of all TCM prescriptions  because most TCM practitioners in ancient and modern times commonly believe that Glycyrrhizae Radix may harmonize and modify other herbs. However, according to TCM theories, Euphorbiae Pekinensis and Glycyrrhizae Radix are prohibited to be used together in TCM clinics, which has been recorded in each edition of Chinese Pharmacopeia. From the previous reports, the side effects of this herb–herb interaction might be classified into three types including acute and predictable reactions, idiosyncratic reactions and cumulative, chronic, or delayed toxicity. Until now, the mechanism of this herb–herb interaction remains unclear

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John
Editorial Assistant
Journal of Clinical Toxicology