Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Feb; 24(2): 84-6, 125.

[Assay of aluminum content in alum and alum-processed medicinal herbs and its distribution in blood and brain in mice]

Wu Y, Zhou Z, Xiong Y, Wang Y, Sun J.

Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700.

OBJECTIVE: To assay the aluminum content in alum and some Chinese medicinal herbs processed with alum, and compare the aluminum distribution of these herbs in blood and brain in mice. METHOD: Aluminum content of the herbs was assayed with spectrophotometry, snd aluminum distribution in blood and brain was assayed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Aluminum content in alum was found higher than that in the alum-processed herbs. Aluminum distribution in blood and brain after oral administration at equimolecular doses, equivalent to 5.7 mg/kg of metal Al, was studied in mice, and no significant differences were observed. CONCLUSION: Aluminum distribution in blood and brain in mice is related to the dosages of aluminum administered and has little to do with the kind of herbs used. All these medicinal herbs do not improve the absorption of aluminum in mice.