WITHDRAWN: Use status and metabolism of realgar in Chinese patent medicine

Realgar is widely used in combination with other herbs as Chinese patent medicine to treat a wide range of diseases in China. It is also a well known arsenical toxicant. Chronic arsenic poisoning events caused by long-term usage of realgar-containing medicines have been reported in literatures. Given to the paradoxical role of realgar, comprehensive outline of its usage status in Chinese patent medicine might provide basal data for evaluating its toxicology risks in populations. Unfortunately, the relevant information is limited. Also, a metabolic process after intake of realgar-containing medicine in humans is poorly understood.