1 Introduction Realgar, a mineral-based traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) containing arsenic, has been used in China for more than 2000 years.[1, 2] Several classic prescriptions, such as Angong Niuhuang pills for stroke treatment, Niuhuang Jiedu tablets for clearing heat and removing toxins, and Paediatric Zhi Baodan, all contain different doses of realgar.[3] However, the persistent traditional belief that “TCM has no toxic side effects” leads some individuals to misuse realgar-containing...
