Mercury in traditional Tibetan medicine-panacea or problem?

Abstract

Symptoms of mercury toxicity, biochemical changes, and blood/urine mercury levels were evaluated in a small group of patients. Six patients attending Delek Hospital, Dharamsala, India, taking mercury-containing traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) (Group I), were compared with three patients taking non-mercury containing TTM (Group II) and healthy volunteers (Group III). Quantitative estimation of mercury ingestion based on chemical analysis was compared with US regulatory standards. Results: Group I were significantly older (mean 55 years9 / SE 6.4) range 26-69 years, than Group II (26.7 years±SE 5) range 17-34 years and Group III (32.5 years±SE 0.5) range 33-34 years (P=0.05). Group I took TTM on average for 51 months and had a mean of 2.5 non-specific, mercury-related symptoms. Group I had higher mean diastolic pressures (85 mmHg) than Group II (73 mmHg) (P=0.06) and more loose teeth. Mean daily mercury intake for Group I was 674 mg, estimated as 10 mg/kg per day. (Established reference dose for chronic oral exposure: 0.3 mg/kg per day.) Blood mercury levels were non-detectable, but mean urinary mercury levels for Group I were 67 mg/L (EPA levels < 20 mg/L). Renal and liver function tests were not significantly different between groups and within normal clinical range. Conclusions: Prolonged ingestion of mercury containing TTM is associated with absent blood levels, but relatively high urinary levels. Further studies are needed to evaluate toxicity and therapeutic potential.