Warning of poisoning when using safflower seed powder to treat stomach and colon diseases

Sang seeds – Illustration from the Internet

According to the Thanh Hoa Department of Health, the department recently received information from Bach Mai Hospital about a patient with an address in Hau Loc district (Thanh Hoa) who was severely poisoned after using sang seed powder.

Through inspection and review by the Department of Health in Hau Loc district, the demand for sang seeds is currently increasing rapidly because of the information spread that this seed has the effect of curing stomach and colon diseases. Some individuals and households in the district have bought sang seeds to grind, process and sell to consumers in and outside the province through many methods (mainly online sales).

According to medical documents, there is not enough scientific basis to prove that sang seeds are effective in treating stomach and colon diseases.

The analysis results of the samples collected by the Thanh Hoa Department of Health showed that the seeds and seed powder at some facilities in Hau Loc district all contained two active ingredients, strychnine and brucin. These are active ingredients found in the Strychnine plant, which is on the list of poisonous medicinal herbs (raw Strychnine seeds are in group A, Strychnine seeds used to make medicine are in group B).

The production, circulation and use of medicinal herbs must be carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health and professional instructions, and must be designated by a person with sufficient qualifications and practice certificates as prescribed.

Therefore, the production, preparation, trading, and purchase of products floating on the market, of unknown origin, processed from seeds to advertise their uses, and sold to users as medicine to treat stomach and colon diseases is not in accordance with the law.

To ensure people's health and safety, Thanh Hoa Department of Health requests People's Committees of districts, towns and cities to increase propaganda for people not to use floating products from seeds.

Strengthen inspection and supervision of business and processing establishments (grinding nuts) in the area; do not participate in the production, processing, and trading of nut products for medical purposes.

Sang seeds are also known as Sanh seeds, are small in size, shaped like buttons, and have a bitter taste. These seeds are mainly collected by people from the forest to sell. Sang seeds are harvested from November to April every year.

Yellow seeds have yellow insides. White seeds have white insides, which turn dark brown when ripe.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/canh-bao-ngo-doc-khi-su-dung-bot-hat-sang-chua-benh-da-day-dai-trang-20250104145758339.htm