Analysis of the Components in Moxa Smoke by GC‐MS and Preliminary Discussion on Its Toxicity and Side Effects

Abstract

Moxibustion plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of diseases and the promotion of human health. In this study, the components in moxa smoke from Jiangxi Poai Biotechnology Co., Ltd., namely, Qing moxa sticks, were absorbed by five solvents (cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, anhydrous ethanol, and water) and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The identification results of the smoke from the Qing moxa sticks that was absorbed in liquid are as follows: a total of 294 compounds were identified, including 139 in cyclohexane, 145 in ethyl acetate, 60 in n-butanol, 89 in anhydrous ethanol, and 77 in water, and of those, 112 toxic compounds were identified. Furthermore, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software and the PubChem database were successfully applied to analyze the toxic compounds. There were 812 target proteins related to the toxic components, 25 molecular networks, and 54 biological pathways. The results showed that the toxic compounds of moxa smoke may have some side effects on the heart, liver, and kidney of humans. This study revealed that the components of moxa smoke are complex and diverse. Due to the findings of toxic compounds in moxa smoke, we recommend that moxibustion rooms should be equipped with ventilation equipment or enough artificial ventilation to ensure the health of patients and practitioners.

Activation of the Oxidative Stress in Culexquinquefasciatus by the Augmented Productionof Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in responseto Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Exposure

“…The present investigation has reported the following predominant compounds with a prominent range of toxicity in previous studies: Cyclopropane, 1,1,2,2-Tetramethyl; Phenyl-Acetonitrile; Pyranone; Tetradecene; Neophytadiene; The toxic nature of various compounds, including "Phenyl-Acetonitril" was reported by. 34 The various biological applications of "Pyranone" were previously reported by a recent study. 13 Neophytadiene, a predominant compound in our study, had known to suppress the LPS-induced inflammatory response in Sprague Dawley rats and RAW 264.7 macrophages.…”

Exploring the mechanism of agarwood moxa smoke in treating sleep disorders based on GC–MS and network pharmacology

“…It highlights the complexity of the components of moxa smoke. It recommends that to protect the health of patients and practitioners, moxibustion rooms should have artificial or mechanical ventilation ( 35 ). The samp8 mice were divided into six groups, and the anti-aging effects of moxa smoking were investigated.…”

“…The practical volatile components produced by the combustion of agarwood and moxa velvet can be absorbed through the skin, protect the spleen and kidneys, relieve pain, calm the mind, and promote immunity, thereby reducing insomnia symptoms ( 9 , 10 ). Researchers have examined the components and pharmacological effects of moxa smoke ( 11 , 12 ), and their findings show that it can lower the levels of aspartic acid and glutamate in the brain.…”

Effect of moxa smoke on sperm parameters and oxidative stress in rats with asthenozoospermia

“…Moxibustion is known as a Traditional Chinese therapy that uses moxa floss to burn and fumigate at acupoints or specific areas of the body to produce warm heat and deliver medical effects (Wang et al, 2013; Xu et al, 2020). Through the conduction of meridians and collaterals, moxibustion can stimulate the activities of meridians and Qi, thereby warming Qi and blood, strengthening the body's capacity to eliminate pathogenic factors, and preventing and treating diseases with its comprehensive therapeutic effect (Smith, 2013; Sun et al, 2008).…”