Jinlong Capsule: A Widely Used Anti-Cancer Chinese Patent Medicine
Jinlong Jiaonang (Jinlong Capsule) is a commonly used anti-cancer Chinese patent medicine and is listed in the medical-insurance formulary; patients can obtain it at insurance-designated cancer hospitals. Its composition is: fresh Shougong (gecko), fresh Jinqian Baihuashe (Bungarus Parvus), and fresh Qishe (Agkistrodon). Its main actions are breaking up stasis and dissipating nodules, resolving depression and unblocking the collaterals. It is used for primary liver cancer with blood stasis and qi stagnation, presenting with a mass below the right rib, chest and hypochondriac pain, fatigue, abdominal distension, and poor appetite. The several herbs in Jinlong Capsule all have some toxicity, so it must not be used in excess or over long periods.
However, cancer treatment generally requires long courses. If Jinlong Capsule is having some effect, patients should not stop it abruptly. I recommend that patients taking Jinlong Capsule regularly recheck tumor markers and undergo imaging to assess treatment effect; if effective, intermittent dosing may be used to prevent cumulative toxicity—for example, take the medicine for 3-5 days then rest 2-3 days. Liver and kidney function should also be checked regularly; if liver or kidney function is affected, stop the drug or combine it with liver- and kidney-protecting medicines.
Jinlong Capsule is not limited to liver cancer; it may also be used for other tumors, especially gastrointestinal tumors. But Jinlong Capsule alone is less effective than when combined with other anti-cancer patent medicines. For example, it may be combined with Fuchangle Capsule, Jinpu Capsule, Biejia Ruangan Tablets, Renshen Biejia Jianwan, and Huachansu for liver cancer. It may also be combined with Xihuang Wan, Xiaojin Wan, Pingxiao Capsule, Fufang Banmao Capsule, and Dahuang Zhechong Wan to fight cancer and reduce swelling. If the patient's strength is poor, it may be combined with zheng-supporting, foundation-rooting medicines such as Renshen Yangrong Wan, Guipi Wan, and Zhenqi Fuzheng Granule.