A Commonly Used Anti-Cancer Patent Chinese Medicine: Pingxiao Tablets (Pingxiao Capsules)
Pingxiao Pian (Pingxiao Tablets, or Pingxiao Capsules) is a commonly used anti-cancer patent Chinese medicine with broad-spectrum anti-tumor effects against many types of cancer. Its formula is recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It is available on the market in two dosage forms: the tablet form (Pingxiao Tablets) and the capsule form (Pingxiao Capsules). This preparation is covered by medical insurance, so insured patients can purchase it at designated medical-insurance pharmacies.
The composition of Pingxiao Tablets is: Yujin (Curcumae Radix, 郁金) 54 g, Xianhecao (Agrimoniae Herba, 仙鹤草) 54 g, Wulingzhi (Trogopterorum Faeces, 五灵脂) 45 g, Bai fan (Alumen, 白矾) 54 g, Xiaoshi (Nitri, 硝石) 54 g, Gan qi (processed Dried Lacquer, 干漆制) 18 g, Zhiqiao (bran-fried Aurantii Fructus, 麸炒枳壳) 90 g, Maqianzi fen (processed Strychni Semen powder, 马钱子粉) 36 g. The Maqianzi (Strychnos) in the formula is highly toxic, and Gan qi also has some toxicity, while the other herbs are of very low toxicity. This formula should be started at a low dose and gradually increased to the maximum dose stated in the package insert to avoid serious side effects.
This formula has the functions of activating blood and resolving stasis (huoxue huayu), dissipating nodules and reducing swelling, and removing toxin and relieving pain. It has a certain therapeutic effect on tumor patients caused by internal binding of toxin and stasis; it can shrink the tumor, improve the patient's immunity, and prolong survival.
Pingxiao Tablets/Capsules are one of the anti-cancer patent Chinese medicines I frequently use. I often combine them with Xihuang Wan (Yellow Cattle Pills), Fufang Banmao Jiaonang (Compound Cantharis Capsules), Xiaojin Wan (Small Golden Pills), Gongliuqing Jiaonang, Dahuang Zhechong Wan (Rhubarb and Eupolyphaga Pill), and other patent Chinese medicines to treat various tumors. I have seen the tumor-shrinking effect of this drug in many patients, but it is also very difficult to completely eradicate a patient's tumor with it. Moreover, after using this drug for a period, drug resistance may develop, and subsequent use may no longer be effective.
Pingxiao Tablets/Capsules have some side effects. Although Maqianzi (Strychnos) in the formula is quite toxic and can cause strychnine poisoning with some neurological adverse reactions, its most common side effect is irritation of the digestive system. Some patients with poor gastrointestinal health may experience nausea, vomiting, acid regurgitation, heartburn, and other side effects after taking the drug.
Prolonged use of Maqianzi in this formula may also cause cumulative strychnine poisoning. To avoid cumulative strychnine poisoning and to avoid the early emergence of drug resistance, I suggest that patients who respond well to this drug adopt a strategy of taking it for half a month and then stopping for half a month, switching to other anti-cancer drugs during the off period, so as to slow down the side effects and the rate of resistance development.