[Absorptive capacity of upper gastrointestinal tract with Chinese herbal medicine]

285 reports on the intoxication of Chinese herbal medicine per os were reviewed. The toxic symptoms occurred after oral administration for less than 10 min in about 110 reports. Some components of these herbal medicines might be absorbed and then reach effective level more rapidly. By segmental ligation of GI tract, experiments in rabbits, cats, rats or mice were conducted, in which principal ingredients of Rheum palmatum, Coptis chinensis, Veratrum nigrum, and aconitine were absorbed in esophagus or stomach within short period of time was observed. It suggested that the absorptive capacity of upper GI tract might have universal significance. The treatment of acute diseases by oral administration of Chinese herbal medicines is feasible.