Bufonis Caput
Aliases：Chán Chú Tóu (Toad Head).
Chán Tóu (Toad Head) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material derived from the dried head of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor (Asiatic Toad) or Bufo melanostictus Schneider (Black-spectacled Toad), animals belonging to the family Bufonidae. It was first recorded in the Ming Dynasty Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu).
Efficacy & Actions
Resolves malnutrition and disperses accumulation. This herb enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians, promotes digestion, resolves food stagnation, strengthens the Spleen, and harmonizes the Stomach, making it an excellent remedy for infantile malnutrition.
Indications
Indicated for infantile malnutrition (Xiao Ji). Xiao Ji is a chronic nutritional disorder in children caused by Spleen-Stomach weakness and impaired transportation and transformation, characterized by emaciation, sallow complexion with withered hair, abdominal distension, and listlessness.
Modern Pharmacology
Currently, specific modern pharmacological research on Toad Head is limited. As the head of the toad, its related components and pharmacological effects are primarily referenced from studies on the toad and Chan Su (toad venom). The secretions from the parotid glands and skin glands of the toad (Chan Su) contain various bioactive components with pharmacological effects including detoxification, reducing swelling, relieving pain, cardiotonic and diuretic effects, anticancer activity, anesthetic effects, and anti-radiation effects. The antitumor effects of the toad are a key area of research. Bufotenine and its derivatives have been studied as potential antidepressant agents.
Ingredients
Bufotoxins. Bufadienolides. Indole alkaloids (such as bufotenine and others). Steroidal compounds. Organic acids and amino acids, among others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: taken in pills or powders. Not suitable for use in decoctions. As Toad Head is toxic, the dosage must be strictly controlled. The usual dosage is 0.3–1 g each time. The specific dosage should follow a physician‘s prescription. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, ground into powder and mixed for topical application.
Contraindications
This product is toxic; internal use requires caution—it must be used under the guidance of a physician. Do not self-medicate. Contraindicated during pregnancy—as Toad Head is toxic and may harm the fetus. Use with caution in patients with debility—as this herb is potent and may damage vital Qi. Contraindicated in patients with externally-contracted fever. Avoid spicy and irritating foods during the medication period. All use must comply with relevant national laws and regulations regarding wildlife protection.
Selected Formulas
For infantile five types of malnutrition (gan) with emaciated limbs, abdominal distension with visible veins, nasal itching, and lethargy (Sheng Hui Fang, Chan Tou Wan) Take two toad heads (brush with butter and roast until burnt yellow), 1 fen of Zaojia (Gleditsia, soaked in a latrine for 7 days, then washed, black skin removed, brushed with butter and roasted until burnt yellow, seeds removed), 1 fen of Qingdai (Indigo, finely ground), 1 fen of Liuhuang (Sulfur, finely ground), 0.5 fen of Shexiang (Musk, finely ground), and 7 pieces of Badou (Croton seed, skin and core removed, ground, and pressed in paper to remove oil). Grind all ingredients into powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of mung beans. Take 3 pills on an empty stomach with rice water, adjusting the dose according to the child's age and condition. For infantile milk malnutrition (gan) with emaciation, restlessness with fever, dry and withered hair, and reduced feeding (Sheng Hui Fang, Chan Tou San) Take one toad head (burned to ash), 1 fen of snake slough ash, 1 fen of Chanqiao (cicada slough, lightly stir‑fried, feet removed), 1 qian of Shexiang (Musk), 0.5 liang of Qingdai (Indigo), and 27 snail shells (stir‑fried until slightly yellow). Grind all ingredients into a fine powder. Take 0.5 qian each time with rice water, three times daily, adjusting the dose according to the child's age. For furuncles (folk formula) Take 7 fresh toad heads and 3 eggs. Place them in a clay pot with 1000ml of water and bring to a boil. Once the eggs are cooked, crack the shells and continue to decoct for another 20 minutes, then remove the shells. Eat the eggs only, discarding the soup. Take one dose daily. Generally, recovery occurs after 5–7 doses.
Medicinal Parts
The dried head of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor (Asiatic Toad) or Bufo melanostictus Schneider (Black-spectacled Toad), animals belonging to the family Bufonidae.
Selection & Storage
Store dried products in a cool, dry place in a sealed container, protected from moisture and insects. As this product is toxic, it must be clearly labeled with a warning sign and kept in a safe place out of reach of children.
