A Study on Arsenic and Arsenic-Containing Mineral Medicines Referenced in Ancient Books of Traditional Mongolian Medicine

Introduction: Arsenic was used to distinguish between red stone poison and white stone poison in traditional medicine from ancient times. However, there is no specific study conducted on "stone arsenic" based on ancient Mongolian medical books and manuscripts. Therefore, this study aims to collect and analyse information on arsenic recorded in ancient traditional medical scriptures and books written in Mongolian and Tibetan as early as the 19^th to late 20^th centuries, with a focus on its medical applications and associated terminology. Methods: The hermeneutic research method emphasises the interpretive analysis of ancient texts, communications, and their interrelations. Employing the hermeneutics method, we focused on interpreting the meanings within ancient medical texts and manuscripts, including the terminology of the sources selected for analysis. The checklist method was used to categorise and list the facts and information about arsenic in the study sources. The relevant components of the collected information and facts regarding arsenic and arsenic-containing mineral medicines were examined. Results: Several sources of traditional Mongolian medicine have mentioned the use of arsenic as a standalone substance. Additionally, there is limited information about its use in combination with other medications. During the research, it was discovered that an ancient manuscript mentioned its use as an active ingredient. This manuscript, a single-page scripture, is poorly written but contains rare information. The active ingredient of this medicine is arsenic, and the other four ingredients are sulphur native, sal ammoniac, realgar, and resin of the plant Shorea robusta. It is mixed with aged oil and applied to various wounds, and is regarded as one of the most effective remedies for all ulcers and wounds. Conclusion: The research results revealed that there are several clear references to arsenic in ancient traditional Mongolian medical books and manuscripts written in Tibetan and Mongolian. The Tibetan name for arsenic is rdo dug, the Mongolian name is khüntsel, and the Latin name is Arsenicum. The findings indicate that arsenic is incorporated into several traditional prescriptions and serves as an active component in certain medicinal formulations.