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Description: Metal tin box with lid; red label on side contains black Chinese characters placed horizontally. Artifact is third from left in photograph.

Object History: This item originates from the Chinese Herbalist Store “Way Sang Yuen Wat Kee & Co.”, Victoria B.C.

Marks/Labels: Label contains Chinese characters that are literally translated to "toad"; "crunchy" or "limp". When adjusted for English comprehension, product is "Cinobufagin/cinobufagin venom toad." "Cinobufagin is a cardiotoxic bufanolide steroid secreted by the Asiatic toad Bufo gargarizans. It is toad skin and parotid gland secretions. It has side similar effects to digitalis and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. (Digitalis is used to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) and heart rhythm problems (atrial arrhythmias).) Today, this product is prohibited from leaving China. This product is toxic. Cinobufagin has been widely used in the treatment of carcinoma and plays an important role in the relief of cancer pain. Per Chinese medical information, it is used for: detoxication; gangrene boils swollen scrofula; malignant sore stubborn psoriasis."

Subjects: Science and Technology Tools and Equipment; Persons - Chinese Canadians