Mylabris
Source
The whole body of Mylabris phalerata Pallas and M. cichodi L, family Meloidae.
Prepared by drying or fried with rice.
Characteristics
M. phalerata: With an oblong body, a triangular head, two large 
compound
eyes, whippy and segmented antennae. On the chest there is a pair of black
leathery elytra with three orange, broad and transverse striae, and two
membranous wings under the elytra. Feet in three pairs, usually dropped.
Abdomen annularly segmented, covered with black hairs. Unpleasant in odour.
M. cichoni: Smaller, with yellow hairs and yellow brown transverse striae
on the wings. Both are acrid in taste, cold in nature, strongly toxic,
and attributive to liver and stomach channels.
Indication
Elimina!e toxic material, promote pus drainage and remove blood stasis:
For scrofula, rabies; external use for carbuncle, scabies, leukoplakia
of vulva, distortion of the face, etc. Recently, also for cancer of liver,
esophagus and stomach, lingering and chronic hepatitis, tuberculosis of
bone
and lymphnode, rheumatism, etc.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Cantharidin, one of its components, inhibits sarcoma180, reticulothelioma
and ascitic hepatocarcinoma.
2. Inhibiting the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein.
Administration
Decoction or pill (powder): 0.3-1.0g
Cantharidin tablet: 0.5mg gradually increased to 2-4mg once daily, totally
240mg as 1 course.
Cantharidin ampoule: 0.25mg gradually increased to 2mg IM once daily,
1-3 months as 1 course.
Hydroxy-cantharidamine tablet: 50-100mg tid. The latter three preparations
are only used for tumours.
Caution
All preparations of Chinese blister beetle are strong poisons, which may
cause nephritis, cystitis, burning sensation of digestive tract, vomiting,
palpitation and numbness of fingers.
External use may cause local congestion, vesiculation, burning pain, and
also toxic effect through absorption. So the dosage (both oral and topical
use) should be limited. It is contraindicated for the cases with cardiac,
renal and gastrointestinal diseases, and should be taken after meals.
Toxic and side effects may be ameliorated if the drug is taken with green
tea, diuretics or stomachics.