Abstract
In an attempt to elucidate the effects of topically applied ointment containing boric acid on the serum and urine level of boron, we studied the method of boron determination extensively. Mair & Day’s method of curcumin coloring reaction (1972) was slightly modified, and we found the normal serum level to be 0.05μg/ml (n=36) with the limiting concentration being 0.03 μg/ml if McFarren’s concept of acceptability (1970) is adopted; the level was lowest among the other reports. In the case of normal urine, the daily excretion of boron was estimated to be 1.65±1.05mg/day (n=42). The recovery rate of boron in this method was 99 to 104%, both in the serum and in the urine.
